Extensive Review of 5 Lions Megaways Online Slot by Pragmatic Play
Developer: Pragmatic Play
Release Date: November 2020
Reels: 6
Rows: Variable (up to 7)
Paylines: Up to 117,649 (Megaways Mechanic)
Volatility: High
RTP: 96.5%
Max Win: 20,000x your stake
Overview
5 Lions Megaways is a dynamic and thrilling online slot from Pragmatic Play, released in November 2020. This slot introduces players to a world rich in Chinese symbolism, featuring powerful lions, golden symbols, and an array of exciting bonus features. Utilizing the Megaways mechanic, the game offers a variable number of paylines, up to an incredible 117,649 Megaways in each spin, providing vast potential for wins and high volatility.
The game is set against a backdrop of Chinese architecture and lush vegetation, where the Five Lions symbolize fortune, prosperity, and protection. With its visually stunning graphics, captivating animations, and an exciting array of bonus features, 5 Lions Megaways offers a truly immersive gaming experience. Players will be drawn in by the high volatility and big win potential, along with a range of multipliers and free spins that make every spin exciting.
Theme and Visuals
The theme of 5 Lions Megaways revolves around traditional Chinese culture, specifically drawing from the symbolism of lions, which are often regarded as protectors and symbols of good fortune. The game’s design showcases vibrant colors, gold accents, and intricate Chinese motifs, giving it an elegant yet powerful aesthetic.
- Symbols: The reels are filled with traditional Chinese icons, such as gold coins, lotus flowers, red envelopes, dragon figurines, and, of course, the five majestic lions that represent the game’s title. The Lion symbol is crucial to the game’s features, as it activates some of the slot’s most lucrative bonus rounds. There are also high-paying and low-paying symbols, with the Lion symbols being among the highest payouts.
- Graphics: The visuals are high-quality and incredibly detailed, with a slight hint of oriental art. The reels are set against a vibrant red backdrop, with golden and red elements surrounding the game area. Animations bring the symbols to life, especially when wilds, scatters, or the Bonus feature are triggered. The background music is upbeat and traditional, blending perfectly with the theme, creating a mesmerizing experience.
Gameplay and Mechanics
5 Lions Megaways is powered by the Megaways mechanic, a feature that allows for up to 117,649 different ways to win on each spin, depending on how many symbols land on each reel. This variable number of symbols per reel means that each spin can result in a massive variety of combinations, offering exciting gameplay and immense win potential.
The game consists of 6 reels, but the number of rows (symbols) on each reel can vary from 2 to 7, depending on the spin. This variability is one of the defining features of the Megaways mechanic, which increases the game’s complexity and potential for bigger wins. The symbols that appear on each reel are also randomized, meaning every spin feels fresh and full of potential.
- Betting Range: The betting range in 5 Lions Megaways is quite flexible, accommodating players of all budgets. Players can start with bets as low as 0.20 and go up to a maximum of 100.00 per spin, making it suitable for both casual players and high-rollers.
- RTP (Return to Player): The RTP for this game is set at 96.5%, which is standard for high-volatility slots. Given its high volatility, players should expect less frequent wins, but when they do occur, they have the potential to be significant, especially with the added bonus features.
- Volatility: 5 Lions Megaways has high volatility, meaning that wins will typically be less frequent but can be substantial when they occur. Players are rewarded with larger payouts during bonus rounds and when multiplier symbols align.
Symbols and Payouts
The game’s symbols are intricately designed, with a strong focus on Chinese culture and mythology. The payout structure follows a typical Megaways format, where wins are created by landing matching symbols on adjacent reels.
High-Paying Symbols:
- Lion Symbols: The Lion symbol is the highest-paying symbol in the game. Landing six of these symbols on the reels will yield significant rewards, with 5 Lions being the highest paying combination in the base game. The Lion is also central to the game’s bonus features, as it triggers multipliers and additional features.
- Golden Symbols (Dragon, Lotus, Red Envelopes): Other high-paying symbols include the Dragon, Lotus Flower, and Red Envelopes, all of which represent prosperity, luck, and wealth in Chinese culture. These symbols can deliver substantial payouts, especially when multiple symbols appear on the reels.
