5 Lions Gold (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

5 Lions Gold: Slot Overview 

“5 Lions Gold” by Pragmatic Play continues the developer’s tradition of crafting visually engaging and feature-rich slots. Released on May 27, 2019, this slot transports players to a mystical Oriental setting with traditional themes. Featuring 5 reels, 3 rows, and an impressive 243 ways to win, the game maintains a classic slot structure while incorporating a jackpot element. With its 96.50% RTP and high volatility, 5 Lions Gold caters to players seeking both regular payouts and the thrill of a massive 7,342x max win. 

This slot uses Pragmatic Play’s signature gameplay mechanics but stands out due to its incorporation of a jackpot and Golden Reels features. The potential for significant wins is tempered by the slot’s high volatility, meaning patience is key for players hoping to unlock its most lucrative features. 5 Lions Gold’s traditional Chinese theme may feel a bit overdone, but the gameplay innovations provide enough excitement to keep it fresh.

Design and Graphics 

Pragmatic Play has a knack for creating visually captivating slots, but “5 Lions Gold” takes a more reserved approach. While the Chinese motifs are elegantly designed, the overall aesthetic leans heavily on standard Oriental slot tropes, with golden dragons, koi fish, and fenghuang birds dominating the reels. The deep blue background, adorned with swirling patterns, provides a serene yet somewhat generic backdrop. 

The symbols themselves are a mix of low-paying card icons (9-A), which feel somewhat uninspired, and high-paying thematic icons, such as turtles, phoenixes, and the titular golden lion. The golden lion wild, in particular, stands out with its intricate design, exuding a sense of luxury that matches its value on the paytable. 

Although the visuals don’t push the boundaries of what players might expect from a slot with this theme, they do their job competently. The animations are fluid, and winning combinations are highlighted with subtle visual effects, ensuring the game remains aesthetically pleasing without overwhelming the player. 

Gameplay Mechanics

5 Lions Gold boasts straightforward gameplay mechanics that allow players to immerse themselves in the slot’s rhythm without feeling bogged down by overly complex features. The 243 ways to win system replaces traditional paylines, making it easier for players to form winning combinations as long as identical symbols align on adjacent reels from left to right. 

The slot’s medium-to-high volatility means players will experience periods of dead spins punctuated by bursts of rewarding wins, particularly when the bonus features activate. Winning combinations typically involve the high-value thematic symbols, with the golden lion wild acting as a substitute for all regular pay symbols. A full line of golden lions offers a payout of 7x the stake, making it the most coveted regular symbol. 

What sets 5 Lions Gold apart is its Golden Reels Jackpot feature, which adds a layer of excitement to the base game. On any spin, random reels can turn gold, triggering one of three fixed jackpots if 3 or more golden reels appear simultaneously. This feature keeps the base game engaging, offering players something to anticipate even outside the free spins round. 

Sound and Music 

The audio in 5 Lions Gold complements its Oriental theme beautifully. The background music features soft guzheng strings and traditional Chinese melodies, creating an atmosphere of calm and mystery. When players trigger a win or activate a feature, the soundtrack swells with more energetic tones, adding to the excitement without becoming jarring. 

However, the sound effects accompanying reel spins and symbol landings are somewhat generic, which can detract from the immersive experience. While the overall audio design is pleasant, it doesn’t break new ground, serving more as a subtle backdrop to the gameplay rather than a standout feature. 

Bonus Features

Bonus features are the heart of 5 Lions Gold, with two key elements: the Golden Reels Jackpot and the Free Spins with Multipliers. 

Golden Reels Jackpot 

On any spin, up to 5 reels can turn gold. If 3, 4, or 5 golden reels land in view, players are awarded one of three jackpots: 

Minor Jackpot: 15x the total bet. 

Major Jackpot: 250x the total bet. 

Grand Jackpot: A whopping 2,000x the total bet. 

This feature can be triggered both in the base game and during free spins, adding an extra layer of anticipation to every spin. 

Free Spins with Multipliers 

The free spins feature activates when 3 scatter symbols land on reels 2, 3, and 4. Once triggered, players are presented with seven options, each combining a different number of spins with unique wild multipliers: 

6 free spins with 15x, 30x, or 40x multipliers. 

9 free spins with 10x, 15x, or 30x multipliers. 

12 free spins with 8x, 10x, or 15x multipliers. 

15 free spins with 5x, 8x, or 10x multipliers. 

18 free spins with 3x, 5x, or 8x multipliers. 

24 free spins with 2x, 3x, or 5x multipliers. 

Mystery Option: A random combination of spins and multipliers. 

Players who opt for fewer spins will benefit from higher multipliers, catering to those who prefer high-risk, high-reward gameplay. Conversely, selecting more spins with lower multipliers suits players seeking extended playtime and steadier payouts. 

During the free spins round, the random multiplier applies to all wins, significantly boosting payouts, particularly when high-value symbols align. 

1. Caishen Random Award 

This randomly triggered bonus occurs in both the base game and the free spins round. Players pick from golden coins to reveal jackpot symbols, with matching 3 symbols awarding the corresponding jackpot. 

Betting Options and Payouts

5 Lions Gold offers a wide betting range, accommodating both casual players and high rollers. Bets start at €0.18 per spin and go up to €90, allowing players to adjust their stakes based on their bankroll and risk tolerance. The slot’s 96.50% RTP is competitive, especially for a game with a jackpot feature, ensuring decent returns over extended play sessions. 

The game’s maximum win of 7,342x the stake is achievable during the free spins round, thanks to the high multipliers available. While the potential isn’t groundbreaking compared to some modern slots, it remains enticing enough to draw in players looking for significant payouts. 

Conclusion 

“5 Lions Gold” is a solid addition to Pragmatic Play’s portfolio, blending familiar Oriental aesthetics with innovative gameplay mechanics. While its visuals may not stand out in a crowded market, the game’s Golden Reels Jackpot and Free Spins with Multipliers provide plenty of excitement, making it a worthwhile choice for fans of high-volatility slots. 

The ability to customize free spins with different multipliers adds a strategic element, allowing players to tailor their experience to their risk appetite. Additionally, the Caishen Random Award ensures that even the base game offers moments of thrill. 

That said, the game’s overall design and sound may feel a bit dated to players accustomed to flashier, more modern slots. However, for those who enjoy traditional themes paired with robust mechanics, 5 Lions Gold delivers a satisfying experience. With its 7,342x max win and engaging features, this slot is a strong contender for anyone seeking a balance between tradition and innovation.