Samurai Code (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Samurai Code: Slot Overview 

Pragmatic Play’s Samurai Code takes inspiration from the honorable traditions of Japanese samurai while borrowing heavily from their previous slot, Bigger Bass Blizzard. Released in collaboration with Reel Kingdom, Samurai Code is a 5-reel, 4-row game featuring 12 paylines. The premise mixes an Asian aesthetic with familiar mechanics, relying on wild symbols to collect “Money” symbols during free spins for potentially large payouts. 

Despite the familiar formula, Samurai Code offers high volatility and an RTP of 96.08%, making it competitive for fans of Pragmatic Play’s style. With a maximum win of 4,000x your bet, Samurai Code aims to deliver rewarding moments, albeit with a heavy dose of déjà vu for players familiar with the studio’s previous releases.

Design and Graphics 

The visuals of Samurai Code are a mix of traditional Japanese elements and the casual, cartoonish style characteristic of Reel Kingdom. The reels are set within a tranquil dojo featuring sliding shoji panels, swords, and traditional scrolls, evoking a sense of discipline and honor. Despite the theme, the design doesn’t stray far from the templates used in other Pragmatic Play slots, which may feel repetitive to seasoned players.The symbols include low-value card royals (10-A) styled with an Asian twist, as well as thematic icons like dragonflies, swords, treasure chests, and a noble lady representing the high-value symbols. While the graphics are functional and consistent, they lack the finesse of hand-crafted Japanese art, falling short of delivering a truly immersive experience.

Gameplay Mechanics 

The gameplay of Samurai Code is straightforward, revolving around its 12 paylines. Wins are achieved by matching symbols from left to right across adjacent reels, starting from the first reel. Low-value royals pay up to 10x the bet for five matching symbols, while high-value symbols, such as the treasure chest, offer payouts of 50x to 200x the bet for a full line. 

One key feature is the Money Symbol, represented by various fish, which display random cash values ranging from 2x to 4,000x your bet. These Money Symbols come into play during the bonus round when collected by wild symbols. The game’s mechanics heavily emphasize this interaction, as it’s the primary source of big wins. 

While the base game can feel monotonous due to its lack of features, the promise of a lucrative free spins round keeps players engaged.

Sound and Music 

Samurai Code employs a soundtrack with traditional Japanese instruments, such as the koto and shakuhachi, combined with ambient background sounds. While the audio attempts to set a meditative mood, it leans into generic territory, offering little to distinguish itself from other Asian-themed slots. 

The sound effects during spins and wins are satisfying but unremarkable. The clang of swords and the gentle ringing of coins add thematic flair, but the overall sound design feels functional rather than transformative.

Bonus Features 

Money Symbol and Wild CollectionThe Money Symbol forms the backbone of Samurai Code’s bonus features. During the free spins, these symbols show cash values, which are collected by wild symbols appearing on the reels. Wild symbols also substitute for all regular symbols except scatters, enhancing the chances of forming winning combinations. 

Free Spins 

Triggering the free spins round requires landing 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols, awarding 10, 15, or 20 free spins respectively. A unique twist comes into play when only 2 scatter symbols appear during a spin, as the game may randomly pull a third scatter into view, granting access to the bonus round. 

During free spins: 

• Each wild symbol collects the values of all Money Symbols on the reels. 

• For every four wild symbols collected, the feature retriggers, awarding 10 additional spins and a multiplier for Money Symbol collections. The multiplier starts at x2 for the first retrigger, increases to x3 for the second, and reaches x10 on the third. 

This escalating multiplier adds excitement and potential for large payouts. Additionally, random swords may appear at the end of a spin, pulling reels upward to reveal more wild and Money Symbols, further enhancing rewards. 

Buy Free Spins For impatient players, the Buy Free Spins feature offers direct access to the bonus round for 100x the current total bet. While convenient, this option does not alter the RTP or guarantee significant wins.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Samurai Code accommodates a wide range of players with its betting options. The minimum bet starts at €0.12, making it accessible to casual gamers, while high rollers can wager up to €240 per spin. Activating the Ante Bet increases the stake by 50%, doubling the chances of triggering the free spins round. 

The game’s RTP of 96.08% is solid, and the high volatility ensures that big wins, while rare, are possible. The maximum win of 4,000x your bet offers decent potential but may not be enough to excite players accustomed to higher caps in other Pragmatic Play titles.

Conclusion 

Samurai Code is a competent slot that offers engaging moments, particularly during its bonus round. However, it suffers from a lack of originality, borrowing heavily from the mechanics and structure of earlier Pragmatic Play and Reel Kingdom games. For fans of the Big Bass Bonanza series or players new to the genre, Samurai Code provides a familiar yet entertaining experience with a Japanese twist. 

That said, seasoned players may find the slot uninspired, as its graphics, sound, and features fail to push boundaries. If you’re drawn to the theme or enjoy high-volatility games with multiplier-based free spins, Samurai Code is worth a spin. However, those seeking innovative gameplay or more immersive visuals might want to explore other titles in Pragmatic Play’s extensive catalog.