Low-Paying Symbols:
- A, K, Q, J, 10: The standard A, K, Q, J, and 10 card values make up the lower-paying symbols in the game. While these symbols don’t offer huge payouts, they appear frequently on the reels and provide consistency in smaller wins.
Bonus Features
One of the standout aspects of 5 Lions Megaways is its array of bonus features. With the Megaways mechanic at play, the game offers numerous ways to increase your winnings, including free spins, multipliers, and a lottery-style bonus.
1. Wild Symbol:
- The Lion Wild symbol can substitute for any other symbol on the reels, helping to complete winning combinations. This symbol can be especially helpful when it appears with multipliers, as it can drastically increase your payout.
2. Free Spins:
- The Free Spins feature is triggered by landing 3, 4, 5, or 6 scatter symbols (represented by the golden coins) anywhere on the reels. Players are then awarded a set number of free spins, with the possibility of triggering additional free spins during the feature itself.
- The Free Spins feature offers a choice of different multiplier levels:
- 3 Scatter symbols will award 8 free spins with a 2x multiplier.
- 4 Scatter symbols will award 10 free spins with a 3x multiplier.
- 5 Scatter symbols will award 12 free spins with a 5x multiplier.
- 6 Scatter symbols will award 15 free spins with a 7x multiplier.
During the Free Spins round, all wins are multiplied, and the multipliers can be stacked, resulting in the possibility of enormous payouts. Additionally, the Free Spins round can be retriggered by landing additional scatters.
3. Lion’s Jackpot Feature:
- The Lion’s Jackpot Feature is another key aspect of 5 Lions Megaways. When triggered, the game provides a selection of jackpots that can lead to substantial payouts. The feature is activated by landing a certain number of special symbols, and players are rewarded with one of several jackpot prizes, including a massive win potential of up to 20,000x your stake.
4. Megaways Mechanic:
- The Megaways mechanic is central to the gameplay of 5 Lions Megaways. In every spin, the number of symbols per reel is randomized, which can result in up to 117,649 Megaways in total. This increases the number of potential winning combinations on each spin, keeping the gameplay exciting and unpredictable.
RTP and Volatility
5 Lions Megaways comes with a high volatility rating, meaning players can expect bigger wins less frequently but with the potential for significant payouts. With a 96.5% RTP, the game offers an average return on investment over time, which is fairly standard for high-volatility slots. The maximum win potential is an impressive 20,000x your stake, making it an attractive game for players seeking big payouts.
The game’s high volatility means that patience is required, as players may experience long periods without significant wins. However, when the bonus features activate, they can lead to massive rewards, particularly when multipliers, wilds, and free spins align.
Mobile Compatibility
As with most Pragmatic Play slots, 5 Lions Megaways is fully optimized for mobile play. Whether you’re using an iOS or Android device, the game adapts seamlessly to smaller screens, and the gameplay remains smooth and responsive. The vibrant visuals and fast-paced action translate perfectly onto mobile devices, ensuring that players can enjoy the game wherever they go.
Final Thoughts
5 Lions Megaways is a visually captivating and highly rewarding slot that combines the innovative Megaways mechanic with the allure of Chinese fortune symbolism. With its high volatility, massive win potential, and exciting bonus features, this slot offers a thrilling experience for both casual players and high rollers alike.
Pros:
- Stunning Chinese-themed graphics and immersive design.
- Up to 117,649 Megaways create massive win potential.
- Multiple bonus features including free spins, multipliers, and jackpots.
- Free Spins can be retriggered and come with up to 7x multipliers.
- High max win potential of 20,000x your stake.
- Fully mobile compatible for gaming on the go.
Cons:
- High volatility means that wins may be less frequent.
- Requires patience, as big wins typically happen during the bonus features.
Overall, 5 Lions Megaways is a thrilling slot that combines traditional Chinese themes with the excitement of Megaways mechanics, offering high-risk, high-reward gameplay. If you’re a fan of high-volatility slots with the potential for huge payouts, this is definitely a game worth trying.