By Clae 
Theme and Storyline
Shining Crown from EGT is a love letter to the classic slot machines of the past. This retro-inspired game pulls players into a world of nostalgia with symbols like lucky 7s, bells, cherries, and other traditional fruit machine icons. The real star of the show, however, is the Wild Crown symbol, which adds a touch of royalty to the gameplay. It’s a straightforward yet timeless design that channels the spirit of old-school slots while offering a modern spin.
The theme of Shining Crown doesn’t aim to reinvent the wheel—it plays it safe, sticking to familiar, comforting elements that many players associate with traditional slot machines. It’s perfect for those who enjoy the simplicity and charm of classic slots while hoping for a bit more excitement with the addition of progressive jackpots.
Graphics, Sounds, and Animations
Shining Crown doesn’t rely on flashy, over-the-top graphics but instead opts for a clean and polished visual experience. The high-definition symbols roll across smooth, animated reels that capture the essence of a traditional slot machine. The design is vibrant yet sleek, giving a nod to its retro influences without feeling dated.
When it comes to sound, Shining Crown keeps things minimalistic. There’s no dramatic music; instead, players are treated to the sound of mechanical whirs as the reels spin, followed by a satisfying thunk when they come to a stop. The absence of music emphasizes the traditional vibe, and while it may not be exciting for some, it certainly fits the theme and mood of the game.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Shining Crown is as simple as they come. With no complicated features to learn, it’s perfect for players who want to jump in and start spinning. There’s no complex bonus round to trigger with a combination of symbols, but the Mystery Jackpot system provides an intriguing twist.
The simplicity of the game doesn’t mean there’s a lack of depth. You can bet between 10 to 600 coins per spin, making it flexible for both low-stakes players and those who enjoy higher risk. One interesting feature is the red/black gamble option, allowing players to double or quadruple their winnings by guessing the color or suit of a hidden card. Though this gamble option doesn’t set the game apart from other slots, it does add a bit of excitement and risk for players looking to spice things up.
Ultimately, Shining Crown’s gameplay remains true to the spirit of traditional slots, offering a steady flow of spins and wins without overcomplicating things.
Wilds, Bonuses, and Free Spins
Shining Crown has a unique approach to bonuses, relying on its Mystery Jackpot system instead of typical bonus rounds. This feature is what really sets the game apart. There are four progressive jackpots, each associated with a suit (Clubs, Diamonds, Hearts, and Spades). Contributions from all players fuel these jackpots, which grow over time. Occasionally, one of these jackpots is awarded randomly, giving players the chance to score big even without hitting traditional winning combinations.
When a jackpot is triggered, players enter a mini-game where they reveal face-down cards, hoping to match three of the same suit. If successful, they win half the value of the jackpot they triggered. The progressive nature of these jackpots is exciting, especially since they can grow to impressive amounts, with the Spades jackpot usually being the largest.
Additionally, the game features:
- Wild Crown Symbol: This symbol substitutes for all other symbols except the Scatter symbols. The Wild symbol also expands to cover the entire reel, increasing your chances of creating winning lines.
- Standard Scatter: Landing three, four, or five of these symbols anywhere on the reels awards a payout of 5, 20, or 100 times your bet respectively.
- Special Scatter (Star): This symbol only appears on three of the reels but awards 20 times your bet when three of them land in a spin.
The combination of Wilds, Scatters, and the Mystery Jackpot makes for an engaging experience, though it’s worth noting that the bonus game itself might feel a little underwhelming for players looking for a more dynamic feature.
Bet Sizes, RTP, and Variance
Shining Crown offers a decent RTP (Return to Player) of 96.37%, which is around the industry average. The variance is high, meaning that while wins might not come frequently, they can be quite substantial when they do. Players should be prepared for long gaps between payouts, but with patience, the game can reward those willing to ride out the volatility.
With bet sizes ranging from 10 to 600 coins, the game accommodates a wide variety of players. The stacked symbols also increase the potential for big wins, and while hitting combos is rarer, the rewards can be quite lucrative when you do score a win.
Conclusion
Shining Crown may not offer groundbreaking features or an innovative storyline, but it excels in delivering a high-quality, straightforward slot experience. With its high volatility, Mystery Jackpot system, and a solid RTP, it caters to players who appreciate the simplicity of traditional slots while still offering the excitement of progressive jackpots.
While the bonus game could use a bit more flair, the game’s overall design and mechanics make it a fun choice for those who enjoy classic, no-frills gameplay. If you’re a fan of retro slots and you’re looking for a game that offers both nostalgia and the potential for big wins, Shining Crown might just be the perfect fit.
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