Shaolin Master (Hacksaw Gaming) Slot Review

Shaolin Master: Slot Overview

Shaolin Master by Hacksaw Gaming invites players to step into the serene yet exhilarating world of martial arts. Set against a backdrop of misty mountain temples, this game merges the precision of kung fu with the unpredictable thrills of a slot machine. A follow-up to the wildly popular Hand of Anubis, Shaolin Master keeps the action flowing with its 5-reel, 6-row cluster-pays grid and medium volatility. Offering an RTP of 96.31%, a hit frequency of 41%, and a maximum win potential of 10,000x the bet, this slot strikes a balance between high entertainment and potentially lucrative gameplay.

Although Shaolin Master doesn’t stray far from its predecessor in terms of mechanics, it brings a fresh theme that pays homage to martial arts discipline. Whether you’re a fan of cascading wins, free spins, or intricate multiplier mechanics, the game has plenty to offer while presenting Hacksaw’s signature polish.

Design and Graphics

Shaolin Master impresses with its intricate visuals, capturing the essence of martial arts with vibrant details. The game grid is framed by ancient Chinese temples, with a sense of depth created by distant mountain peaks and flowing waterfalls. The Shaolin Master himself stands watch on one side, exuding an aura of wisdom, while his eager student strikes a ready stance on the other.

The symbols on the reels include a mix of classic and thematic icons. Low-paying symbols are represented by stylized 10 to A card royals. High-value symbols depict martial arts elements such as fists, dragon motifs, and golden artifacts. Special symbols, like the Chi Orbs, bring dynamic animations to the reels, particularly when triggering multiplier effects or cascading wins.

Overall, Shaolin Master’s graphics are clean and visually striking. While it may lack the dark, moody atmosphere of Hand of Anubis, the vibrant color palette and finely tuned animations ensure it stands out in its own right.

Gameplay Mechanics

At its core, Shaolin Master revolves around a cluster-pays mechanic. Winning clusters are formed when five or more matching symbols connect horizontally or vertically. Once a cluster is formed, the winning symbols disappear, allowing new symbols to cascade into place, potentially creating chain reactions of wins.

One of the standout features is the inclusion of Chi Orbs, which act as wild multipliers and drive much of the game’s excitement. These orbs come in three varieties:

• Blue Chi Orb: Starts at a multiplier of x1 and increases by 1 after every win it’s part of.
• Red Chi Orb: Functions similarly, but its multiplier increases by +1 after every cascade instead of each individual win.
• Balance Chi Orbs: Lands only on cascades and applies a multiplier equal to the product of all active Blue and Red Chi Orbs.

The cascading wins paired with the multipliers create a dynamic and engaging gameplay loop that keeps players hooked.

Sound and Music

The audio design in Shaolin Master matches the tranquil yet intense theme of the game. A traditional Chinese instrumental soundtrack flows in the background, featuring serene flutes and plucked strings that evoke images of misty mountain temples and disciplined martial arts training.

When wins occur, the music takes on a more energetic tone, with dramatic sound effects emphasizing cascading wins and Chi Orb multipliers. The sound design succeeds in immersing players in the martial arts atmosphere without becoming overwhelming or repetitive.

Bonus Features

Shaolin Master shines in its array of bonus features, which add layers of complexity and excitement to the base game. The highlights include:

• The Student Free Spins: Triggered by landing three scatters, this feature awards 10 free spins. During these spins, multipliers are displayed above each reel and are increased with every winning cluster. Additionally, a Green Gem symbol can multiply the reel’s multiplier by x2 to x10.
• The Master Bonus Round: Activated by landing five scatter symbols, this feature offers three refilling spins. Multipliers are prominently displayed above each reel, and special Multiplier Blocks or Crusher Blocks can enhance these multipliers dramatically. The Crusher Blocks destroy all other multiplier blocks in their path and convert to the sum of their values, adding a layer of strategy and anticipation.
• Chi Orbs Mechanics: These wild multipliers play a crucial role in both the base game and bonus rounds, with their ability to stack and combine multipliers driving the potential for massive payouts.

• Bonus Buys: For players who prefer immediate action, Shaolin Master offers several Bonus Buy options, ranging from Bonus Hunt Feature Spins (3x the bet) to the premium Master feature (200x the bet).

Betting Options and Payouts

Shaolin Master caters to a wide range of players with its flexible betting options. Stakes start at just 10 cents and go up to $/€100, making it accessible for casual gamers while still appealing to high rollers. The cluster-pays system ensures that payouts are determined by the size and value of symbol clusters.

• Low-paying symbols offer 0.1x to 1x the bet for a cluster of 5 symbols, scaling up to 15x to 60x for a cluster of 15+.
• High-paying symbols and Chi Orbs significantly boost win potential, particularly when paired with the cascading wins mechanic.

With a maximum win of 10,000x the bet, Shaolin Master is designed to deliver big wins for the lucky few, though its medium volatility ensures a steady stream of smaller payouts to keep the gameplay engaging.

Conclusion

Shaolin Master may not reinvent the wheel, but it delivers a well-rounded slot experience packed with Hacksaw Gaming’s signature mechanics and visual finesse. The game’s medium volatility, engaging multiplier features, and cascading wins make it a solid choice for both casual players and seasoned slot enthusiasts. While it may not carry the same dark allure as Hand of Anubis, its martial arts theme is vibrant and offers a refreshing change of pace.

Whether you’re drawn in by the strategic bonus features, the polished visuals, or the promise of a 10,000x max win, Shaolin Master has enough charm and substance to hold its own. If you’re ready to test your skills in the Shaolin temple, this slot offers plenty of rewards for those who rise to the challenge.