Thunderstruck II is a monumental Norse mythology slot from Microgaming (Games Global), released in 2010 and remastered in 2020. It uses the popular 243 Ways to Win mechanic on a 5×3 grid with Medium Volatility. The game is famed for the progressive Great Hall of Spins feature, which unlocks four unique Free Spins bonuses. With a high RTP of 96.65% and a max win potential of 8,000x the stake, it remains a pillar of online casinos.
- Excellent high RTP slot of 96.65% (above industry average).
- 243 Ways to Win provides a high hit frequency.
- Random Wildstorm feature offers the top base game win of 8,000x.
- Great Hall of Spins offers four unique, progressive and unlockable Free Spins features.
- Medium volatility provides a balanced risk/reward ratio.
- Epic Norse mythology theme and cinematic soundtrack.
- Requires up to 15 triggers to unlock all four bonus features.
- No Progressive Jackpot (unless playing the separate Mega Moolah version).
- RTP can be offered at lower rates by some South African online casinos (check for 96.65%).
- Graphics, while remastered, may still look slightly older compared to 2024 releases.
⭐ Thunderstruck II Slot Review — South African Casino Guide
Introduction — What Is Thunderstruck II?
Thunderstruck II is a legendary online slot developed by Microgaming (now under Games Global) and released in 2010. As the sequel to the original Thunderstruck, it solidified its status as an industry classic by pioneering the multi-level, progressive bonus feature, a concept later popularized by its spiritual successor, Immortal Romance. The game immerses players in Norse mythology, featuring iconic gods like Thor, Odin, Loki, and Valkyrie.
The core appeal of Thunderstruck II lies in the 243 Ways to Win mechanic and the complex, unlocking Great Hall of Spins bonus, which guarantees long-term engagement. This Medium Volatility slot provides a balanced risk profile, appealing to both casual players and high-stakes enthusiasts. With a robust RTP of 96.65% and widespread availability at South African online casinos accepting ZAR deposits, it is a cornerstone of online gambling South Africa.
Key Features
The game is famous for its random base game Wild feature and its progressive Free Spins structure.
RTP (Return to Player)
The default theoretical RTP (Return to Player) for Thunderstruck II is a high 96.65%. This figure is comfortably above the 96% industry average, classifying it as a high RTP slot and offering excellent long-term statistical value. South African players should note that, like many popular slots, Microgaming does offer a lower RTP version (around 94.13%), so always check the game’s help file or paytable at your chosen ZA casino sites.
Volatility
Thunderstruck II is classified as a Medium Volatility slot. This balance ensures frequent, smaller wins (aided by the 243 ways to win) while reserving the big win potential (up to 8,000x) for the powerful features like the Wildstorm and the advanced levels of the Great Hall of Spins. The hit frequency is high, around 32.62%, meaning a win lands roughly every three spins.
Reels & Paylines
The online slot uses a standard 5-reel, 3-row grid. It utilizes the 243 Ways to Win mechanism (fixed paylines), where winning combinations are formed by landing matching symbols on adjacent reels from left to right.
Max Win
The maximum win potential in Thunderstruck II is 8,000x the total stake. This maximum payout is achieved by landing five completely Wild reels during the random Wildstorm Feature in the base game.
Bonus Features
The game features one random base game modifier and a four-tiered, progressive Free Spins bonus.
Wild Symbol & Multiplier
- Wild Symbol (Thunderstruck II Logo): The Wild substitutes for all symbols except the Scatter. Crucially, any win involving the Wild symbol is doubled (2x Multiplier) in the base game.
Wildstorm Feature
- Mechanic: This feature triggers completely at random on any base game spin.
- Effect: Lightning strikes the reels, turning up to five reels completely Wild. Landing all five Wild reels awards the game’s maximum win of 8,000x the stake.
The Great Hall of Spins (Free Spins Bonus)
The main progressive feature is triggered by landing 3 or more Scatter Symbols (Thor’s Hammer, Mjolnir) anywhere on the reels. The bonus is structured with four levels, one for each Norse God, which become permanently unlocked the more times the bonus is triggered.
| God | Trigger Count | Free Spins | Special Feature | Max Multiplier |
| Valkyrie | 1st trigger | 10 Free Spins | All wins are subject to a 5x Multiplier. Retriggerable. | 5x |
| Loki | 5th trigger | 15 Free Spins | Wild Magic Feature—Loki’s magic turns random symbols on Reel 3 into extra Wilds. | N/A (Focus on extra Wilds) |
| Odin | 10th trigger | 20 Free Spins | Wild Raven Feature—Odin’s ravens randomly turn symbols into 2x or 3x Multipliers. Both ravens landing together grants a 6x Multiplier. | 6x |
| Thor | 15th trigger | 25 Free Spins | Rolling Reels (cascading wins) with a progressive multiplier that increases from 2x up to 5x on consecutive wins. | 5x |
Progressive Jackpots
Thunderstruck II does not feature a progressive jackpot. Its high payout potential is fixed at the maximum win of 8,000x the stake. (Note: A separate version, Thunderstruck II Mega Moolah, integrates the slot with the famous progressive jackpot network).
Bonus Features Explained
Similar to Immortal Romance, the core strategy is to be persistent enough to unlock the later, higher-potential features of the Great Hall of Spins.
- Unlock Progression: Players must trigger the bonus 15 times to gain access to all four levels. The Thor (25 Spins, Rolling Reels) and Odin (20 Spins, 6x Multiplier) features offer the greatest rewards.
- Wildstorm Potential: The random Wildstorm feature is the most exciting element of the base game, as it can land the maximum 8,000x win instantly on any spin.
How to Trigger the Bonus Round
The main Great Hall of Spins Free Spins feature in the Thunderstruck II slot is triggered as follows:
- Land Scatters: Land three or more Thor’s Hammer Scatter symbols anywhere on the 5×3 grid.
- Select Level: The game begins with the Valkyrie level (10 spins, 5x multiplier). As you re-trigger the feature, you permanently unlock the higher-paying god levels, allowing you to choose the bonus round you wish to play.
Mobile Compatibility
The game was remastered in 2020 using HTML5 technology to ensure perfect performance as a modern mobile slot.
- Performance on Android / iOS: The game runs smoothly and features like the cinematic entry into the Great Hall of Spins are fully optimized for all smartphones and tablets.
- Experience: It’s a favorite for South African players who prefer high-quality, feature-rich gaming on the go using ZAR deposits.
Graphics & Sound Design
The slot is known for its epic Norse Mythology theme. The symbols (Thor, Odin, Loki, longships) are detailed, high-quality renderings.
The sound design is exceptional, featuring a dramatic, cinematic, and orchestral soundtrack that creates an immersive, epic atmosphere. The audio greatly enhances the thrill of triggering the Wildstorm or the Great Hall of Spins.
Where to Play Thunderstruck II in South Africa
Thunderstruck II is a widely available classic. Players can easily find this slot machine at almost every major and reputable South African online casino that features Microgaming/Games Global content and accepts ZAR deposits.
