Theme and Storyline
IGT’s Elephant King is a captivating addition to its series of animal-themed slots, following in the footsteps of successful games like “Buffalo King.” This particular slot is set against the vast, sun-scorched plains of sub-Saharan Africa during the dry season, where the landscape is cracked and arid. Acacia trees struggle to survive under the relentless heat, and a majestic herd of elephants roams the land in search of food and water. Along the way, they encounter zebras, rhinos, and impalas, all facing the harsh realities of their environment.
As you spin the reels, you’ll be tasked with finding winning combinations—much like the animals themselves, who are striving to survive and thrive in this tough and unforgiving setting. The dry, desolate backdrop perfectly complements the game’s theme, setting the stage for a thrilling slot experience.
Graphics, Sounds, and Animations
The graphics in Elephant King are designed to shine on larger screens, like laptops or desktop monitors, where they look clean, vibrant, and full of intricate details. However, on smaller screens, such as those on mobile devices, the artwork may appear overly busy and a bit too detailed. The artwork utilizes a unique pseudo spray-paint style, typical of animal-themed slots, with bold colors and striking visuals that give the game a distinctive feel.
The animations and sound design are more up-to-date and polished compared to the graphics. The spin and win sounds are simple yet elegant, creating a smooth, satisfying auditory experience. In the background, there is an ambient soundtrack that perfectly matches the atmosphere, evoking a sense of the African wilderness without becoming overwhelming. The overall design—though not groundbreaking—is solid and contributes to a nice gaming experience, especially on larger screens.
Gameplay
Elephant King features a classic 5-reel, 3-row layout, with 40 win lines that run from left to right. One unique feature of the game is the addition of a horizontal Prize Disc located at the top of the reels. This disc randomizes certain factors related to bonuses, adding an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability. The game also includes two bonus features: the Free Spin Bonus and the Prize Disc feature.
While these features do offer some variety, the base game itself feels a bit straightforward. The addition of the Prize Disc adds a refreshing element, but the overall gameplay could benefit from a bit more volatility. A higher variance could have made the game more thrilling for players who enjoy the riskier side of slots.
Wilds, Bonuses, and Free Spins
The Wild symbol in Elephant King serves as a substitute for all other symbols, except for the Bonus symbol. Wilds appear only on reels 2, 3, and 4, increasing the chances of forming winning combinations. The Bonus symbol, on the other hand, only appears on reels 1, 3, and 5.
The Prize Disc, located at the top of the reels, moves one space from right to left with each spin. If a Bonus symbol lands on one of the designated reels, the symbol directly above it on the Prize Disc is awarded to the player. If the symbol is a number, the player will win that many coins, based on their chosen coin value. If the symbol is a Free Spin symbol, the player will receive 10 Free Spins.
During Free Spins, the reels are upgraded to offer higher payouts, and Extra Spin symbols can appear on the Prize Disc. Every time an Extra Spin symbol lands, the player is awarded two additional spins, with a maximum of 250 extra spins possible.
Bet Sizes, RTP, and Variance
Elephant King offers a return to player (RTP) rate of 96.02%, which is average for most online slots. The range of bet sizes is quite flexible, with players able to wager as little as $/£/€0.75 per spin, or go as high as $/£/€225.00 per spin. This makes the game accessible to a wide range of players, from casual gamers to high rollers.
In terms of volatility, Elephant King is classified as a medium-volatility slot. This means that it strikes a balance between risk and reward, providing moderate payouts at a steady pace. However, for players who prefer higher-risk, higher-reward games, the medium volatility might feel a bit tame. It’s not the best fit for those seeking the biggest swings and more intense gameplay.
Conclusion
While Elephant King impresses with its theme and unique features, such as the Prize Disc, it doesn’t quite hit the mark in every area. The graphics, though appealing on larger screens, can feel a bit cluttered on smaller devices. The sound and animations are a nice touch, though they don’t fully make up for the game’s lack of excitement in the base game. The RTP and medium volatility are standard, but they don’t offer the high stakes some players may be after.
Overall, Elephant King is a solid slot with potential, but it might not leave a lasting impression on every player. Its simplicity, while appealing to some, may feel a bit basic for those seeking more thrill and high volatility. While it’s worth trying out for fans of animal-themed slots, it’s not a game that stands out as an instant classic.
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