Lordi Reel Monsters (Play'n Go) Slot Review
Lordi Reel Monsters: Slot Overview
Lordi Reel Monsters, released on April 28, 2022, is an unapologetically theatrical slot from Play’n GO that celebrates Finland’s most outrageous heavy metal band, Lordi. With a 7×7 grid, cascading clusters, monstrous modifiers, and a soundtrack that shreds, this branded title brings the metal mayhem right into the heart of online casino entertainment. Inspired by Lordi’s victory at the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest with Hard Rock Hallelujah, the game immerses players in a gothic fantasy world where riffs, monsters, and big wins collide.
The slot stands out not only for its over-the-top theme and comic book art style but also for its unique gameplay mechanics built around cluster wins, a charge meter, and monster features. With a medium to high volatility, an RTP of 96.20%, and a respectable max win of 4,000x, it’s not the most extreme game in terms of risk or reward—but it rocks hard nonetheless.
Design and Graphics
Visually, Lordi Reel Monsters is a masterclass in thematic slot design. The setting evokes a haunted Transylvanian castle, complete with twisted trees, shadowy fog, and a looming chateau in the background. The grid is framed in sinister stone, and off to the side stands Mr. Lordi himself, larger than life and decked out in full demonic regalia. Symbols are split between five high-paying character icons—each representing a member of the band—and lower-paying colored sigils that resemble band emblems or occult runes. The standout among symbols is the wild, a glowing, horned golden skull that fits right in with the heavy metal vibe.
What truly sells the visuals is the animated Monster Charger meter and the various monster animations that trigger during gameplay. Whether it’s Amen transforming symbols, or Hella wiping the board clean with pyrotechnic flair, the game is constantly in motion—loud, proud, and dripping with attitude.
Gameplay Mechanics
Unlike traditional slot games with paylines, Lordi Reel Monsters operates on a cluster pays mechanic on a 7×7 grid. Wins are formed by landing five or more matching symbols in a connected group. Winning clusters are removed via cascading reels, allowing new symbols to fall into place and trigger chain reactions.
Each winning symbol also contributes to the Monster Charger, which fuels the game’s signature features. The charger fills in two phases: 15 symbols to activate a Monster Modifier, and 40 symbols to unleash the game’s lone free spin. This charge-based progression means the game builds toward its biggest moments rather than relying purely on chance-based scatters or bonus triggers.
Volatility is set at a medium-high level, striking a decent balance between frequency of wins and the potential for sizeable payouts. It won’t eat your balance as quickly as some extreme slots, but it can still deliver a satisfying punch, especially during high-value combos and feature cascades.
Sound and Music
As you’d expect from a game themed around a heavy metal band, sound design plays a leading role in the experience. The soundtrack features dark riffs, industrial drum beats, and guitar licks that perfectly complement the visual chaos. When things heat up—particularly during modifiers or the free spin—the audio cranks up with additional effects, roars, and metal flourishes that make it feel like you’re headbanging through a concert.
Each monster has its own sound cue, and the mix is sharp without becoming a sensory overload. Still, if you’re not a fan of loud, metal-inspired audio, you might prefer to play this one with the volume turned down. But for those who want the full Lordi experience, the soundtrack is an essential part of the package.
Bonus Features
The meat of Lordi Reel Monsters lies in its Monster Charger and the two free spin options. Monster Modifiers
When 15 charges are collected via wins, a random monster feature activates. Each of the five band members brings their own twist:
- Mr. Lordi – Adds 5 to 8 wilds to the grid.
- Hella – Destroys all symbols in view except wilds and 1–2 selected symbol types.
- Amen – Upgrades 2 to 5 symbol types into other symbols.
- Hiisi – Picks one symbol to build up a guaranteed winning cluster.
- Mana – Transforms one symbol type into wilds.
These modifiers help clear space, create big clusters, or dramatically improve win potential—especially if they hit in the middle of a strong cascade sequence.
Free Spin Options
At 40 charges, a free spin is awarded. Though it’s just one spin, it comes with serious potential, and players can choose between two modes:
Reel Monsters
All wins receive a progressive multiplier that starts at 1x and increases by +1 for each cascade.
Two monster modifiers are guaranteed during the spin.
Better Hate Than Never
All winning wilds are collected.
After three monster features are triggered, wilds are re-added to the grid in batches of 5 to 10 until all have been used.
Both spins have their own strategic appeal—Reel Monsters for its multiplier snowball, and Better Hate Than Never for its controlled chaos and extra wilds. Either choice can produce explosive results when paired with large clusters or full-board transformations.
Betting Options and Payouts
Lordi Reel Monsters is welcoming to all types of players, with a bet range from €0.10 to €100. The game supports a variety of devices, and its adaptive design ensures a smooth experience whether you’re on desktop or mobile.
The maximum win is 4,000x the bet, which places it in the mid-tier range for grid slots. It’s not as volatile or lucrative as Play’n GO’s top-end releases, but the structured progression, combined with the monster modifiers and free spins, means the potential for big wins is still very much alive—especially for persistent players.
The slot’s RTP sits at 96.20%, though, as always with Play’n GO, it’s worth checking the version offered by the operator, as lower settings can also exist.
Conclusion
Lordi Reel Monsters is a metal-infused romp that blends theme and function with confidence. Play’n GO’s decision to base a slot on Lordi proves fruitful, capturing the band’s theatrical style, comic-book aesthetics, and wild stage presence. The result is a grid slot that feels more like an interactive concert than a traditional game.
With its cluster-based gameplay, cascading wins, modifier system, and choice-driven free spins, the slot delivers satisfying momentum and layered features without overwhelming newcomers. It might not be as volatile as the heaviest hitters in the genre, but it compensates with a rhythm that builds anticipation and rewards strategic play.
Whether you’re a fan of Lordi, love comic-style slots, or just enjoy cluster wins with personality, Lordi Reel Monsters earns its place in Play’n GO’s increasingly diverse portfolio. Turn up the volume, unleash the monsters, and get ready to rock the reels.