Release the Kraken Megaways (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Release the Kraken Megaways: Slot Overview

Release the Kraken Megaways is the third installment in Pragmatic Play’s popular Kraken-themed slot series. Released on October 14, 2024, this highly anticipated game incorporates the Megaways engine, offering players up to 117,649 ways to win on a dynamic 6-reel grid. With an RTP of 96.08% and medium volatility, this ocean-themed adventure brings players deep into the mysteries of the sea, featuring the notorious Kraken and a host of exciting mechanics that promise big payouts, including a maximum win potential of 10,000x the bet.

The game stands out for its innovative features, such as Roaming Wilds, Guaranteed Wins, and a captivating Free Spins round with various upgrades, making it a thrilling experience for both casual players and seasoned slot enthusiasts. It also allows for flexible betting, with stakes ranging from €0.20 to €300, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

Design and Graphics

As expected from Pragmatic Play, Release the Kraken Megaways boasts exceptional design and high-quality graphics. The game’s visuals are set in a mesmerizing underwater world, where the dark, deep sea creates an atmosphere of mystery and adventure. In the background, shipwrecks and underwater ruins are visible, hinting at the fearsome Kraken lurking beneath the surface, ready to pounce.

The reels themselves are framed with intricate details of coral, seaweed, and treasure chests, enhancing the aquatic theme. The symbols on the reels include both low-paying symbols (10 through Ace) and high-paying sea creatures, including a variety of fish, sharks, and the Kraken itself. The wild symbol is represented by a golden octopus, adding excitement to the game whenever it appears.

What sets Release the Kraken Megaways apart is the balance it strikes between being intimidating and fun. Unlike some of its predecessors, which emphasized either a scary or cute Kraken, this game finds a middle ground, offering players a high-seas adventure that’s neither too lighthearted nor overly dramatic. The graphic design, coupled with smooth animations and vibrant colors, makes for an immersive visual experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

Release the Kraken Megaways uses the Megaways engine, which dynamically changes the number of symbols on each reel, ranging from 2 to 7 per reel. This setup allows for up to 117,649 ways to win, depending on how many symbols land on the reels during each spin. Wins are formed by matching symbols from left to right on adjacent reels.

The game includes several exciting features that keep the base game engaging:

Wild Respins

When 3 or more wild symbols land during the base game, the Wild Respins feature is triggered. During this round, the wild symbols become Roaming Wilds, meaning they move to new positions on the reels with each respin. This feature continues as long as new wilds land, with each new wild awarding an extra respin. This mechanic adds an element of unpredictability, as wilds can stack up and increase the chances of landing a big win.

Mystery Symbols

Mystery symbols also appear during the base game. When they land, all mystery symbols on the reels transform into the same randomly chosen symbol, potentially leading to substantial wins, especially when combined with Roaming Wilds or other high-paying symbols.

Sound and Music

The audio in Release the Kraken Megaways complements the game’s high-seas theme perfectly. The background score is dramatic and adventurous, evoking a sense of danger as players venture deeper into the ocean in search of hidden treasures. The music ramps up during significant moments, such as big wins or when bonus features are triggered, adding to the tension and excitement.

Each spin is accompanied by crisp sound effects, from the reels clicking into place to the splash of ocean waves. When features like Wild Respins or Free Spins are triggered, the soundtrack intensifies, making players feel like they’re part of a swashbuckling undersea adventure. Overall, the sound design is immersive and engaging, enhancing the gameplay experience.

Bonus Features

The Release the Kraken Megaways slot truly shines in its variety of bonus features, each designed to increase win potential and add excitement.

Free Spins

The Free Spins round is triggered by landing 3 or more scatter symbols on the reels. Players are awarded 6 free spins for 3 scatters, with more spins granted for additional scatters. Before the free spins begin, players must select chests to reveal random upgrades, such as:

+1, +2, +3, or +4 free spins

Extra Roaming Wilds

Increased starting multiplier (+x1 or +x2)

A minimum of 2,000, 5,000, or 10,000 ways to win for each spin

During the free spins, Roaming Wilds play a crucial role. Each wild that lands turns into a roaming wild, moving across the reels with each spin. If two roaming wilds land in the same position, the global multiplier increases by +1, significantly boosting win potential.

Additionally, hitting a scatter symbol during the free spins awards one extra spin and allows players to pick another chest for further upgrades. This feature keeps the action fast-paced and ensures that players remain engaged throughout the free spins round.

Guaranteed Wins

During the base game, Guaranteed Wins can be randomly triggered on non-winning spins. The symbols on the reels will transform to ensure a win of at least 10x the bet, offering a lifeline on otherwise losing spins.

Betting Options and Payouts

Release the Kraken Megaways caters to a wide range of players with its flexible betting options. The minimum bet starts at €0.20, while high rollers can stake up to €300 per spin. This wide betting range makes the game accessible to all types of players, whether they’re playing casually or aiming for high-stakes wins.

The game’s RTP is set at 96.08%, which is standard for most online slots. With a hit frequency of 1 in 8.23 spins, players can expect regular, albeit smaller, payouts in the base game. The volatility is rated as medium, which strikes a good balance between risk and reward.

The maximum win in Release the Kraken Megaways is capped at 10,000x the bet, and while the max win frequency is 1 in 978,569 spins, the combination of free spins, roaming wilds, and multipliers means that significant wins are achievable with a bit of luck.

Conclusion

Release the Kraken Megaways by Pragmatic Play successfully builds on the franchise’s previous titles, delivering a fresh and engaging experience with the addition of the Megaways engine. The game’s innovative features, such as Roaming Wilds, Mystery Symbols, and Free Spins with chest upgrades, ensure that each spin is filled with potential for excitement and big wins.

With its high-quality design, immersive sound, and a maximum win potential of 10,000x, Release the Kraken Megaways appeals to a wide audience, from casual players to high rollers. The blend of medium volatility, frequent smaller wins, and lucrative bonus rounds makes it a well-rounded slot that offers plenty of reasons to keep coming back.

If you’re a fan of high-seas adventures, big win potential, and engaging gameplay mechanics, Release the Kraken Megaways might be worth a try.