Shaolin Master, developed by Hacksaw Gaming and released on December 5, 2024, invites players into the tranquil yet intense world of Shaolin martial arts. This 5-reel, 6-row slot utilizes a cluster-pays system, offering a unique blend of traditional Chinese aesthetics and innovative gameplay mechanics.
Set against a serene mountain backdrop adorned with traditional Chinese architecture, Shaolin Master exudes tranquility. The game’s visuals are complemented by a soothing soundtrack featuring gentle strings and flutes, enhancing the immersive experience. The presence of the Shaolin Master and his Student flanking the grid adds a dynamic touch, though some critics note that the overall design lacks the intricate detail seen in other Hacksaw Gaming releases.
Shaolin Master operates on a cluster-pays system, requiring five or more connecting symbols to trigger a win. Winning symbols disappear, allowing new ones to cascade into place, potentially creating chain reactions of wins. This familiar mechanic forms a solid foundation for the game’s more intricate features.
Central to the gameplay are the Chi Orbs, which act as wild multipliers:
The interplay of these orbs adds strategic depth, as players anticipate the ripple effect of each cascade.
Shaolin Master offers two distinct bonus rounds:
The Student Bonus: Triggered by landing three or four scatter symbols, awarding 10 or 12 free spins, respectively. Each reel has its own multiplier, which increases with every win based on the number of winning symbols on that reel. Green Gem multipliers can further enhance these reel multipliers by up to 10x. The Green Chi Orb, exclusive to this round, activates a reel’s multiplier, making it global and adding it to a cumulative multiplier that applies to all subsequent wins.
The Master Bonus: Activated by landing five scatter symbols, this feature departs from traditional free spins. Players receive three “lives,” and the gameplay revolves around Stone Block symbols that carry multipliers. Multiplier Modifier Blocks and Crusher Blocks further influence the action, with the potential for significant payouts through strategic block placement and multiplier accumulation.
Shaolin Master accommodates a wide range of players with a betting range from 0.10 to 100. The game offers a default RTP of 96.31%, though lower RTP settings (94.24%, 92.31%, 88.25%) are available, depending on the casino. With medium volatility and a hit frequency of 41%, players can expect a balanced mix of smaller, frequent wins and the potential for larger payouts, especially during bonus rounds.
The game boasts a maximum win potential of 10,000x the bet, offering substantial rewards for players who effectively utilize the game’s features and mechanics.
Shaolin Master combines serene aesthetics with engaging gameplay mechanics, offering a balanced slot experience. While it may not revolutionize the genre, its unique features and potential for significant payouts make it a noteworthy addition to Hacksaw Gaming’s portfolio. Players seeking a blend of traditional themes with innovative mechanics will find Shaolin Master to be a compelling choice.
Game Attributes
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