Cathedral 9 (ELK Studios) Slot Review

Cathedral 9: Slot Overview 

Cathedral 9 is ELK Studios’ return to the scatter-pays formula that has been gaining traction across modern slot design. After experimenting with scatter-based engines in titles like Hula Balua, Ashoka, and Mine Defender, ELK once again leans into the concept with a darker, more atmospheric twist. Rather than embracing the bright, uplifting vibe typically associated with cathedral imagery, Cathedral 9 takes players somewhere heavier — a place filled with statues, coffins, crumbling stone, and a lingering sense of mystery. 

The game plays out on a 6×5 gaming area using a scatter-pays system. That means wins occur whenever 8 or more matching symbols land in view, regardless of their position. Backed by a medium-high volatility math model, 94% RTP, and a massive 25,000x max win, Cathedral 9 aims to combine elements of classic ELK mechanics with a brooding, immersive theme. The result is a title that feels both familiar and fresh, as the studio incorporates its feature reel, multipliers, avalanches, mystery coffins, and explosive modifiers into one densely layered experience.

Design and Graphics 

Cathedral 9 stands out visually thanks to its dramatic gothic church interior. While many cathedral-themed slots lean toward stained-glass radiance and angelic choirs, ELK Studios deliberately pushes the opposite direction. The setting is dark, foggy, and cold, with statues looming in shadowy alcoves and piles of broken stone stacked at the base of the reels. The overall tone is closer to Phoenix Graveyard or Nightmaker than anything cheerful or uplifting.When the bonus game triggers, the visuals brighten slightly, suggesting thematic elevation or spiritual awakening, but the core aesthetic remains moody and heavy. You still get the sense of being inside a sacred but somber place — one filled with secrets, ancient coffins, and otherworldly power. The animation quality is strong throughout, from the falling symbols to the effects accompanying mystery coffins and multipliers. ELK’s art team excels at creating atmospheric fantasy worlds, and Cathedral 9 is another fine example of their detailed environment design.

Gameplay Mechanics 

Cathedral 9 is built on a scatter-pays avalanche engine, meaning all wins require at least 8 matching symbols, which then disappear to allow new symbols to drop into place. This cascading cycle continues as long as new wins form. 

Symbols include: 

Pip symbols (the lowest payers) 

Five thematic object symbols 

Big symbols sized 2×2, 3×3, or 4×4 

Wilds 

Big symbols are an important part of the gameplay. When they land, they replicate downward into matching 1×1 symbols until reaching the bottom of the grid. This makes it possible to create large, multi-symbol clusters — an essential step toward achieving the game’s higher win tiers and unlocking mystery features. 

Symbol removal is another major component. Some modifiers, such as explosion symbols or collector symbols, wipe entire groups or columns of symbols to create more space for new skyfall drops. This level of grid manipulation helps keep the action dynamic and lends the game its strategic flavor. 

The gameplay loop is built around building momentum: landing wins, clearing symbols, activating the feature reel, and unleashing special modifiers that can turn a mediocre spin into a highly lucrative one.

Sound and Music 

Cathedral 9 adopts a soundtrack consistent with its dark, sacred theme. Heavy choral tones, deep organ-like resonance, and echoing ambient effects fill the backdrop. This creates an atmosphere that feels tense and foreboding but also mysterious and powerful. 

Sound cues during features — such as coffins dropping, multipliers activating, or symbols exploding — are crisp and impactful. ELK Studios typically gives close attention to sound engineering, and Cathedral 9 benefits greatly from this craftsmanship. Free-spin rounds intensify the audio profile, adding energy and drama at just the right moments. 

Overall, the sound design adds significant immersion to the experience and reinforces the game’s thematic weight.

Bonus Features 

Cathedral 9 is absolutely packed with features, many of which link together through the signature 2×6 Feature Reel that spins above the main grid. Wins remove reel symbols (except coffins), causing feature icons to drop into play. The process continues as long as avalanches trigger. 

Major features include:Collector & Explosion Symbols 

Collector symbols activate when no more wins remain. They select a random pay symbol and gather all instances of it into one position, essentially generating a large cluster. 

Explosion symbols clear their own symbols and all adjacent columns, resetting large portions of the grid for additional skyfall potential. 

Mystery Coffins & Global Multiplier 

Mystery coffins are the heart of the Cathedral 9 experience. 

When they fall to the bottom, they reveal matching symbols or wilds. 

Super coffins behave the same but also add their multiplier to the Global Multiplier, which persists until the end of the free-spin round. 

The multiplier only activates after a super coffin reaches the bottom and can range from x2 to x1,000. 

Entombed Feature 

When the entombed symbol covers the entire Feature Reel: 

All symbols on the grid are replaced with one pay symbol, forming a huge scatter-win combination. 

The Super Entombed version guarantees a high- or mid-value symbol. 

Holy Collect 

This feature can activate on any spin or free drop. Holy blockers drop from the feature reel, powering the Holy Collect meter. When full, it adds multiple coffins to the grid for massive reveal potential. 

Bonus Game 

Triggering 3–6 scatters awards 2–6 free drops depending on how many appear. 

Coffins reaching the bottom activate or add to the global multiplier. 

Landing additional scatters grants more free drops. 

Collecting all 9 pay symbols triggers the Super Bonus, awarding additional free drops with super coffins. 

X-iter Feature Buys 

ELK’s X-iter system provides multiple buy options:Bonus Hunt – 2.5× bet 

Mega Bonus Hunt – 10× bet 

Coffin Drop – 50× bet 

Bonus – 100× bet 

Super Bonus – 500× bet 

These drastically alter the volatility and enhance the chances of hitting the game’s strongest features.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Cathedral 9 provides a flexible betting range from $0.20 to $100 per spin, making it accessible to both casual players and high-rollers. Its medium-high volatility, paired with a 25,000x max win, positions it as a high-risk, high-reward slot. 

While the 94% RTP is lower than industry average, it is consistent with ELK Studios’ recent releases using the X-iter system. The hit frequency of 24.9% keeps the action engaging, though big wins rely heavily on coffins, multipliers, and bonus rounds.

Conclusion 

Cathedral 9 is a bold, feature-dense release that showcases ELK Studios’ ability to craft dark, moody, and richly layered slots. The scatter-pays system combines beautifully with avalanches, big symbols, feature-reel modifiers, and the powerful mystery coffin mechanic. While the RTP is lower and the gameplay can be intense, the production values, thematic depth, and explosive bonus potential compensate strongly. 

Players who enjoy ELK’s heavier, atmospheric titles — like Phoenix Graveyard, Tropicool 4, or Mystic Orbs — will find Cathedral 9 a thrilling addition to the library. With a jaw-dropping 25,000x max win, strong pacing, and high replayability through the X-iter system, Cathedral 9 delivers a compelling blend of tension, strategy, and spectacle. 

If you’re looking for a dark fantasy slot packed with cascading action, coffin reveals, and massive multiplier potential, Cathedral 9 is most certainly worth a spin.