The 5 Lions Megaways series has been a staple in online casinos for some time now. The original game was well-received by players and critics alike, offering an immersive experience with its Chinese-themed design, generous payouts, and engaging bonus features. With the release of the second installment, 5 Lions Megaways 2, Pragmatic Play aims to improve upon the original while maintaining its signature charm.
Theme and Design
As expected from a game bearing the "Lions" moniker, 5 Lions Megaways 2 is centered around the majestic creatures. The backdrop depicts an ancient Chinese temple, complete with intricate 5 Lions Megaways 2 free play carvings, water features, and lush vegetation. Players are transported to a mystical world of prosperity, where five golden lions serve as symbols of good fortune.
The game’s design follows the classic Pragmatic Play aesthetic, blending Asian-inspired elements with modern visuals. Colors are bright and vibrant, while animations remain smooth and engaging throughout gameplay. As players navigate through various features, they’ll discover hidden details that enhance their immersion within this virtual realm.
Symbols
Like its predecessor, 5 Lions Megaways 2 utilizes a combination of basic symbols (A, K, Q, J), along with several higher-paying Chinese-themed icons:
- Golden Lion: The Wild symbol in the game, representing the majestic creatures associated with good fortune.
- Jade Elephant: Offers high payouts and is essential for triggering bonus features.
- Red Dragon: A rare but rewarding symbol that contributes to increased winnings.
- Tiger Head: One of the highest-paying symbols, embodying both strength and prosperity.
Payouts
While paying out slightly less than its predecessor in certain cases, 5 Lions Megaways 2 compensates with additional opportunities for scoring high combinations due to its expanded reel structure (up to 7 rows).
- The minimum bet per spin is €/£/$0.20.
- Maximum win during the free spins feature is capped at x50,000 times your total stake.
Wilds
The Golden Lion Wild symbol can appear in any position on the reels and serves several purposes:
- Replacing other symbols to form winning combinations:
- Creates combos when substituting for all regular icons (A-K-J-Q) or Jade Elephant.
- Participates in cascading wins by spreading across adjacent positions upon triggering a combination.
Scatters
Jade Elephants, acting as scatters here, are key for launching bonus features:
- Free Spins : A set of 10 free spins is awarded when three, four, or five Jade Elephant symbols appear on the reels (in any order). During this feature:
- A respin function allows players to reroll a single row, potentially triggering additional combinations.
- Jackpot Bonus : Achieve five consecutive wins across all active paylines for entry into this exclusive bonus round.
Bonus Features and Gameplay
When three or more Jade Elephants appear anywhere on the reels (left-to-right), they trigger one of two possible features:
- Free Spins: The respin function allows players to focus their next spin’s results.
- Jackpot Bonus: Participate in an exclusive prize round with a fixed RTP.
Players have access to the ‘Autoplay’ feature for uninterrupted gaming sessions, as well as customizable speed settings (e.g., Turbo Mode).
RTP and Volatility
- The theoretical Return-to-Player percentage stands at 96.14%, above average.
- Pragmatic Play has chosen medium-high volatility, presenting potential risks but also opportunities for significant returns.
Betting Range and Maximum Win
- Minimum Bet : €/£/$0.20 (0.10-200)
- Maximum Win : x50,000 times your stake
Player Experience and Overall Analysis
From its visually stunning design to its extensive bonus features, 5 Lions Megaways 2 delivers an immersive experience that draws players in for a session or more.
Players who appreciated the original will likely find even more reasons to fall in love with this sequel. Pragmatic Play’s continued dedication to polishing gameplay mechanics and improving overall quality is on full display here.