When it comes to top-tier hold ‘n win slots, a select group of locomotive-themed games has long been leading the charge. But while those games continue to dominate the genre, in early 2022, made a major impact with the launch of Cash Truck. This high-octane slot introduced players to a post-apocalyptic chase scene filled with dynamic features and thrilling gameplay. A festive edition followed, as well as Cash Truck 2, yet neither quite recaptured the groundbreaking magic of the original—though both remained engaging in their own right. Now, is back with Cash Truck 3 Turbo, and expectations are high for the latest installment in the series.
Where the original Cash Truck took players on a high-speed pursuit through a desolate wasteland and Cash Truck 2 moved into a futuristic metropolis, Cash Truck 3 Turbo shifts gears to a rugged, mountainous region. The setting is flanked by towering pine trees, an imposing mechanical giant, and a sinister lair-like structure. The aesthetic feels like a fusion of The Iron Giant, Cuphead’s Dr. Kahl’s Robot boss fight, and elements reminiscent of Necromunda’s Delaque gang. This fresh take on the environment provides a visually stunning and immersive experience. In the center of it all, the fabled Cash Truck barrels forward, with players giving chase from a thrilling first-person perspective.
Gameplay and Mechanics
At the core of the action is a 5-reel grid with 7 positions per reel. However, when the base game begins, only 4 rows are active, with the remaining 3 locked. As the game progresses, players have the opportunity to unlock all 7 rows, expanding the grid and increasing potential wins. Cash Truck 3 Turbo operates on a highly volatile math model, rated 5 out of 5 by with a hit frequency of 21.85% and a default RTP of 96.06%. The betting range spans from $0.20 to $100 per spin, and the slot features a ways-to-win mechanic, allowing for up to 16,807 potential winning combinations when fully expanded.
Symbols and Payouts
The game’s symbols are a mix of gritty, post-apocalyptic designs and futuristic weaponry. The low-value symbols consist of cog-shaped hearts, diamonds, spades, and clubs. The mid-tier symbols feature an array of weaponry and characters, including a knife, a grenade, a gun, Shock Trooper, Kowalski, and Doctor Kriegsmann. The highest-paying symbol is the formidable Maximillian ‘Max’ Turbo. Winning combinations of five symbols yield payouts ranging from 0.25x for the lower-tier symbols to 5x for premium symbols. Additionally, the game includes wild symbols, both standard and Big Wild variations, which substitute for all regular pay symbols except the scatter.
Slot Features
Expanding Play Area
The game incorporates a cascading reels mechanic, meaning that winning symbols are removed and replaced with new ones. Each successful cascade unlocks 3 random positions from the locked rows, progressively expanding the grid. These unlocked positions reset between spins.
Big Wild Feature
A 3×3 Big Wild symbol can appear at the center of the grid once all locked positions are unlocked. This event occurs after all tumbles in the base game are complete, adding an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay.
Second Chance Feature
If exactly 2 scatters appear in the open play area after all tumbles are completed—and neither the Second Chance feature nor the Big Wild has triggered—the game clears the play area, leaving only the scatters. New symbols then drop into place, offering another opportunity to trigger the bonus round.
Gamble Feature
Before entering the bonus round, players can gamble to start with additional Expander symbols. This option is available if fewer than 3 Expander symbols were initially won. Winning the gamble awards an extra Expander, while losing forfeits the bonus round entirely.
Truck Raider Bonus Game
The primary attraction of Cash Truck 3 Turbo is the Truck Raider Bonus Game, triggered by landing at least 3 unlocked scatters in the base game. Each additional scatter beyond the third awards an extra Expander symbol at the start of the feature. The round begins with 3 spins, which reset whenever a new symbol lands. The bonus continues until no spins remain. During this feature, several special symbols can appear, each offering unique effects:
Cash Symbol – Displays a bet multiplier value.
Grabber – Collects the value of all other symbols on the unlocked play area upon landing.
Turbo Grabber – Functions like the Grabber but collects values again on every subsequent spin where another symbol lands.
Doubler – Every time the spin counter resets to three, its value doubles.
Zapper – Doubles the value of all orthogonally connected symbols upon landing.
Turbo Zapper – Doubles the value of connected symbols and continues to do so on every subsequent spin where another symbol lands.
Booster – adds a value to every other symbol on the unlocked play area.
Turbo Booster – Acts like the Booster but repeats the process on every subsequent spin with a new symbol.
Upgrader – Upgrades adjacent symbols to their enhanced versions, such as turning a Grabber into a Turbo Grabber.
Expander – Unlocks 3 additional positions from the locked area.
Bonus Buy Option
For those looking to bypass the base game and jump straight into the action, the Truck Raider Bonus Game can be purchased:
- 75x the bet for a minimum of 3 scatters (RTP 96.36%)
- 375x the bet for a minimum of 5 scatters (RTP 96.66%)
Final Verdict: Does Cash Truck 3 Turbo Deliver?
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Cash Truck series is how it compares to the Money Train franchise. Unlike Money Train, which evolved significantly with each iteration, the Cash Truck series has maintained a steadier trajectory. The original Cash Truck set a high bar, offering an innovative and captivating experience. The sequel, while enjoyable, didn’t necessarily outshine its predecessor. Cash Truck 3 Turbo follows a similar pattern—it’s an excellent slot in its own right but doesn’t redefine the formula.
That being said, the visual overhaul breathes fresh life into the series. The move away from dystopian wastelands and cyberpunk aesthetics to a retro-futuristic villain’s lair is a welcome change. Additionally, the introduction of the Big Wild and the Truck Raider Bonus Game’s many special symbols keep gameplay engaging. The max win potential has also been pushed up to 40,000x the bet, a promising upgrade that offers even more thrilling possibilities.
Ultimately, while Cash Truck 3 Turbo may not completely revolutionize the franchise, it remains an outstanding hold ‘n win slot with compelling features and a gripping theme. If you’re a fan of high-volatility slots with dynamic mechanics, this latest addition to the Cash Truck series is well worth the ride.
