Lion Saga Odyssey (Play'n Go) Slot Review

Lion Saga Odyssey: Slot Overview 

Lion Saga Odyssey, released on December 5, 2024, is another addition to the long-running line of ‘Book of’ slots by Play’n GO, and while it carries familiar mechanics, it transports players far from the mystical castles of Arthurian legends to the sun-drenched savannahs of Africa. Drawing inspiration from fan-favorites like Rise of Merlin and Legacy of Dead, this 5-reel, 3-row slot with 10 paylines builds its core around the same ‘expanding symbol’ mechanic in the free spins mode—but with a wild new theme and refreshing aesthetic. 

While the core gameplay remains recognizable, Lion Saga Odyssey aims to set itself apart with its wildlife-inspired visuals, a radiant spirit lion wild/scatter hybrid, and slightly more flexibility in terms of paylines and betting structure. With high volatility, an impressive 96.58% RTP, and a 5,000x max win, this game is positioned to appeal to fans of classic slot mechanics as well as those hunting for big payouts.

Design and Graphics 

Visually, Lion Saga Odyssey strikes a balance between storybook charm and natural realism. The reels are framed by ancient trees, and the symbols are animated in vibrant color palettes. The slot leans into its African setting with a cast of high-paying symbols including a zebra, a family of lions, and meerkats, all lovingly rendered in a slightly stylized cartoon fashion that echoes influences from Disney’s The Lion King. The most visually striking element is the glowing blue lion—The Spirit Symbol—which floats ethereally and serves as both wild and scatter. Backgrounds shift from savannah to twilight as the bonus game unfolds, and small touches like flickering lights and fluttering leaves lend the game a sense of vitality. Despite its straightforward layout, Lion Saga Odyssey manages to maintain a rich visual atmosphere that keeps players engaged without being overwhelming.

Gameplay Mechanics 

At its core, Lion Saga Odyssey sticks to the tried-and-tested 5×3 format, dropping symbols across 10 customizable paylines. Players can adjust the number of active lines, a feature that adds a layer of flexibility not often found in similar games. Betting ranges from €0.10 to €100 per spin, making it accessible to casual players and high rollers alike. 

The game’s base play involves a mix of standard card symbols (10–A) wrapped in branches for the low pays, and animal symbols for the high pays. Winning combinations are formed by matching symbols from left to right on active paylines, but the real magic happens during the bonus round. 

The Spirit Symbol is the game’s wild and scatter. It substitutes for all other symbols and pays up to 5,000 coins for five of a kind. Landing 3, 4, or 5 Spirit Symbols triggers 8 free spins, and the anticipation builds as one symbol is randomly chosen to become a Special Expanding Symbol for the duration of the round.

Sound and Music 

Sound plays a key role in setting the tone of Lion Saga Odyssey. The base game soundtrack is understated, featuring ambient jungle sounds—chirping insects, rustling trees, distant animal calls—that immerse the player in the wilderness. During big wins or free spins, the tempo picks up with triumphant percussion and tribal melodies that reinforce the theme of adventure and ancient spiritual quests. 

Sound effects are well-executed without being intrusive. Reels spin with a satisfying swoosh, wins are punctuated with subtle but rewarding chimes, and the free spins feature is introduced with a mystical, almost sacred tone. Overall, the audio enhances the experience without ever overwhelming it.

Bonus Features 

The heart of Lion Saga Odyssey lies in its Free Spins feature, which draws heavily from the classic Book of Ra formula. Triggered by landing 3 or more Spirit Symbols, the bonus awards 8 free spins and selects one random symbol to become the Special Expanding Symbol. 

Expanded symbols pay on all active paylines from any position, meaning they don’t need to be adjacent to form wins. This opens the door for significant payouts, especially if high-value symbols are chosen. What sets this slot apart is that it allows for multiple expanding symbols to be active at once—every retrigger adds 8 additional spins and chooses another expanding symbol, up to a maximum of 9. 

Adding more excitement is the Gamble Feature, which appears after any winning spin. Players can choose to gamble their winnings by guessing the color (to double) or suit (to quadruple) of a face-down card. This can be repeated up to five times, with a maximum gamble cap of 2,500 coins. It’s a risky addition that provides high-reward potential for those feeling bold.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Play’n GO gives players full control over their stake, allowing bets as low as €0.10 and as high as €100 per spin. You can also manually adjust the number of active paylines from 1 to 10, which is rare among modern ‘Book of’ slots and offers added strategic depth. 

The game’s maximum payout is 5,000x the bet, and though the maximum win frequency is about 1 in 8.77 million spins, those lucky enough to score a full screen of top symbols with multiple retriggers can still land sizable wins. Its high volatility rating (8/10) means that payouts may be infrequent, but they tend to be meaningful when they land. 

For those interested in the stats, the game offers a hit frequency of 1 in 3.22, which means a win occurs approximately once every three spins—decent for a high-volatility slot. And with its top RTP of 96.58%, it remains favorable in terms of long-term returns, especially when compared to lower RTP variations offered by some operators.

Conclusion 

Lion Saga Odyssey doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does give the classic ‘Book of’ format a new coat of paint and a thematic shift that feels fresh. By blending familiar mechanics with a beautifully animated African wildlife setting and adding flexibility in paylines, it manages to carve out a niche among an already crowded field of similar games. 

Its appeal lies in its accessibility and potential. Whether you’re a penny spinner looking for solid entertainment or a high roller chasing that 5,000x dream, Lion Saga Odyssey delivers a polished and satisfying experience. The Spirit Symbol’s double duty as wild and scatter adds efficiency to the design, and the potential for up to 9 expanding symbols keeps the bonus game exciting with every retrigger. 

In short, this slot is a solid pick for fans of Rise of Merlin or Legacy of Dead, especially those who enjoy a well-themed, high-volatility slot with flexible betting options. It may not shock you with novelty, but it certainly entertains with style, precision, and potential.