PRAGMATIC PLAY
It's time to be honest: Cash Box didn't quite hit the mark as one of the most exciting Pragmatic Play slots we've reviewed. While we commend the team for their attempt at something new, novelty doesn't always equate to improvement, or even maintaining the same level of enjoyment as previous releases. Every aspect of Cash Box felt slightly off, from its peculiar cabaret theme with stacks of Cash Boxes on stage (or whatever it's supposed to be) to the low-key jazz soundtrack reminiscent of a quiet night at a bar. It's almost as if a jazz-themed game collided with a bank-themed slot, resulting in a mishmash of different elements haphazardly thrown together.
Perhaps the most underwhelming aspect of Cash Box was its actual gameplay. Players simply hit the spin and hope for Cash Boxes to open, revealing prize values. While the slot can be generous with retriggers, rewards often tend to be small, and accumulating a bunch of modest prizes doesn't always translate to an enjoyable experience, especially considering the potential stakes. Although it's possible to win big here, it feels like players might face an uphill battle. Additionally, Cash Box's bonus round, if it can even be called that, falls flat. According to the game rules, there's nothing in the bonus round that sets it apart from the base game, significantly reducing its appeal and negating any incentive for purchasing free spins.
If you're the type of person who enjoys tearing open every flap on an advent calendar at once to indulge in the chocolatey goodness hidden within, then perhaps there's a certain visceral satisfaction to be found in playing Cash Box, thanks to its revealing prize mechanism. However, for those seeking more substance, it's difficult to find many reasons to recommend Cash Box. Our initial interest quickly dwindled, leaving us feeling rather indifferent, much like an inverted Nike logo.
Next up, let's delve into the more concrete details of Power of Merlin Megaways, starting with its mathematical model. This slot boasts a highly volatile nature and offers three RTP models, with the preferred one set at 96.09%. Players can choose their stake from a range of 20 p/c to $/€100. Upon hitting the spin button, 2 to 7 symbols will land on each of the 6 reels, including the top 4-cell row. This dynamic setup means that the number of ways to win may vary from spin to spin, potentially reaching a maximum of 117,649 when all reels are filled to capacity.
When winning combinations are formed, the symbols involved disappear from the grid, making way for new symbols to tumble down from above. This cascading mechanic continues as long as new wins are formed, potentially leading to multiple consecutive wins from a single spin. At the conclusion of each tumbling sequence, the total winnings are awarded. The payout for landing a one-off 6-of-a-kind win ranges from 0.6 to 1.5 times the bet for low-paying symbols (9 to A royals) and from 2 to 20 times the bet for high-paying symbols (potion bottle, staff, owl, or Merlin symbol). Assisting players in their quest for wins is the red orb wild, which can substitute for any regular pay symbol. However, it only appears on reels except the leftmost one.
Merlin, renowned for his wisdom and knack for devising ingenious solutions, finds a counterpart in Power of Merlin Megaways, which introduces several clever features.
One such feature is the Lightning Bolt symbol. When this bolt strikes the tracker reel at the top, it randomly selects a pay symbol type. Subsequently, all instances of the chosen symbol on reels 2, 3, 4, and 5 transform into wilds. If the Lightning Bolt shifts position due to a tumble, its effect triggers once more, potentially leading to additional wild transformations.
The flaming book symbol serves as the scatter in Power of Merlin Megaways. It can appear on any reel, and landing 4 to 9 scatters awards 10 to 30 free spins accordingly. Following this, players have the opportunity to gamble on a prize wheel to potentially increase their free spins count. Successful gambles can add extra spins, up to a maximum of 30, while unsuccessful attempts result in losing the awarded spins. Given the gamble's risk, it's crucial to exercise caution and know when to walk away. During the free spins round, a base win multiplier of x1 is initiated. With each winning tumble, the multiplier increases by 1 and persists until the end of the round. Additionally, Lightning Bolts remain active in the bonus round, and landing at least 3 scatters during free spins grants an additional +4 free spins.
For those eager to expedite their journey to the bonus round, there's the option to purchase it by clicking the bonus buy button. This comes at a cost of 150 times the bet, offering the potential to access the round swiftly. The highest RTP achievable through this purchase is 96.08%.
Game | RTP | Volatility | Max Ways to Win | Unique Features |
---|---|---|---|---|
Power of Merlin Megaways | 96.09% | High | Up to 117,649 | - Tumbling mechanic - Lightning Bolt wild transformations - Free spins with increasing win multiplier |
Gonzo’s Quest Megaways | 96.00% | High | Up to 117,649 | - Avalanche feature - Increasing win multipliers during free spins - Themed around the legendary explorer Gonzo |
Book of Dead | 96.21% | High | 10,000 | - Expanding symbols during free spins - Ancient Egyptian theme - Rich Wilde as the adventurer protagonist |
Starburst | 96.09% | Low | 10 | - Expanding wilds - Vibrant gemstone symbols - Arcade-style gameplay with cosmic visuals |
In the mystical realm of online slots, where magic and fortune intertwine, Pragmatic Play introduces us to “Power of Merlin Megaways.” This enchanting game invites players to explore the arcane world of King Arthur’s legendary wizard, Merlin. With its unique blend of fantasy, mystery, and Megaways mechanics, “Power of Merlin Megaways” promises an otherworldly gaming experience.
Merlin, the enigmatic sorcerer, takes center stage in this slot. The game’s visuals transport players to a dense, moss-covered woodland—a place where magic lingers in the air. Forgotten by most, this ancient location holds secrets waiting to be rediscovered by those who seek wisdom and fortune.
Power of Merlin Megaways certainly stands out with its familiar gameplay mechanics and thematic elements, which have been seen in several other Pragmatic Play slots. While the Merlin and magic theme is abundant, the game's mechanics closely resemble those of other Megaways titles from the developer.
Overall, while Power of Merlin Megaways may not revolutionize the Megaways formula, its combination of familiar mechanics, unique twists, and high win potential make it a compelling choice for fans of the genre. Whether you're drawn in by the theme, intrigued by the gameplay mechanics, or enticed by the possibility of striking it big, Power of Merlin Megaways offers something for everyone.