The Ultimate 5 (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

The Ultimate 5: Slot Overview 

Pragmatic Play’s The Ultimate 5 transports players to the heart of the African savanna, combining stunning visuals with exciting gameplay mechanics. This slot takes a classic approach, blending familiar features with a Hold & Spin Super Boost twist to set itself apart. With a 5-reel, 3-row setup and 20 fixed paylines, the game emphasizes simplicity, allowing players to enjoy steady, high-volatility action. Featuring symbols that highlight the grandeur of African wildlife, The Ultimate 5 offers a captivating escape into nature while boasting a competitive RTP of 96.5%. 

This game’s major selling points are its robust features, including a free spins round with symbol removal mechanics and a Hold & Spin bonus that offers Mega-level prizes. These features, coupled with a vibrant aesthetic, make The Ultimate 5 a must-try for fans of Pragmatic Play’s signature style.

Design and Graphics 

Visually, The Ultimate 5 delivers a polished and immersive experience. The reels are set against a picturesque African savanna, with vivid sunsets, lush greenery, and iconic wildlife in the background. The overall aesthetic feels reminiscent of classic wildlife-themed slots, but with a refined, modern touch. The animal symbols—buffalo, lions, elephants, rhinos, and leopards—are beautifully rendered and dominate the reels with bold colors and detailed designs. Lower-paying symbols are represented by 10-A card royals, stylized to fit the theme. Pragmatic Play has clearly put effort into creating an environment that feels alive, from the swaying trees to the glowing sunlit backdrop. 

The animations are smooth and fluid, especially during feature triggers. For instance, the Hold & Spin Super Boost feature uses fiery animations to enhance the thrill of big wins. While the overall design is not groundbreaking, it effectively captures the essence of the African plains.

Gameplay Mechanics 

The Ultimate 5 offers straightforward mechanics that cater to both new and experienced players. With 20 fixed paylines, wins occur when three or more matching symbols land adjacently from the leftmost reel. High-value animal symbols pay between 4x and 20x the bet for five-of-a-kind combinations, while lower-value royals pay between 1x and 2x. 

The wild symbol, represented by an acacia tree bathed in sunlight, substitutes for all symbols except the scatter and money symbols, adding an extra layer of excitement during base gameplay. 

The game’s high volatility means that big wins are possible, though they require patience. Symbol removal in the free spins round can lead to chain reactions of cascading wins, while the Hold & Spin Super Boost feature is designed to keep adrenaline levels High.

Sound and Music 

The soundtrack in The Ultimate 5 complements its savanna theme perfectly. A rhythmic, drum-heavy composition plays in the background, evoking the spirit of Africa’s wilderness. The sounds of chirping birds, roaring lions, and soft winds add layers of authenticity, making the gameplay experience deeply immersive. 

During feature triggers, the audio intensifies, signaling the potential for significant rewards. For example, the Hold & Spin round is accompanied by suspenseful, escalating sound effects that heighten the tension as money symbols link together. While not groundbreaking, the music and effects do an admirable job of immersing players in the game’s setting.

Bonus Features 

The Ultimate 5 includes two primary bonus features: Free Spins and the Hold & Spin Super Boost. Free Spins 

Triggered by landing 3, 4, or 5 diamond scatter symbols, this round rewards players with 8, 10, or 12 free spins, respectively. The free spins feature introduces a unique twist: symbol removal mechanics. With each random level-up during free spins, the lowest-value symbol is removed from the reels, increasing the chances of higher-paying combinations. 

If additional scatter symbols land during the feature, players can earn 2, 4, 6, or 8 extra free spins, extending the potential for big wins. Wild symbols are guaranteed to appear during random level-ups, making the feature even more rewarding. 

Hold & Spin Super Boost 

This feature is the game’s standout mechanic. It activates when three or more sun money symbols land on the reels. Each money symbol carries a random multiplier value of 1x to 500x the base bet, representing Mini, Minor, Major, Maxi, or Mega prizes. Players begin with 3 respins, and every new money symbol that lands resets the respin counter. 

The unique aspect of this feature is its Super Boost mechanic. Linked symbols form clusters, and their values combine to upgrade existing prizes. For example, three linked money symbols valued at 10x, 25x, and 50x might upgrade to a Mini, Major, or even Mega prize. The round continues until no respins remain or the entire grid is filled with linked symbols.

Betting Options and Payouts 

The Ultimate 5 offers a flexible range of betting options, catering to a wide audience. Players can wager as little as €0.20 or as much as €100 per spin, making it accessible for both casual players and high rollers. The game’s max win is capped at 5,000x the stake, achievable through the Hold & Spin feature or free spins. 

The RTP of 96.5% is competitive and slightly above average for high-volatility slots. However, players should be mindful of the game’s hit frequency, as large wins require perseverance due to its high-risk nature.

Conclusion 

The Ultimate 5 is a visually appealing and feature-packed slot that stays true to Pragmatic Play’s reputation for high-quality games. While the African wildlife theme might not break new ground, the polished graphics, engaging sound design, and thrilling bonus features ensure it holds its own in a crowded market. 

The free spins round, with its symbol removal mechanic, provides a fresh twist on standard gameplay, while the Hold & Spin Super Boost is a standout feature that can deliver thrilling payouts. However, the game’s high volatility and lack of a true innovation in theme or gameplay might not appeal to all players. 

That said, for those who enjoy wildlife-themed slots or are fans of Pragmatic Play’s signature style, The Ultimate 5 offers plenty of excitement and potential rewards. Its combination of stunning visuals, solid mechanics, and lucrative features make it a worthy addition to the provider’s portfolio. Whether you’re hunting for big wins or simply enjoying the scenery, The Ultimate 5 delivers a savanna adventure worth exploring.