Release the Kraken (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Release the Kraken: Slot Overview 

Dive deep into the mysterious waters of the ocean with Pragmatic Play’s Release the Kraken, a nautical-themed slot inspired by the mythical sea monster. Released on January 20, 2020, this game brings captivating gameplay with a maximum win potential of 10,000x the bet. Featuring 5 reels, 4 rows, and dynamic paylines that increase from 20 in the base game to 40 during free spins, Release the Kraken combines stunning visuals, immersive mechanics, and a host of engaging bonus features. 

With a high volatility model and an RTP of 96.50%, this slot is designed for thrill-seekers who enjoy chasing significant wins amidst moments of uncertainty. Pragmatic Play has carefully balanced aesthetics and gameplay to deliver an experience that appeals to casual players and seasoned enthusiasts alike. But does Release the Kraken live up to the hype? Let’s dive deeper.

Design and Graphics 

The game’s design is one of its standout elements. Set against the backdrop of an underwater shipwreck, the reels float on a semi-transparent panel that allows players to take in the details of the vibrant marine world. Schools of fish swim lazily in the background while rays of light from the surface pierce through the water, creating an atmospheric, immersive gaming environment. The symbols are beautifully designed, with high pays featuring ocean creatures like a green fish, blue fish, turtle, and shark, all rendered in a playful yet detailed style reminiscent of Pixar animations. The game’s logo, a depiction of the Kraken’s tentacle, is the most valuable symbol, offering 25x the stake for five of a kind. 

Low-paying symbols (10-A royals) are simple yet complement the overall oceanic theme, ensuring the reels do not appear overly cluttered. The animations are smooth, and the introduction of the Kraken in various bonus features is done with flair, keeping players engaged.

Gameplay Mechanics 

The base game in Release the Kraken uses a 5×4 grid with 20 paylines, where combinations are formed from left to right starting from the leftmost reel. The game’s mechanics are straightforward, making it accessible to new players while still offering enough depth to satisfy experienced ones. 

Special symbols, including wilds and bonus symbols, play pivotal roles in triggering the game’s features. Wilds substitute for other symbols to form winning combinations, but the true magic lies in the bonus mechanics.

Sound and Music 

Sound design plays an integral part in creating an immersive experience, and Release the Kraken excels in this department. The background music has an adventurous yet ominous undertone, perfectly suited to the theme of exploring uncharted waters. When bonus features are triggered, the music crescendos to build excitement, and sound effects such as the Kraken’s growls or the chest-opening sequences add an extra layer of engagement. 

Bonus Features 

Release the Kraken is rich in bonus features, each adding excitement and increasing win potential. 

Random Spin Features 

During the base game, the Kraken may randomly activate one of three features: Kraken Lockin Wilds: Chests appear on the screen, and players select them to reveal “Collect” or “Continue Spinning.” Wilds are added to the reels with each spin until the feature ends. 

Colossal Kraken Wilds: A giant 3×4 Kraken Wild lands on the reels, creating significant win opportunities. 

Infectious Kraken Wilds: Wilds transform adjacent symbols into wilds, amplifying winning potential. 

Sunken Treasure Bonus 

Landing bonus symbols on reels 1 and 3, alongside a Chest Bonus symbol on reel 5, activates this feature. Players are presented with multiple chests containing cash prizes. The feature continues until a “Collect” symbol is revealed. The suspenseful nature of this feature keeps players hooked. 

Roaming Kraken Free Spins 

Triggered by landing bonus symbols on reels 1 and 3 and a Free Spins symbol on reel 5, this feature offers unlimited free spins until players pick chests to reveal spin totals (usually up to 10). Free spins are played on a 40-payline grid, with wilds roaming the reels and a progressive win multiplier that increases with each wild landing.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Release the Kraken accommodates a wide range of players with its flexible betting options, ranging from €0.20 to €100 per spin. High rollers can enjoy the thrill of chasing the game’s 10,000x max win, while casual players can keep their stakes low. 

The paytable is balanced, with low pays (10-A royals) offering modest returns, while premium symbols, like the game’s logo, deliver the potential for big wins. The progressive multiplier in the Roaming Kraken Free Spins feature can lead to some massive payouts, especially when combined with the roaming wilds.

Conclusion 

Release the Kraken by Pragmatic Play successfully combines stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and engaging gameplay mechanics to create a slot that stands out in a crowded market. While the base game offers steady entertainment, it is the bonus features that truly shine, providing moments of excitement and significant win potential. 

The high volatility and 10,000x max win make this game particularly appealing to players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward slots. The creative use of wilds, coupled with the suspenseful chest-opening sequences and the dynamic free spins feature, ensures that the game remains fresh and entertaining even after extended play sessions. 

That said, the theme and mechanics, while well-executed, may feel familiar to those who have played similar Pragmatic Play titles, such as Hercules & Pegasus. Additionally, the predictability of some bonus outcomes may diminish the thrill for more experienced players. 

Overall, Release the Kraken is a solid addition to Pragmatic Play’s portfolio and a must-try for fans of adventure-themed slots or those looking to test their luck against the mythical Kraken. Dive in and see if you can unleash the beast’s treasures!