Monkey Warrior (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Monkey Warrior: Slot Overview 

Released by Pragmatic Play on June 24, 2019, Monkey Warrior brings players into a slot game inspired by the legendary Chinese tale Journey to the West. This 5-reel, 3-row game offers a 243-ways-to-win format and boasts a 96.50% RTP alongside high volatility. With vibrant visuals and engaging bonus mechanics, this slot aims to captivate fans of Asian-themed slots and players seeking big wins. 

While Monkey Warrior doesn’t stray far from familiar Pragmatic Play formulas, it offers enough potential through its Max Win of 6080x the stake and a variety of bonus features, including Free Spins and Money Respin rounds. The betting range accommodates casual players and high-rollers alike, with a minimum bet of €0.25 and a maximum bet of €125 per spin. Let’s explore what makes this slot tick in greater detail.

Design and Graphics 

Pragmatic Play is known for crafting visually appealing games, and Monkey Warrior is no exception. The design draws heavy inspiration from Chinese folklore, featuring Sun Wukong—the Monkey Warrior—as its central figure. The reels are set against a lush and colorful backdrop of enchanted forests, glowing lanterns, and mystical purple skies. The symbols include beautifully rendered high-value icons like potion bottles, ancient scrolls, and three main characters from Journey to the West. The most lucrative symbol is the holy monk, which rewards players with 20x their stake for landing five on a full payline. Low-value symbols are represented by traditional card royals A, K, and Q, designed to match the slot’s aesthetic without feeling out of place. 

The game’s polished animations, seamless transitions, and detailed artwork give it a professional, immersive quality. The glowing visual effects during bonus rounds and respins help bring an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics 

The gameplay in Monkey Warrior revolves around its 243-ways-to-win mechanic. Instead of fixed paylines, players need to match symbols on adjacent reels from left to right, creating ample opportunities for wins. This format eliminates the need to worry about specific payline structures, making the experience more dynamic and engaging. 

Spins are relatively fast-paced, and the base game primarily relies on high-value symbols and wild substitutions to keep the player invested. The wild symbol in Monkey Warrior substitutes for all regular symbols, increasing the chances of landing combinations. 

One unique aspect of the game is its Money Respin feature, which adds excitement to the gameplay (more on this in the Bonus Features section). While some players may find the base game repetitive, the anticipation of triggering bonus rounds keeps the adrenaline flowing.

Sound and Music 

The soundtrack in Monkey Warrior complements its Chinese-themed visuals perfectly. Players are greeted with melodic, traditional Chinese instrumentals as they spin the reels. The soothing music enhances the mythical and adventurous atmosphere without becoming intrusive or distracting. 

When bonus features trigger, the tempo picks up slightly, adding an air of suspense and excitement. Sound effects, such as the chimes when winning combinations land or symbols lock during respins, are crisp and satisfying. Overall, the audio design strikes a good balance, elevating the experience without overwhelming players.

Bonus Features 

Money Respin Feature

The Money Respin feature is the highlight of Monkey Warrior. It triggers when players land 6 or more Peach (money) symbols anywhere on the reels. Each money symbol comes with a cash value or a Mini, Minor, or Grand jackpot attached. Mini Jackpot: €30 

Minor Jackpot: €50 

Major Jackpot: €100 

Grand Jackpot: €200 

The feature starts with 5 respins, and the triggering money symbols remain locked in place. During respins, only new money symbols or empty positions appear. Every new money symbol locks in place and resets the spin count back to 5. 

The round ends when the player either runs out of respins or fills all 15 reel positions with money symbols. If all positions are filled, the total reward is doubled, adding an extra layer of excitement. 

Free Spins Feature

The Free Spins feature activates when the BONUS symbol appears on reels 2, 3, and 4 simultaneously. Players start with 8 free spins, during which all low-value symbols are removed from the reels. 

This increases the likelihood of landing higher-paying symbols, maximizing win potential. While retriggers are technically possible, the absence of the wild symbol during free spins slightly reduces its impact. 

Treasure Chest Picks

In the Money Respin round, a random bonus mechanic introduces Treasure Chest picks. After a spin, players may be prompted to choose one of three treasure chests, each offering extra spins or additional money symbols. This adds a layer of unpredictability and can significantly enhance the final payout.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Monkey Warrior provides a flexible betting range, starting at €0.25 per spin for casual players and scaling up to a maximum bet of €125 for high-stakes enthusiasts. The game’s RTP of 96.50% aligns with industry standards, ensuring fair and balanced returns for players over time. 

Key Payout Details: 

• Top Symbol: Holy Monk (20x for 5 across reels) 

• Max Win: 6080x the stake (achievable through Money Respin feature) 

• Volatility: High 

The high volatility ensures that while wins might not occur as frequently, they can be substantial when they hit. Players chasing the 6080x max payout will need a combination of patience, luck, and well-timed bonus rounds.

Conclusion 

Monkey Warrior by Pragmatic Play is a visually stunning slot that leverages its 243-ways-to-win mechanic and enticing bonus features to deliver an engaging experience. While the base game can feel repetitive at times, the Money Respin feature and Free Spins round provide ample opportunities for significant payouts. 

The slot’s high volatility makes it better suited for players seeking thrilling, high-risk gameplay rather than consistent small wins. The 96.50% RTP and maximum win of 6080x the stake make it appealing to both casual and serious players looking for big potential rewards. 

That said, Monkey Warrior doesn’t break much new ground for Pragmatic Play. While the design, sound, and features are polished and enjoyable, the game feels a bit formulaic compared to more innovative titles. For fans of Asian-themed slots and players who enjoy bonus-packed games with jackpot potential, Monkey Warrior is well worth a spin.

In conclusion, Monkey Warrior delivers a solid, entertaining experience with excellent bonus potential. While it may not be the most groundbreaking release from Pragmatic Play, it ticks enough boxes to keep players coming back for more.