Sword of Shoguns (Thunderkick) Slot Review

Sword of Shoguns: Slot Overview 

Sword of Shoguns, released by Thunderkick on June 14, 2023, is a follow-up to the studio’s earlier hit Sword of Khans and takes players deep into feudal Japan. With a setting inspired by the noble warriors of the East, this highly volatile slot aims to blend traditional Asian aesthetics with modern gameplay mechanics—offering not just swordplay, but potential riches to match. 

On the surface, Sword of Shoguns shares much with its predecessor. It adopts the same Book of Ra-style expanding symbol mechanic, adds a few tweaks under the hood, and wraps it all in a familiar but polished theme. Players spin across 6 reels with up to 7 rows, and while it may look like a Megaways slot at first glance, it’s technically not. However, with 5,040 ways to win, the game certainly behaves like one. 

Add to that a massive 25,200x max win, 96.15% RTP (boosted to 96.4% with bonus buys), and a minimum stake of €0.10, and you’ve got a slot that invites both casual samurai and high-rolling warlords to draw their blades.

Design and Graphics 

Visually, Sword of Shoguns leans heavily into familiar Asian slot aesthetics—pagodas, cherry blossoms, temple roofs, and a mountainous backdrop painted in vibrant reds and oranges. The game grid is encased within a stylized palace gate, framed by elegant architecture and traditional detailing. A large moon rises or sets behind the reels depending on the time of the round, enhancing the mystique of the environment.Symbol design ranges from classic card ranks (9–A) styled in brushstroke font to culturally themed items like armor, fans, swords, and helmets. The shogun symbol is the most premium, offering higher payouts and expanded potential. The sword symbol, central to both the theme and mechanics, gleams with danger and promise—it serves as both wild and scatter, making it a visual and functional centerpiece. 

Though perhaps not revolutionary in aesthetic, the game is crisply rendered and fits neatly within Thunderkick’s refined visual identity. Everything feels familiar but well-executed.

Gameplay Mechanics 

The gameplay revolves around a dynamic 6-reel setup where 2 to 7 symbols randomly land on each reel. This flexible reel height is reminiscent of Megaways games, although Sword of Shoguns isn’t technically part of that engine. Still, the design results in 5,040 ways to win, which is significantly higher than many fixed-line slots. 

Wins are formed by matching three or more identical symbols on adjacent reels starting from the leftmost side. The only exception is the shogun symbol, which can pay for just two of a kind. The symbol distribution is programmed to always create the same number of win ways, giving the game a pseudo-Megaways experience while maintaining a consistent rhythm. 

The real twist comes with the expanding symbol mechanic during free spins, a feature that has become a fan favorite across multiple Thunderkick titles.

Sound and Music 

The game’s audio track is a meditative blend of plucked strings, bamboo flutes, and ambient chimes, creating a peaceful but suspenseful atmosphere. This calm vibe shifts subtly during bonus rounds, adding extra layers of drums and intensity to reflect the rising stakes. 

Sound effects are traditional and elegant—swishes of swords, gentle clicks as reels stop, and triumphant notes when wins land. The “sword strike” animation that triggers the free spins is particularly satisfying, accompanied by a dramatic sweep and musical crescendo that matches the samurai theme. 

While not flashy or overwhelming, the audio design complements the visuals perfectly, immersing players in the stoic resolve of a warrior’s world.

Bonus Features 

Sword Symbol (Wild and Scatter)

The sword symbol performs dual functions:Acts as a wild, substituting for all regular symbols. 

Acts as a scatter, triggering the bonus game when three or more land. 

When 3 or more swords hit, players are awarded a random number of free spins, ranging from 5 to 12. 

Free Spins with Expanding Symbols

The heart of the slot lies in its free spins feature. Once triggered: 

A random pay symbol is selected to become a special expanding symbol. 

When this symbol lands on at least 3 reels (or 2 for the shogun), it expands to fill the reel. 

Wins are then evaluated based on expanded coverage across the grid. 

This mechanic can lead to full-screen expansions, especially if a premium symbol like the shogun is chosen. These expansions are not dependent on adjacency, meaning payouts are based on number of reels rather than symbol positioning—greatly improving the chance of large wins. 

Retriggering Bonus Spins

If 3+ swords land again during free spins, players receive an additional 3–7 spins. 

A new symbol is selected to join the current one as an expander. 

Up to 4 expanding symbols can be active simultaneously, multiplying potential substantially. 

While simple in structure, the retrigger system creates a strong momentum effect in the bonus game, transforming modest starts into thrilling sessions.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Sword of Shoguns welcomes players of all bankrolls: 

Min Bet: €0.10 

Max Bet: €100 

Base RTP: 96.15% 

Bonus Buy RTPs: 

3 swords = 96.4% (120x bet) 

Volatility: High 

Max Win: 25,200x your stake 

Payout values include: 

Low pays (9–A): 1x to 1.3x for 6 of a kind 

Premiums (helmet, fan, armor, shogun): 2x to 5x for 6 of a kind 

The shogun pays even for 2 matches and becomes especially potent when selected as an expanding symbol during free spins. 

With the high max win potential, Sword of Shoguns is built for those chasing massive payouts. The bonus buy feature is also attractive for those not willing to wait for the scatter symbols to align.

Conclusion 

Sword of Shoguns doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it fine-tunes an already beloved formula. Fans of Sword of Khans, Book of Ra, and similar expanding symbol slots will feel right at home here. Thunderkick improves upon its predecessor by boosting the ways to win, enhancing the visual polish, and delivering a more generous max win ceiling. 

Sure, the game leans heavily on proven mechanics and doesn’t break new thematic ground. But it’s hard to deny the thrill when the free spins align and expanding symbols take over the reels—especially when you realize that a full-screen shogun hit could land you a 25,200x payout. 

It’s not for the faint-hearted—the high volatility and occasionally dry spells in the base game will test players’ resolve. But for those willing to brave the battlefield, Sword of Shoguns offers satisfying gameplay and the potential for glory.