Release the Kraken Megaways slot by Pragmatic Play marks the newest addition to the beloved underwater-themed slot series, following in the footsteps of its predecessors, Release the Kraken (2020) and Release the Kraken 2 (2022). Officially launched on October 14, 2024, this installment merges the excitement of high-energy Megaways mechanics with a vibrant and engaging maritime theme. With an astounding 117,649 potential pay lines, a maximum win potential of 10,000x, and various innovative features, Release the Kraken Megaways offers a rich gaming experience. This review delves into everything from its design to its gameplay mechanics, providing a comprehensive overview of what players can anticipate when exploring the depths of this slot game.
Design and Theme
Set in a mysterious, deep-sea environment, Release the Kraken Megaways invites players to explore the ocean’s depths, where hidden treasures and legendary creatures await discovery. The game features stunning visuals with high-quality graphics and smooth animations, bringing to life a detailed underwater world complete with a shipwrecked ship resting on the seafloor. Pragmatic Play has enriched the game’s atmosphere with crisp, realistic symbols, vibrant animations, and an engaging soundtrack that heightens the excitement. The background undergoes dramatic changes during bonus features, creating a unique shift in the ambiance as players dive deeper into the ocean to confront the Kraken itself.
Symbols and Paytable
In the Release the Kraken Megaways slot, symbols are divided into low-paying and high-paying categories, each contributing to the game’s payout structure. Here’s a breakdown:
- Low-Paying Symbols. The standard card symbols 10, J, Q, K, and A, common in many slots, serve as the low-paying symbols here. While visually simple, they offer regular payouts to maintain engagement during the base game.
- High-Paying Symbols. The game features a set of oceanic creatures as high-paying symbols. Jellyfish. Pays up to 0.8x the bet for six of a kind. Eel. Pays up to 1.5x the bet for six of a kind. Piranha. Pays up to 2x the bet for six of a kind. Puffer Fish. Pays up to 4x the bet for six of a kind. Shark. The highest-paying regular symbol, offering up to 6x the bet for six matches.
- Special Symbols. Wild Symbol. Appears on reels 2-6 and substitutes for other paying symbols. Mystery Symbol. This symbol can appear in the base game, transforming all instances into the same random paying symbol for potentially more significant wins. Scatter Symbol. Triggers the Free Spins feature when three or more appear, unlocking various bonuses in the picking phase.
| Symbol | 3 Matches | 4 Matches | 5 Matches | 6 Matches |
| Jellyfish | 0.1x | 0.2x | 0.4x | 0.8x |
| Eel | 0.2x | 0.4x | 0.8x | 1.5x |
| Piranha | 0.3x | 0.6x | 1.0x | 2.0x |
| Puffer Fish | 0.5x | 1.0x | 2.0x | 4.0x |
| Shark | 1.0x | 2.0x | 4.0x | 6.0x |
Gameplay Experience
Release the Kraken Megaways offers a gameplay experience that perfectly balances engaging base game action and exciting bonus rounds. Here’s what you can look forward to as you explore each mode:
Base Game
In the base game, Release the Kraken Megaways immerses players in a serene coastal setting. The 6-reel grid and the dynamic Megaways system provide up to 117,649 pay lines, making every spin feel fresh and unpredictable. The game features sharp graphics and intricate animations that vividly portray the underwater world, with symbols that glide effortlessly across the screen. Low-paying symbols appear often, ensuring consistent, smaller wins, while high-paying sea creature symbols and Wilds boost the potential for larger payouts. The Guaranteed Win feature can activate on non-winning spins, rearranging symbols to guarantee a payout of at least 10x, adding an extra layer of excitement to the base game.
Free Spins Mode
The Free Spins mode takes players into an immersive deep-sea environment, enhancing the excitement of the game. Activated by landing 3 or more Scatter symbols, Free Spins begin with a Picking Phase where players choose from various chests to uncover rewards. The number of chests corresponds to the number of Scatters that triggered the feature, and the rewards include:
- Extra Free Spins. Add additional spins to your round.
- Roaming Wilds. Guarantees Wilds that move positions with each spin.
- Multipliers. Increases the total win multiplier.
- Minimum Payways. Sets a minimum number of pay lines per spin, boosting the potential for more significant wins.
During Free Spins, any Wild symbols that appear on the reels remain active and move around with each spin. If two Wilds land in the same spot, the win multiplier increases by +1x, enhancing the feature’s winning potential. Additionally, Free Spins provides a re-trigger option if a Scatter symbol appears on reel 6, giving players an extra spin and more chances to pick chests. This mix of dynamic features and player interaction makes the Free Spins mode an exciting and rewarding part of the game.
Release the Kraken Megaways Demo
Release the Kraken Megaways offers players the chance to explore its features and mechanics without any financial commitment through its demo mode. This free-play version allows users to experience the full range of gameplay, including the Megaways payline variations, bonus features, and Free Spins, with virtual credits.
Conclusion
Release the Kraken Megaways slot, an exciting addition to Pragmatic Play’s Kraken-themed series, delivering a rich, engaging gaming experience that respects and enhances its predecessors. Incorporating the Megaways mechanic, the updated Picking Phase, and enhanced bonus features create a slot that excels in visuals and gameplay depth. With high volatility, significant winning potential, and an immersive sound environment, it’s an excellent option for players searching for a thrilling adventure.
Although its adjustable RTP may require some caution, the slot’s creative features, including Wild Respins, Mystery Symbols, and Guaranteed Wins, offer plenty of chances for captivating gameplay. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the original Release the Kraken series or simply searching for a visually stunning slot with various features, Release the Kraken Megaways is a standout selection in Pragmatic Play’s 2024 offerings.
FAQ
What is the maximum win potential in Release the Kraken Megaways?
The maximum win potential in Release the Kraken Megaways is 10,000x your bet, making it a high-stakes game with significant rewards for lucky players.
What is the RTP and volatility of Release the Kraken Megaways?
Release the Kraken Megaways has an adjustable RTP, with the most common version offering a 96.40% return rate. It is a high-volatility slot, meaning wins can be less frequent but are typically larger.
How many paylines are available in Release the Kraken Megaways?
With the Megaways mechanic, Release the Kraken Megaways can generate up to 117,649 paylines, providing a wide range of ways to win.