Buffalo King (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Buffalo King: Slot Overview

Buffalo King by Pragmatic Play is an immersive online slot game that transports players to the untamed wilderness of North America. With its rugged prairie backdrop and captivating wildlife symbols, this slot epitomizes the beauty of the great outdoors. The game, which features 6 reels and 4 rows, operates on a whopping 4,096 ways-to-win mechanic, offering ample opportunities for big payouts. Released on January 13, 2020, Buffalo King has since garnered a reputation as a high-volatility slot that’s both thrilling and challenging. The game’s RTP stands at 96.06%, promising competitive returns for its genre. With a maximum win potential of 93,750x the bet, this slot is a high-stakes adventure that appeals to risk-takers and jackpot chasers alike. 

Design and Graphics

Pragmatic Play has done an excellent job of bringing the North American wilderness to life. The game’s backdrop features a stunning desert landscape complete with rugged cliffs and a twilight sky, perfectly setting the tone for this wild adventure. The reels are populated with an assortment of beautifully rendered animal symbols, including buffalo, wolves, cougars, eagles, and moose, alongside classic card symbols (9 to A). The buffalo, being the king of the wilderness, stands as the highest-paying symbol, delivering a payout of 7.5 times the stake for six-of-a-kind. 

The visuals are crisp, and the animations are fluid, ensuring an engaging experience. The game exudes a classic slot feel while maintaining a modern touch, thanks to its polished design and attention to detail. 

Gameplay Mechanics

Buffalo King operates on a 4,096 ways-to-win system, meaning there are no traditional paylines. Instead, wins are achieved by landing matching symbols on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel. This setup increases the frequency of winning combinations and keeps the gameplay dynamic. 

The slot’s high volatility adds an element of excitement, as wins may be less frequent but tend to be more substantial when they do occur. The base game primarily revolves around landing matching combinations of animal symbols or card royals. While the absence of intricate base game mechanics may feel simplistic, it serves as a prelude to the real action found in the bonus features. 

Sound and Music

The audio design of Buffalo King is a key contributor to its immersive atmosphere. The soundtrack combines elements of traditional Native American-inspired music with the sounds of nature, such as howling winds and distant animal calls. During spins, the rhythmic drumbeats intensify the anticipation, while the sound of stampeding buffalo accompanies big wins, adding a layer of excitement. The sound effects, particularly during the free spins round, are impactful and elevate the thrill of the gameplay. 

Bonus Features

The highlight of Buffalo King lies in its bonus features, particularly the Free Spins round. 

Free Spins Round: Triggered by landing 3 or more golden bonus symbols (depicted as sunset-styled coins), the Free Spins round is where the game truly shines. Depending on the number of scatter symbols, players can receive: 

• 8 free spins for 3 scatters 

• 15 free spins for 4 scatters 

• 25 free spins for 5 scatters 

• 100 free spins for 6 scatters 

During the Free Spins round, the wild symbol, which appears on reels 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, gains a multiplier of x2, x3, or x5. If multiple wilds are part of a winning combination, their multipliers are combined, potentially reaching an astounding x3,125. The free spins feature can also be retriggered indefinitely by landing additional scatter symbols, keeping the potential for big wins alive. 

Wild Symbol: The wild symbol, represented by a rocky landscape, substitutes for all symbols except the scatter, boosting the chances of landing winning combinations. 

Betting Options and Payouts

Buffalo King caters to a wide range of players with its flexible betting options. The minimum bet is €0.40, making it accessible to casual players, while high rollers can wager up to €200 per spin. The game’s maximum win is an impressive 93,750x the stake, making it one of Pragmatic Play’s most lucrative slots. 

The high-paying buffalo symbol is the star of the show, offering 7.5 times the stake for six-of-a-kind. However, the true payout potential lies in the Free Spins round, where wild multipliers can lead to massive wins. It’s worth noting that the high volatility means players may experience dry spells, so careful bankroll management is essential. 

Conclusion

Buffalo King by Pragmatic Play is a slot that excels in delivering a high-stakes, high-reward experience. Its stunning graphics, atmospheric audio, and straightforward gameplay make it a solid choice for fans of classic slots. While the base game may feel a bit repetitive, the Free Spins round more than compensates with its wild multipliers and retrigger potential, creating an exhilarating gameplay experience. 

That said, the game’s high volatility and the rarity of its maximum win potential may deter risk-averse players. However, for those who enjoy the thrill of chasing big wins in the wilderness, Buffalo King offers an engaging and rewarding adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned slot enthusiast or a newcomer to Pragmatic Play’s portfolio, Buffalo King is a slot worth spinning for its immersive theme and massive payout potential.