Slot Overview: Rise of Merlin by Play'n GO
The new game from Play’n GO, Rise of Merlin, takes you to the mysterious world of wizards. What follows is to be a neutral perspective that lists some of what the game has going for it as well as against it.
Let’s check out what the Rise of Merlin Play’n GO slotgame has to offer. Our review covers the 96.58% RTP, high variance level, bonus mechanics and mobile play.
If you are an experienced slot lover looking for a new game, or if you’re a novice interested in learning more about the right online slots to get started with, then this review has everything you need to know. Learn about Rise of Merlin and how it measures up against competitor games.
Rise of Merlin Details, RTP, Payout & Volatility
Now lets get into the basics of the statistics that shape your Rise of Merlin experience. The game offers a return to player (RTP) 96.58%, which is not so bad for an online slot. That being said, some casinos may offer versions of these games with slightly less favorable RTPs so be sure to check before you play.
Rise of Merlin’s volatility is high, which implies that wins on this slot won’t happen as regularly however when they do they can be pretty chunky. That makes for good times when you’re a player who enjoys the suspense of going after those big wins.
You can win up to 5,000x your stake (which is a pretty big cap!). This possibility of a large payoff is part of what makes the game so much fun.
Betting options range between 0.01 and 100, making it suitable for both casual players and high rollers. Using the standard 5x3 layout this is an All Ways Pays game.
That means matching symbols are formed across adjacent reels in any positions on those reels. This is a departure from regular payline systems where you need to hit specific shapes of symbols on particular lines in order to win.
The All Ways Pays engine essentially means there are 243 ways to win on every spin which translates to more chances of hitting a winning combination. This high volatility with the All Ways Pays system can lead to some very exciting moments, for you never know when those wins are going to roll on in.
Theme, Audio & Symbols
The story in Rise of Merlain is based on the legendary wizard Merlin and his magical world. The sound and symbol design are important to ensure that players are sucked into the game as they play.
Graphics are crisp, colorful and beautifully animated. The characters comprise Merlin and his followers, in addition to a variety of magical objects and mythical beasts.
All icons are well thought out to the game content as well as works with them to create an immersive experience. The sound design matches the visuals, with captivating melodies and sound effects that make you feel like you’ve been taken to a magical world.
The distant music atmospheric, unintrusive creates a mood of expectation and anticipation. Sound effects are bright and clear, intensifying the spins and wins.
The graphics and audio really came together well for me during this very first play, it felt like every spin I did was something important. The intricate designs of the symbols, such as the dragons and the owls, were particularly striking.
Just think about a screenshot showing those glittering animations when Merlin grows – it really captures the spirit of the game’s magical theme.
Bonus Features
The main special feature in Rise of Merlin is its Free Spins round activated when players land three or more Scatter symbols (in the form of the Crystal Ball). To begin with you are given 8 free spins.
From the start of the free spins, a symbol is randomly chosen as an Expanding Symbol. When I see it, the symbol expands to cover an entire reel, offering you a better shot at getting some winning combinations.
What is particularly good about this feature is that should you land 3 or more Scatter symbols during the free spins, it will retrigger the bonus round and present another 8 free spins. What is even more special, a new symbol gets picked to be an Expanding Symbol.
This in turn means you can enjoy multiple Expanding Symbols during the free spins too, greatly enhancing your chances of hitting a massive win. During Free Spins you are guaranteed at least the same x700+ bet max win and often even better due to more expanding symbols.
During play testing, I discovered that the Free Spins bonus round was my ticket to what this game is truly capable of for huge wins. I had the excitement of hitting it again more than once and building up a few Expanding Symbols on there that did give some nice wins.
The player waits with bated breath for the chosen symbol to be revealed. A small video of the retrigger mechanics and new Expanding Symbol pick would definitely liven this part up as well.
Mobile Experience
In a mobile-first environment like today’s, the game experience on mobile is key. Mobile Rise of Merlin has been designed to perfectly fit all phone and tablet screen configurations for an awesome experience.
The game scales nicely for different screen sizes without losing the visual impact and gameplay capabilities. The touch controls are sharp and responsive, making it easy to spin the reels and set your bet.
The game runs well with little to no load times on many different android devices, and there didn't seem to be any slow down. Play’n GO are well known for making mobile ready slots and Rise of Merlin certainly fits the bill.
I tried the game on an Android phone and an iPad, and was impressed by how well it played on both machines. The graphics were sharp and the gameplay every bit as attractive on a desktop computer.
The fact you can play Rise of Merlin on mobile will also increase the appeal and versatility. A screenshot of the game interface on a phone or a tablet would be an excellent way to showcase that it works well with mobile devices.
Pros & Cons
As with any slot game, Rise of Merlin has some pros and cons. The fact that it could lead to generous payouts is one of the major benefits, with high volatility and the special Expanding Symbols feature in its Free Spins playing a key role too.
The All Ways Pays feature is now new talking of winning possibilities in every spin. The game is also well-designed and themed with attractive graphics to engage players. The mobile version is solid, so you can play it on the go without losing anything.
But the high level of volativity would be a downside for some, as it means that wins can seem few and far between. This might be annoying to players who like their wins steady.
Another gripe is that the Free Spins feature is key to scoring the maximum wins of 12,500x and if you’re too loose or quick on the trigger it may take some patience (and bankroll) before triggering your most rewarding Bonus. The theme could be criticized for being too generic when it comes to slots about magic as well.
The high max win sounds great but the potential to hit it is, mathematically speaking, not very likable.
Our Verdict
Rise of Merlin is, in general, a great and very entertaining slot game to play with any kind of gamblers. It may have high volatility but you can look forward to some big pay-outs combined with beautiful visuals and an interesting theme – which means Quickspin’s Big Bad Wolf slot is hugely popular among players seeking a little thrill.
The Free Spins feature with its Expanding Symbols is the main gateway to the game’s potential, and the All Ways Pays system means you have a chance of connecting at least 1 winning combination on each spin. The wonderful luxury of the game’s superior mobile compatibility also makes it a perfect fit for gamers who prefer to take their fun with them.
High volatility may put some players off, but high rollers in the mood for a bit of a risky ride will find that Rise of Merlin offers great potential and plenty to keep things interesting. The game is especially tailored for seasoned players who are used to playing high-volatility slots and don’t mind waiting longer periods without giant wins.
Beginners may be turned off by the randomness, but the game itself has very easy to learn tactics with an interest grabbing theme that works for them all. Rise of Merlin is a nice mix of variance and win potential, meaning that you can be in with the chance to secure some rather lucrative prizes but at the same time, have fun doing so.
Play Responsibly
Lastly, and most importantly, it’s important to remind yourself that gambling should be a form of entertainment instead of an income. Responsible and within your means gambling is the way to go.
Never try to make up for your losses, and always have a budget in mind when you play. Know the risks of gambling and understand that you can lose.
If you believe that gambling may be causing you problems in your life, find help. There are plenty of resources to help you stay on track.
There are organizations, such as Gamblers Anonymous and the National Council on Problem Gambling, that provide free and confidential help. Don’t forget, for everyone’s safety — and peace of mind — never bet with jerks, vulgar racists or creeps under 18 (or the gambling age in your local jurisdiction).
If you or a danone sauce long roulette one has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.