Description
Five-reel, three-row, high-variance slot 5 Lions from Pragmatic Play is based on the guardian lions that are a traditional Chinese ornament and here stand guard over the treasure. Look forward to some zingy graphics and no fewer than 243 ways of winning. (Expanding to 576 in the free spins round.)
This game adds to a number of other Oriental-themed offerings in this developer’s arsenal, while its summer 2018 release means it’s still a relative newcomer.
An ornate gold frame surrounds the spinning action, and there’s a deep purple background plus a slowly turning pink globe in the top right-hand corner of the screen. Meanwhile, upbeat background music sets the tone for a fast-paced game.
How to play
There’s a wide range of possible bets to suit all sizes of wallet, from 50p to £250 a spin.
Symbols are golden statues. Among the higher-paying icons are the frog, phoenix, dragon, Koi and turtle – while the playing-cards 9 through K constitute the lower-value ones.
Just line up at least three of the same icons on a Payline to bag a win.
5 Lions special features
Special symbols
The golden lion serves as the Wild in this game, and you’ll only spot him on Reels 2 through 4. As ever, this icon replaces all other, bar the interlocking Yin and Yang Scatter emblem, to help create winning combinations. What’s more, if the Wild contributes to a win, a random multiplier of up to 40x applies.
Bonus games
Free spins
Activate this exciting round when you manage to bag at least three of the interlocking Yin Yang icons on neighbouring reels, beginning from the left.
Here you will be given seven options, with between six and 25 free spins. However, as the number of freebies increases, correspondingly the multipliers go down. These range from 2x to 40x. Will you play it safe with more spins but lower multipliers?
Or take a chance on a 15x or higher multiplier? You’ll also have a mystery option, removing the dilemma of choice.
Your choices are as follows:
- 25 free spins plus a Wild multiplier of 2x, 3x or 5x
- 20 free spins plus a Wild multiplier of 3x, 5x or 8x
- 15 free spins plus a Wild multiplier of 5x, 8x or 10x
- 13 free spins plus a Wild multiplier of 8x, 10x or 15x
- 10 free spins plus a Wild multiplier of 10x, 15x or 30x
- 6 free spins plus a Wild multiplier of 15x, 30x or 40x
Return to Player (RTP)
The highly volatile slot game has a standard-to-good RTP or Return to Player of 96.50%.
Verdict
There’s nothing overly complicated about 5 Lions, which you may consider to be a good or bad thing, depending on your preferences. It’s certainly an entertaining game, with some smooth animation and gameplay, and an exciting player experience generally. Equally, if nothing else will, the free spins feature should keep you playing! After all, few slots allow you to choose your own bonus.
It’s true that it may be best suited to players with previous experience of high-variance games, and you should expect fewer and higher prizes. It’s also arguably aimed at the higher rollers.
But take a virtual trip to China to try it out – and see if it’s a game that works for you — if you like it, be sure to check out 5 Lions Gold as well!