Mount M (Play'n Go) Slot Review

Mount M: Slot Overview 

Prepare to step into a world where woolly mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, and dodos still roam the Earth—at least in reel form. Mount M, released by Play’n GO on September 8, 2022, is a prehistoric-themed online slot set during a brutal Ice Age. Drawing inspiration from survival and raw natural forces, Mount M is a high-volatility slot that puts players in the (fur-lined) boots of ancient humans battling nature and hunting wild beasts for survival. 

The game runs on a dynamic 5-reel setup that begins with 4 rows and 1,024 ways to win, but the potential grows significantly through expanding reels and an array of inventive features. Mount M packs an intense punch with a maximum win of 13,000x, and though it’s not quite the beast that Play’n GO’s 24K Dragon is, it’s certainly got enough bite to hold its own. 

Loaded with Shatter Respins, Evolution Free Spins, expanding rows, and symbol upgrades, Mount M combines familiar mechanics in a fresh, icy package. It’s designed for those who appreciate a good grid expansion and like their slot adventures tinged with the chill of extinction. With an RTP of 96.25% and bet levels ranging from €0.10 to €100 per spin, this is a game for hunters of all stripes.

Design and Graphics 

Mount M is cold in theme but hot in execution. Visually, the game plunges players into a stunningly frigid Ice Age landscape. Snow-covered peaks frame the reels, and flags and spears line the outer edges, reminding you of mankind’s precarious place in this ancient world. The interface looks carved from ice and rock, keeping everything consistent with the setting. The reels are encased in a slab of ice, and the symbols—carved bones, mammoth tusks, and cave drawings—convey the archaic world brilliantly. The premium symbols feature Ice Age beasts: dodos, saber-tooth cats, rhinos, hyenas, and the revered mammoth. These animals appear not just as static images but with snarling animations and powerful color palettes that bring them to life. 

Everything about the design communicates survival, power, and cold-blooded determination. And once those extra rows begin to unlock during features, the visual transformation is genuinely exciting.

Gameplay Mechanics 

Mount M starts off relatively simple with 5 reels, 4 rows, and 1,024 ways to win. Payouts are made from left to right, with wins forming from three or more matching symbols on adjacent reels. But that basic format quickly evolves thanks to Mount M’s central gameplay hook—reel expansion. 

During base game spins, a golden wild symbol can land on the middle three reels. When it does, and a glowing outline is active, the Shatter Respin triggers. This is where things heat up: the reels can expand up to 8 rows high, boosting the number of ways to win up to 8,192. With each new row added, a high-paying animal symbol is upgraded to the mammoth, significantly enhancing win potential. 

The other key mechanic, Evolution Free Spins, lets players fully experience Mount M’s transformational gameplay. You’ll start with a locked grid and gradually unlock additional rows and upgrades by collecting orbs during free spins. Every three orbs transform a premium symbol into a mammoth and unlock a new row—blending the expansion mechanic with symbol transformation in a satisfying loop.

Sound and Music 

Mount M’s soundtrack is surprisingly cinematic. From the opening clip that teases mammoth-shaped mountains to the tension-building base game audio, everything serves the survival narrative. The background score uses tribal drums, deep string instruments, and even the occasional didgeridoo sound to create a haunting atmosphere. 

The sound effects during feature triggers—such as the Shatter Respin or Evolution Free Spins—are weighty and intense, underscoring the power of each game-changing moment. Animal snarls, crumbling ice, and cracking bones are tastefully incorporated for dramatic effect. The overall sound design is immersive, elevating Mount M’s prehistoric tension.

Bonus Features 

Shatter Respin 

This feature is randomly triggered when a wild symbol lands on one of the highlighted middle reels during the base game. When triggered: The game adds 1 to 4 rows above the middle reels. 

Each new 3-symbol row added can unlock up to 8,192 ways to win. 

One high-paying symbol is transformed into the mammoth, the top-paying symbol. 

If all four rows are unlocked, only mammoth and low-paying symbols appear. 

This feature helps bridge the gap between base game and bonus rounds, offering intermittent bursts of excitement and potential. 

Evolution Free Spins 

Triggered by landing 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols, awarding 10, 15, or 20 free spins respectively. The bonus round starts with the grid at its base size, and 4 additional rows locked above it. 

During the round, players must collect golden orbs from wild symbols. 

For every set of 5, 10, 14, and 17 orbs, a new row is unlocked, and one lower premium symbol is upgraded to the mammoth. 

Each row expansion also awards +1 extra free spin. 

The transformation process means fewer symbols and bigger hits as the round progresses. 

This mode is a steady build, ramping up in intensity the longer it lasts. When fully maxed out, it’s a mammoth-chaining, screen-filling frenzy.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Mount M accommodates a wide betting range, making it accessible to both casual players and high rollers. You can bet from €0.10 to €100 per spin. Its RTP of 96.25% is solid for a high-volatility game and offers a balanced experience despite the potentially swingy nature of the feature set. 

Payout Highlights: 

Low pay symbols (J-A royals): Up to 0.3x for five of a kind. 

High pay symbols (prehistoric beasts): Up to 2x the stake. 

Mammoth (top symbol): Can fill the screen during Evolution mode, leading to major win potential. 

Wild symbol: Substitutes for all standard symbols and is key to triggering features. 

Max win: 13,000x the bet, though hitting this requires an aligned constellation of upgrades and expansion during the Evolution feature.

Conclusion 

Mount M doesn’t try to revolutionize the grid-expansion genre, but it refines and repackages popular mechanics—like those from 24K Dragon or Pink Elephants—into a cohesive and immersive Ice Age adventure. The Shatter Respin adds mid-game spark, while the Evolution Free Spins offer that classic snowballing upgrade mechanic that keeps players glued to the screen. 

Its prehistoric setting, coupled with powerful audiovisual presentation, makes for a unique and memorable experience. Sure, the math and features are familiar, but the theming and execution breathe enough life into them to make Mount M stand out. The 13,000x max win isn’t the largest Play’n GO has ever offered, but it’s well within reason and feels achievable under the right conditions. 

Mount M’s brilliance lies in its pacing and potential. It starts cold and calculated but can turn fiery and fierce with just the right spin. For those who enjoy expanding reels, symbol upgrades, and a healthy dose of prehistoric drama, Mount M is a trek well worth taking.