Rise of Merlin (Play'n Go) Slot Review

Rise of Merlin: Slot Overview 

Released on June 17, 2019, Rise of Merlin by Play’n GO is an online slot that feels both familiar and mystical. This game dives deep into the fantasy realm, drawing inspiration from Arthurian legend and the iconic figure of the wizard Merlin. However, beneath its magical theme lies a game that’s as much about nostalgia as it is about originality. Rise of Merlin is undeniably cut from the same cloth as classics like Book of Ra and Book of Dead, and while some may argue it’s derivative, others see it as a tried-and-tested formula that delivers. 

With 5 reels, 3 rows, and up to 10 selectable paylines, Rise of Merlin offers simple but high-volatility gameplay. Its maximum win potential of 5000x your stake, along with a flexible betting range from €0.01 to €100, makes it appealing to both cautious players and high rollers alike. However, this is not a slot for the faint-hearted—its high volatility means long dry spells, but also the potential for massive rewards during bonus features.

Design and Graphics 

In terms of visuals, Rise of Merlin doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. The game is set in a mystic hall with ancient pillars and a magical aura. It’s clean and polished, though somewhat understated compared to flashier modern titles. The backdrop, filled with arcane blue hues and shimmering light effects, provides a fitting environment for a tale of wizards and enchantments. Symbols range from classic card values (10 to A) with stylized runes to themed icons like owls, dragons, and Merlin himself. Merlin, unsurprisingly, is the most valuable symbol and can lead to big wins, especially during Free Spins. The animations are minimal, focusing on smooth transitions and glowing effects when symbols expand, adding to the magical vibe without overwhelming the senses. 

Overall, the graphics serve the theme well, even if they aren’t particularly groundbreaking.

Gameplay Mechanics 

Rise of Merlin uses a straightforward 5×3 grid layout with between 1 to 10 adjustable paylines. Players can activate any number of paylines, but for optimal gameplay, it’s advised to keep all 10 active. Wins are achieved by landing matching symbols on active paylines from left to right. 

What stands out is the expanding symbol mechanic, a core feature borrowed from the Book of series. This turns standard gameplay into something more dynamic once the Free Spins feature is activated. In the base game, things remain relatively simple—spin, land combinations, and wait for the magic to kick in. 

The game’s high volatility means that regular wins may feel few and far between, but the anticipation of triggering the Free Spins with special expanding symbols keeps the excitement alive.

Sound and Music 

Sound design in Rise of Merlin contributes to the game’s magical feel. The background score is subtle, with ethereal tones and mysterious melodies that evoke the sense of ancient magic and arcane rituals. It’s atmospheric rather than intrusive, perfectly complementing the visual theme without becoming a distraction. 

Spin effects are minimal, while win sounds and feature triggers are highlighted by shimmering tones and dramatic cues. When Free Spins are triggered, a slight musical flourish signals the start of something potentially rewarding. While the audio won’t blow anyone away, it’s polished and fitting for the game’s fantasy context.

Bonus Features 

The real magic of Rise of Merlin happens in the Free Spins round. Triggered by landing three or more crystal ball scatter symbols (which also act as wilds), players are awarded 8 Free Spins. Before the round begins, one symbol is randomly chosen to become a special expanding symbol. 

This mechanic mirrors that of Book of Dead and Magic Mirror Deluxe. During Free Spins, if enough instances of the chosen symbol land, they expand to cover the entire reel—regardless of adjacency—resulting in potentially huge payouts. 

What sets Rise of Merlin apart is the retriggering potential. If you land another three scatters during the Free Spins round, you not only get an additional 8 spins, but a second expanding symbol is chosen. This can be repeated up to 9 times, meaning that you can eventually have multiple expanding symbols on the reels. Though it’s rare, this is where the maximum win of 5000x your stake comes into play. 

This layered bonus system provides escalating excitement. The longer you stay in the bonus round, the more explosive it becomes, with every retrigger compounding the potential rewards.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Rise of Merlin accommodates a wide range of budgets. With coin values starting from €0.01 and going up to €100 per spin, it’s accessible to casual players while still offering enough room for high stakes gamblers. 

The game offers a theoretical RTP of 96.58%, although some casinos may set it lower (down to 94.51%) depending on configuration. Players should always check the help file or paytable within their chosen casino to verify this. 

Payout-wise, Merlin is the most lucrative symbol, paying 500x your line stake for 5 of a kind. But the real power lies in the Free Spins expanding symbols—especially when retriggers start stacking. With a max win potential of 5000x your stake, the game has enough bite to justify its high-risk profile.

Conclusion 

Rise of Merlin might be a spiritual clone of Book of Dead, Magic Mirror Deluxe, or even Book of Ra, but it pulls off its mimicry with elegance. While the visuals may be considered modest and the mechanics familiar, there’s a certain charm to its simplicity and the thrill of chasing those expanding symbol wins during the Free Spins. 

Play’n GO has built a reputation for creating games that are both familiar and highly playable, and Rise of Merlin fits that mold perfectly. Whether you call it homage, inspiration, or outright imitation, there’s no denying that the game delivers a compelling and rewarding experience. 

Its potential for massive wins, retriggerable Free Spins with multiple expanding symbols, and adaptable betting options make it a worthy addition to any slot enthusiast’s playlist. If you’re a fan of high volatility slots that don’t overwhelm with too many features but still offer intense payout potential, Rise of Merlin is absolutely worth your time. 

In the end, magic might be an illusion—but the excitement in Rise of Merlin is very real.