Safari King (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Safari King: Slot Overview

Pragmatic Play takes players on a virtual expedition across the sprawling African savannah in Safari King, an online slot that channels the essence of the wild. With a classic 5-reel, 4-row setup and 50 fixed paylines, this slot isn’t groundbreaking in design but delivers on the promise of accessible gameplay paired with rewarding features. Boasting an RTP of 96.37% and low-to-medium volatility, Safari King leans toward providing a steady, albeit less volatile, gaming experience compared to other titles in Pragmatic Play’s extensive portfolio. 

The game introduces a straightforward system where the focus shifts primarily to its free spins and additional wild symbols. While the base game does not offer elaborate mechanics or surprises, the bonus round’s potential to add wilds across multiple reels adds an engaging dimension for players. However, its max win of 868x the stake might not excite thrill-seekers hunting for massive payouts. Instead, Safari King is tailored to players looking for a balance of risk and reward within a comfortable, easy-to-follow gaming environment. 

Design and Graphics

Safari King’s visuals are elegant but not particularly revolutionary. The game is set against a backdrop of a vast African plain, where tall grasses sway gently in the wind, and birds flit across the horizon. The backdrop, though beautifully animated, falls slightly short of creating a truly immersive experience. Compared to some of Pragmatic Play’s visually stunning offerings, Safari King feels restrained, as if it were intentionally designed to remain accessible to players using devices with lower specifications. The reel symbols consist of both traditional card royals (10 to A) and thematic icons such as zebras, gazelles, rhinos, and elephants. The elephant symbol is the star of the base game, offering a payout of 20x the stake for five-of-a-kind and appearing fully stacked on the reels. Completing the wild savannah theme is the majestic lion symbol, which serves as the wild and can substitute for any regular pay symbol. 

Overall, the design is polished, with clear symbols and animations that run smoothly. However, it lacks the distinctiveness and vibrancy found in other Africa-themed slots, which often feature dynamic sunsets, roaring animals, or tribal music to enhance the setting. 

Gameplay Mechanics

Safari King keeps things simple with its gameplay mechanics, which is both a strength and a weakness. The game plays out over 50 fixed paylines, with wins being achieved by landing three or more matching symbols on adjacent reels from left to right. The paylines ensure that every spin feels active, but the absence of special mechanics in the base game makes it feel repetitive after extended play sessions. 

One notable feature in the base game is the inclusion of fully stacked elephant symbols, which can lead to significant wins when aligned correctly. However, the lack of wild symbols in the base game limits its winning potential, leaving much of the excitement to hinge on triggering the bonus round. 

The low volatility ensures that wins occur frequently, making it ideal for casual players or those seeking lower-risk entertainment. Yet, this same characteristic might deter high-risk, high-reward enthusiasts who prefer more volatile slots. 

Sound and Music

Pragmatic Play has incorporated a subtle and atmospheric soundtrack that complements the game’s theme without being intrusive. The ambient noises of chirping birds and rustling grasses create a calm yet immersive experience, although the sound design lacks standout moments. Winning combinations trigger satisfying sound effects, and the lion’s roar when the wild appears adds a touch of excitement. 

While effective, the audio design could have leaned further into its African theme by integrating more dynamic tribal beats or traditional instruments to heighten the drama during spins and bonus rounds. 

Bonus Features

The Free Spins feature is Safari King’s main attraction. Triggered by landing three Bonus symbols on the middle reels, the bonus round starts with 8 free spins. During free spins, additional wild symbols are added to reels 2, 3, 4, and 5 after every spin, progressively increasing the chance of creating lucrative combinations. 

What sets the bonus round apart is its retrigger potential. Every additional Bonus symbol that lands during the free spins adds one extra free spin to the total. There’s no limit to the number of retriggers, offering players significant opportunities for extended playtime and bigger rewards. 

However, it’s worth noting that the max win in Safari King remains capped at 868x the bet, which might seem underwhelming for players used to Pragmatic Play’s more ambitious titles. 

Betting Options and Payouts

Safari King accommodates a wide range of betting preferences, with a minimum bet of €0.50 and a maximum bet of €250 per spin. This flexibility makes it accessible to casual players while also appealing to high rollers. 

The RTP of 96.37% is competitive and falls within the industry standard, giving players decent value for their bets over the long run. The low-to-medium volatility ensures consistent, smaller payouts, which is ideal for players who prefer to extend their gameplay session rather than chasing infrequent but large wins. 

The game’s paytable highlights the importance of premium symbols like the elephant, which offers the highest payouts in the base game. During the bonus round, however, the added wilds become the key to unlocking the slot’s maximum potential. 

Conclusion

Safari King is a dependable but ultimately unremarkable addition to Pragmatic Play’s portfolio. It combines clean visuals, straightforward mechanics, and a well-structured free spins feature into a package that is perfectly serviceable but lacks the flair or innovation to stand out in a crowded market. 

For casual players or those new to online slots, Safari King offers an excellent starting point. Its low volatility, frequent payouts, and accessible theme make it an easy recommendation for light entertainment. However, for experienced players seeking unique features or massive wins, Safari King might feel overly simplistic and limited in scope. 

While it doesn’t match the creativity or excitement of other Pragmatic Play hits, Safari King delivers a solid, no-frills gaming experience that works well for its target audience. Players looking for a more explosive or innovative slot experience might want to explore titles like Da Vinci’s Treasure or Peking Luck, but those seeking a gentle stroll through the savannah will find plenty to enjoy here.