RIP City by Hacksaw Gaming: Black Humour Meets Unconventional Animation

RIP City, a 2023 release from Hacksaw Gaming, takes players on a uniquely stylised ride through a world of grunge, sarcasm, and offbeat characters. Built around distinctive visuals and irreverent humour, this slot offers more than entertainment — it delivers a statement. As of February 2025, it remains one of the most artistically daring titles in the developer’s catalogue.

Atmosphere and Aesthetic: A Dark Comedy Playground

The artistic direction of RIP City is immediately striking. Forget glossy, rainbow-coloured reels — this title dives headfirst into a chaotic urban world, where anthropomorphic cats and skull-faced companions play out wild antics in dim alleys and graffiti-laden corners. The black-and-white cartoon style pays homage to early animation but adds a rebellious, modern twist.

Musically, the game breaks convention too. A distorted jazz-funk soundtrack provides a perfect sonic contrast to the grungy visuals. Every spin feels like a step deeper into a surreal animated film noir, driven by cynical humour and surprising emotional nuance. It’s playful, yet haunting — a combination few games manage to achieve authentically.

It’s not just for show either. The visuals serve the mechanics. Symbols and wilds explode with exaggerated motion, creating visual tension in each spin. RIP City doesn’t only entertain — it keeps you artistically engaged.

Key Characters and Visual Identity

Leading the visual charge are the main characters — Ro$$ the Cat and Maxx the Skull. Their personalities are crucial. Ro$$ is a sly trickster with a crooked grin and penchant for wild spins, while Maxx adds a volatile edge, often tied to high-reward mechanics. Their interactions reflect clever storytelling — rare for a slot game.

Animations are smooth yet purposefully gritty. From flickering neon signs to grimacing wild symbols, every detail reinforces the theme. Hacksaw Gaming has leaned heavily into narrative visual design, making RIP City feel more like a playable short film than a conventional release.

This identity is crucial in 2025, as visual storytelling becomes increasingly central to modern iGaming experiences. The trend favours atmosphere, and RIP City is a leading example.

Gameplay Mechanics: Simple Shell, Complex Engine

Underneath the animated chaos lies a well-crafted mechanic structure. RIP City operates on a 5×5 grid and utilises cascading wins. This allows for successive win potential, with each winning combination triggering a symbol drop and re-spin. Bonus features are both unique and well-integrated into the theme.

There are two distinct bonus rounds: the Ro$$ Bonus and the Maxx Bonus. Each reflects its namesake — Ro$$ delivers consistent medium-level wins with frequent wilds, while Maxx ups the volatility significantly, introducing expanding wilds and multipliers. Both bonuses are memorable and replayable without being overly complex.

Another point of interest is the wild modifier system. Special wilds can replace entire rows or columns, and they come with visual flair. These are not generic wilds — they are stylised to represent explosions or disruptive forces in the world of RIP City. Mechanics and style are interwoven expertly.

Volatility and RTP

RIP City is classified as high volatility — not ideal for cautious players, but attractive for those chasing bigger risks. The maximum potential win is 12,500x the bet, making it one of Hacksaw Gaming’s more aggressive entries. As of early 2025, its return-to-player (RTP) rate stands at approximately 96.22%.

This figure places it competitively within the market. It aligns with industry standards for high-volatility slots, offering fair long-term expectations. The inclusion of adjustable RTP versions for specific jurisdictions adds transparency, which many experienced players now demand.

It’s important to note that while high volatility limits the frequency of wins, the psychological payoff when features trigger is considerable. This creates emotional peaks that suit the game’s dark-humour tone well.

Positioning Within Hacksaw’s Portfolio

RIP City is not an outlier — it’s part of a broader trend within Hacksaw Gaming. The studio has spent recent years carving out a niche for edgy, narrative-rich slot titles. From “Hand of Anubis” to “Chaos Crew”, they favour unique identities over generic themes. RIP City pushes this philosophy to new heights.

While not every player will appreciate the abrasive style, there’s no denying the game’s originality. For players tired of saccharine fantasy slots or mythological clones, RIP City offers a refreshing — if slightly jaded — alternative. It’s a game for those who want character, irony, and artistry.

In this regard, it strengthens Hacksaw’s reputation as a studio willing to take creative risks. While others focus on saturation, Hacksaw aims for memorability.

Community Feedback and Popularity

Player feedback since launch has been mixed but passionate. Fans praise its humour, design, and bonus potential. Critics often point to its high volatility and niche visual style, which may alienate casual users. That said, few deny its technical execution.

Streamers have embraced it wholeheartedly. The distinct visuals and unpredictability make RIP City ideal for content — something few studios truly consider. This exposure has helped keep it relevant well into 2025.

In forums and reviews, RIP City is increasingly cited as a “cult classic” — not mainstream, but beloved within specific circles. Its legacy seems assured among those who value aesthetics and originality in equal measure.