Always Up! x10000

I remember the original Always Up! as a light, casual experience with an unusual bonus twist, and this sequel clearly aims to elevate that formula. With a larger 5×3 grid, improved bonus mechanics, smoother animations, and a significantly higher max win potential, this version feels more confident and more ambitious.

It’s also an obvious fit for Chinese New Year promotions, thanks to its festive visuals, fireworks, and themes of luck and upward momentum.

Visually, Always Up! x10000 stays true to its Chinese-inspired roots, leaning heavily into symbols of prosperity, fireworks, and celebration. The presentation is clean and colourful rather than overly detailed, which works well given the game’s casual nature.

What stood out to me most were the anticipation animations during the Bonus game. Watching the fireworks compete and climb higher creates genuine tension, especially when multipliers start pushing into four-digit territory. It’s simple, but surprisingly effective.

The sequel moves to a 5×3 reel layout with 10 paylines, giving it a more traditional slot feel compared to the original.

• Grid: 5×3
• Paylines: 10
• RTP: 96.05%
• Volatility: Very High
• Hit Rate: 11.55%
• Maximum Multiplier: x10,490
• Maximum Win: CA$251,760

Despite its casual presentation, this is a high-risk slot, and the volatility reflects that clearly.

The base game itself is intentionally simple, acting mostly as a gateway to the Bonus mode. Wins are modest here, and the real excitement comes from landing Scatter symbols, which either trigger or define the potential of the Bonus round.

This makes Always Up! x10000 feel more like a feature-focused game, where patience (or direct access via Buy options) is key.

The heart of Always Up! x10000 is its Bonus game, which activates when 3–5 Scatter symbols land in a single spin. Alternatively, players can access it instantly using one of the four Buy Bonus options.

The number of Scatters determines the maximum win cap for that round:

• 3 Scatters: up to x999
• 4 Scatters: up to x2,997
• 5 Scatters: up to x9,990

Once inside the Bonus, you choose one of five firework rockets. Each rocket reveals a random multiplier and begins to “fly” upwards, increasing in value. The rockets compete against each other, and the tension builds as you watch them climb higher and higher.

The round ends when all fireworks explode, at which point your final multiplier is locked in and paid out. The improved flight physics make the experience feel smoother and more dynamic compared to the original game.

What I really liked here is the sense of player agency. Choosing the rocket that “feels right” adds a psychological layer, even though outcomes are still RNG-driven.

Always Up! x10000 offers four Buy Bonus alternatives, allowing players to skip the base game entirely. This is ideal for those who want direct access to the crash-style gameplay and are comfortable with higher risk.