Pub Kings (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Pub Kings: Slot Overview 

Pub Kings, released by Pragmatic Play on August 10, 2023, is a Viking-themed online slot that combines Norse warriors with the lively charm of a Viking pub. Designed on a traditional 5-reel, 4-row grid with 20 fixed paylines, this slot delivers a lighthearted and colorful atmosphere paired with highly volatile gameplay. 

With an RTP of 96.08% and a hit frequency of 1 in 4.37 spins, Pub Kings keeps the base game engaging with frequent smaller wins. The slot’s main highlight is its free spins feature and Random Awards mechanic, which can yield significant payouts. The maximum win of 5,000x the stake offers a tantalizing reward, though hitting this jackpot comes with a rarity of 1 in 14,084,507 spins. 

Pub Kings successfully blends a whimsical Viking pub aesthetic with entertaining gameplay features, offering players a fun and fast-paced experience that stands out from Pragmatic Play’s catalog.

Design and Graphics 

Pub Kings charms players with its lighthearted Viking theme, combining the rugged atmosphere of Norse warriors with the cheerful vibe of a pub celebration. The game’s visuals are bright and colorful, avoiding the dark and serious tones typically associated with Viking-themed slots. The backdrop depicts a sunny Viking landscape with clear blue skies and a large stone pub perched on a rocky hilltop. During free spins, the scene transitions to the interior of the Viking pub, where wooden barrels, warm lighting, and flowing ale set the stage for festive gameplay. 

The reels are framed with intricate Viking carvings, and the symbols are meticulously designed to complement the theme. Low-paying symbols include 10-A royals, styled with metallic embellishments. High-paying symbols consist of Viking characters, including bearded warriors, horned-helmet fighters, and shieldmaidens. Each character symbol is associated with a unique payout, adding personality to the reels. 

The scatter symbol, represented by a golden Viking helm, is central to triggering the free spins feature. Animations are smooth, with winning combinations and scatter landings accompanied by subtle bursts of celebratory energy. Overall, Pub Kings delivers a visually appealing slot with a fresh, playful twist on Viking lore. 

Gameplay Mechanics 

Pub Kings is played on a 5×4 grid with 20 fixed paylines. Wins are formed by landing three or more matching symbols on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel. The gameplay is straightforward, making it accessible for both new and experienced players. 

Key gameplay mechanics include: 

• High Volatility: Wins can be substantial, but they occur less frequently, as expected from a highly volatile slot. 

• Random Awards Feature: Triggered when 2 scatter symbols land anywhere on the reels. This feature assigns a random award to one of the reels, with prizes ranging from 10x to 5,000x the bet, depending on the reel and level. This keeps the base game exciting, even without triggering the free spins. 

• Free Spins Feature: The highlight of the gameplay, triggered by landing 3 scatter symbols on reels 1, 3, and 5. 

The game does not feature a traditional wild symbol, which may feel unusual for modern slots. However, the mechanics focus heavily on collecting high-paying symbols during free spins to deliver big wins. 

The base game flows smoothly, with the Random Awards adding occasional bursts of excitement as players chase significant payouts while waiting for the free spins feature.

Sound and Music 

The audio design in Pub Kings perfectly complements its cheerful Viking pub theme. The soundtrack features lively, Celtic-inspired music with upbeat flutes, fiddles, and rhythmic drumbeats, creating a festive atmosphere reminiscent of a bustling Viking celebration. 

Sound effects, such as the clinking of mugs, the cheering of Vikings, and the soft rumble of reels, add depth to the gameplay experience. Winning combinations are met with celebratory chimes, while scatter symbols are accompanied by a dramatic, suspenseful audio cue to build anticipation. 

During free spins, the music becomes even livelier, matching the excitement of the feature. Pragmatic Play has delivered an excellent sound design that keeps players immersed without becoming repetitive or intrusive.

Bonus Features 

Random Awards Feature 

When exactly 2 scatter symbols land on the reels, the Random Awards feature activates. The game randomly selects a reel and assigns a prize from a predetermined list of rewards based on the level associated with that reel. 

• Reel 1: Rewards range from 10x to 5,000x the bet. 

• Reel 2: Rewards range from 6x to 1,000x the bet. 

• Reel 3: Rewards range from 4x to 1,500x the bet. 

• Reel 4: Rewards range from 8x to 750x the bet. 

• Reel 5: Rewards range from 2x to 500x the bet. 

This mechanic provides thrilling moments in the base game, as even small scatter landings can trigger substantial rewards. 

Free Spins 

Landing 3 scatter symbols on reels 1, 3, and 5 triggers the Free Spins feature, awarding 10 free spins. During free spins: Each of the 5 high-paying Viking symbols is assigned to a specific reel. 

After every spin, all instances of a high-paying symbol are collected on their respective reels. 

Collecting 6 symbols of a type enables Level 1, while collecting 3 more increases the level up to a maximum of Level 7. 

At the end of the free spins round, the Viking symbol with the most collected beers awards the prize associated with its final level. If there is a tie, the highest-paying symbol wins. 

The free spins cannot be retriggered, but the collection mechanic ensures every spin has the potential to build toward a significant payout.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Pub Kings offers a flexible betting range, with a minimum bet of €0.20 and a maximum bet of €240 per spin. This range accommodates casual players and high rollers alike. 

The game’s RTP stands at a solid 96.08%, increasing slightly to 96.05% when buying free spins. The hit frequency of 1 in 4.37 spins ensures a steady flow of wins, while the free spins round occurs approximately 1 in 221 spins. 

The maximum win of 5,000x the stake is the ultimate goal, offering the potential for substantial payouts. Premium Viking symbols deliver significant rewards, paying between 25x and 150x the bet for five-of-a-kind wins. The Random Awards and free spins features are the best opportunities to achieve big wins.

Conclusion 

Pub Kings is a refreshing and entertaining slot that stands out with its cheerful Viking pub theme and engaging mechanics. Pragmatic Play has crafted a game that balances simplicity with clever features like the Random Awards and symbol collection mechanics during free spins. 

The slot’s high volatility and 5,000x max win provide ample excitement for players seeking big rewards, while the 96.08% RTP ensures a fair and balanced return over time. The absence of a wild symbol may feel unconventional, but the game compensates with its rewarding bonus features. 

Visually, Pub Kings is vibrant and charming, with a festive soundtrack that enhances the immersive experience. The game’s mechanics, particularly the free spins symbol collection, add a layer of strategy and anticipation, making every spin feel meaningful.

For players looking for a lighthearted, engaging slot with rewarding features and charming visuals, Pub Kings is well worth a spin. It’s a celebration of Vikings, camaraderie, and the thrill of the reels—all served with a generous helping of golden ale!