Release the Kraken 2 (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Release the Kraken 2: Slot Overview 

Pragmatic Play dives back into the underwater adventure with the sequel to their popular slot game, Release the Kraken. Aptly titled Release the Kraken 2, this slot builds on the original’s success while introducing new features and a more playful tone. The game invites players into a vibrant marine world filled with colorful coral reefs, charming sea creatures, and tantalizing treasures. Thematically, the slot moves away from the sinister undertones of its predecessor, opting for a more whimsical and fun aesthetic. 

Release the Kraken 2 operates on a standard 5-reel, 3-row layout with 20 paylines in the base game, expanding to 40 paylines during free spins. With a highly volatile math model and an impressive RTP of up to 96.5%, the game balances high-stakes gameplay with a plethora of engaging features. Players can wager between €0.20 and €100 per spin, making it accessible to both casual players and high rollers. The game’s standout mechanics include shifting wild stacks, wild respins, and a unique Deal or No Deal style free spins bonus, ensuring there’s always something exciting to look forward to. 

Design and Graphics 

Visually, Release the Kraken 2 is a feast for the eyes. Pragmatic Play has enhanced the design from the original game, replacing its darker, foreboding tone with a more vibrant and cheerful underwater setting. The reels are set against a backdrop of lush coral reefs, schools of fish, and sunlit ocean waves. The symbols are beautifully designed, with high-paying characters including various sea creatures like sharks, puffers, and anglerfish, all brought to life with smooth animations. The Kraken itself, now a friendlier presence, appears as the game’s wild symbol. Its appearance triggers some of the slot’s most exciting features, such as roaming wilds and free spins. The playful animations, including small character interactions when wins occur, add to the charm of the game. Overall, the graphics are polished and colorful, embodying the fun-loving spirit of the sequel. 

Gameplay Mechanics 

The gameplay mechanics in Release the Kraken 2 are both familiar and innovative, offering a mix of traditional slot elements and fresh twists. The base game utilizes 20 paylines, with wins forming from left to right. During the free spins bonus, the paylines expand to 40, increasing the potential for big wins. 

Low-value symbols include the standard card royals (10 to A), while premium symbols feature various marine creatures. A winning combination of five low-value symbols pays 1-2 times the bet, while high-value symbols pay between 3-10 times the bet for five-of-a-kind. The Kraken wild, which can substitute for all symbols except scatters, is the most valuable, awarding up to 20 times the bet for a full line. 

A standout feature of the gameplay is the Ante Bet option. By activating this feature, players increase their bet by 25%, boosting the likelihood of triggering the free spins bonus. This mechanic adds a strategic layer to the gameplay, allowing players to take more control over their session. 

Sound and Music 

The soundtrack of Release the Kraken 2 complements its lighthearted theme. The game features a playful and upbeat score, punctuated by bubbly sound effects and the occasional deep, resonant roar from the Kraken. The music swells during free spins, heightening the excitement as multipliers climb and wilds land. Each win is accompanied by a satisfying sound effect, making every payout feel rewarding. Overall, the sound design adds to the immersive underwater experience without becoming repetitive or distracting. 

Bonus Features 

Release the Kraken 2 is packed with exciting bonus features, making it a game that keeps players engaged spin after spin. Here’s a breakdown of the main features: Wild Respin 

If four or more wild symbols land in the base game, the Wild Respin feature is triggered. During this mode, wilds roam the reels, moving to random positions with each respin. The feature continues as long as new wilds land, and each wild adds to the game’s multiplier, increasing potential payouts. 

Shifting Stack Wilds 

Shifting Stack Wilds can appear randomly on reels 2, 3, or 4. When these symbols land, they expand to cover the entire reel, and each nudge upward increases the associated multiplier. This feature ensures substantial payouts, particularly when multiple stacked wilds appear in a single spin. 

Guaranteed Win 

On non-winning base game spins, the Kraken can appear to rearrange symbols, ensuring a win worth 20-50 times the bet. This random feature adds a layer of anticipation, as players never know when the Kraken might intervene to boost their balance. 

Free Spins 

The free spins bonus is triggered by landing three or more scatter symbols. Before the round begins, players enter a mini-game reminiscent of Deal or No Deal, where they choose between different combinations of free spins and multipliers. The possible rewards vary depending on the number of scatters: 

• 3 scatters: 4-15 free spins with up to a x6 multiplier. 

• 4 scatters: 5-20 free spins with up to a x10 multiplier. 

• 5 scatters: 6-20 free spins with up to a x10 multiplier. 

During free spins, wilds become sticky and remain on the reels, moving to random positions between spins. Each new wild symbol increases the win multiplier by +1, significantly enhancing the potential for massive payouts. 

Buy Free Spins 

For players who prefer to skip the base game, Release the Kraken 2 offers two buy bonus options: Standard Free Spins: Costs 100x the bet. 

VIP Free Spins: Costs 250x the bet and guarantees a five-scatter trigger with the highest multipliers. 

This feature caters to players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay, allowing them to jump straight into the game’s most lucrative phase. 

Betting Options and Payouts 

With a betting range of €0.20 to €100, Release the Kraken 2 accommodates players of all budgets. The RTP varies depending on the chosen mode, with the base game offering up to 96.5% when the Ante Bet is active. The slot’s high volatility ensures that wins, while less frequent, can be substantial. The maximum win is capped at 5,000x the bet, which is achievable during the free spins bonus, thanks to the combination of sticky wilds and climbing multipliers. 

Conclusion 

Release the Kraken 2 by Pragmatic Play successfully builds on the strengths of its predecessor while introducing new features and a more cheerful tone. The game’s vibrant graphics, engaging mechanics, and innovative bonuses make it a standout title in the provider’s portfolio. While the reduction in maximum win potential compared to the original might disappoint some players, the addition of features like the Ante Bet and the Deal or No Deal free spins mini-game ensures there’s plenty to keep players entertained. 

For fans of underwater-themed slots or those looking for a game with high volatility and diverse features, Release the Kraken 2 is a worthy choice. Whether you’re a casual spinner or a seasoned high roller, this slot offers an ocean of possibilities and a thrilling gaming experience.