Apologies to all the Twihards out there, but Twilight Princess, developed by Pragmatic Play, isn’t a whimsical nod to Bella Swan. Instead, it’s a distant cousin of Starlight Princess, sharing some similarities while also bringing its own unique twists to the table. This slot is part of a trend influenced by Play’n GO’s beloved classic, Moon Princess. In the realm of online slots, Twilight Princess finds itself in a fierce competition, with both Pragmatic Play and Play’n GO releasing various versions of their respective games. What sets Twilight Princess apart is its fresh take on gameplay and its deviation from the well-trodden path of reusing established slot themes.
A Dreamy Cartoon World
Twilight Princess welcomes players to a dreamy cartoon world, hosted by a charismatic, leggy femme character. If you’re a fan of manga or anime, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to immerse yourself in this whimsical atmosphere. The setting in Twilight Princess isn’t extraordinarily unique. The cartoon heroine hovers beside the gaming grid, suspended in a cloudy location high above the Earth’s surface. While the game’s visuals might not be groundbreaking, they carry an aesthetic that could resonate with fans of titles like Starlight Princess or Moon Princess.
When the free spins feature is triggered, the lighting shifts to reflect the twilight aspect of the game, with a golden sun casting its glow on the background clouds. While the visuals are decent, it’s worth noting that during the demo phase, the game’s twangy Western-style soundtrack felt somewhat out of place. It’s possible that this aspect of the game will receive further polish before its official release.
Gameplay Mechanics
Twilight Princess diverges from the traditional scatter pay system and opts for a grid slot format. In this format, winning combinations are created when at least five matching symbols land in contiguous blocks, either horizontally or vertically. Unlike some other grid slots, Twilight Princess does not include a tumble feature. Instead, it boasts a highly volatile mathematical model, earning a rating of 5 out of 5. The default RTP stands at 96.08%, or 96.01% when purchasing free spins. Players can select a stake ranging from 20 pence/cents to £/€240 per spin. The game unfolds on a 5×5 grid, offering ample opportunities for winning combinations.
On the lower end of the paytable, you’ll find circular, triangular, diamond, hexagonal, and heart-shaped symbols. Higher-paying symbols include a shield-like object, a flower, a bell, a crown, and the princess herself. Achieving winning blocks comprising five matching symbols rewards players with payouts ranging from 0.25 to 2.5 times the bet. Hitting a winning block of 20 or more matching symbols yields even more substantial rewards, ranging from 7.5 to 50 times the bet.
Unveiling Twilight Princess’s Features
Twilight Princess introduces several intriguing features that add depth and excitement to the gameplay. These features include Wilds with Multipliers, Free Spins, and the option to Buy Free Spins:
Wilds With Multipliers
The game’s wild symbol takes the form of an intricate pink orb adorned with a ‘W.’ Wilds serve a dual purpose in Twilight Princess. They can substitute for any symbol except the scatter, increasing the potential for winning combinations. Additionally, wilds come with multipliers of x2, x3, x5, or x10, which apply to any wins they contribute to. When multiple wilds are part of the same win, their multiplier values stack. A single wild can be part of more than one winning block simultaneously, and a full screen of wilds results in a payout of 50 times the bet.
Free Spins
Twilight Princess’s scatter symbol is represented by a golden orb, which can land on any reel. Achieving three, four, or five scatter symbols not only awards payouts of 2x, 15x, or 100x the bet but also triggers 10 free spins. During free spins, any wild symbols that appear on the screen remain in place until the free spins round concludes. Scatter symbols can also appear during free spins, overlaying other symbols. Obtaining two, three, four, or five scatter symbols during free spins grants an additional 5, 10, 20, or 30 free spins, respectively.
Buy Free Spins
For those seeking a swift entrance to the bonus round, players have the option to purchase free spins by investing 100 times their bet. When buying free spins, the game guarantees that three, four, or five scatter symbols will land on the triggering spin.
Evaluating Twilight Princess
Twilight Princess boasts mechanical originality compared to its counterpart, Starlight Princess. However, it doesn’t quite exude the same level of care and attention to detail. The game’s backdrop is plain and, at times, uninspiring, and aside from the floating princess and a few symbols, the game doesn’t fully embrace the manga and anime concept. Perhaps the addition of a more fitting soundtrack upon the game’s official release could enhance the overall experience.
In terms of gameplay, Twilight Princess leans towards the basic side, with a somewhat unimaginative approach to its features. Nevertheless, the technical capability of these features has the potential to deliver excitement. During the base game, the appearance of wild multipliers can quicken players’ pulses, even though the base game might not be as thrilling as the free spins round. In free spins, wilds become sticky when they land on the reels, thanks to the magic staff of the Twilight Princess. The potential to achieve multiple sticky wilds is a possibility, resulting in the potential for significant wins. While the absence of a tumble feature is noted, Twilight Princess can still reward players with up to 7,500 times their bet.
For fans of slots featuring sticky multiplier wilds, Twilight Princess offers a satisfying experience. Similarly, those with an affinity for anime and manga may find this game appealing, even though it doesn’t fully exploit the potential of its thematic elements. It’s not a game that pushes the boundaries of innovation, but it does enough to provide players with an enjoyable set of features enveloped in an enchanting outer layer reminiscent of Sailor Moon and similar anime classics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RTP of Twilight Princess?
Twilight Princess offers an RTP of 96.08% in regular play and 96.01% when purchasing free spins.
How does Twilight Princess differ from traditional slot games?
Twilight Princess is a grid slot where wins are achieved by landing at least five matching symbols in contiguous blocks, either horizontally or vertically.
What is the maximum bet in Twilight Princess?
Players can select a stake ranging from 20 pence/cents to £/€240 per spin.
How are winning blocks calculated in Twilight Princess?
Hitting blocks of five matching symbols awards payouts ranging from 0.25 to 2.5 times the bet, with larger blocks offering rewards between 7.5 and 50 times the bet.
What are the features of Twilight Princess?
Twilight Princess includes Wilds with Multipliers, Free Spins, and the option to Buy Free Spins.
How do Wilds with Multipliers work in Twilight Princess?
Wild symbols can substitute for other symbols and come with multipliers of x2, x3, x5, or x10. These multipliers apply to any wins the wild is part of.
What is the maximum payout in Twilight Princess?
Twilight Princess can reward players with up to 7,500 times their bet.
Can I purchase free spins in Twilight Princess?
Yes, players can buy free spins for 100 times their bet, with a guarantee of scatter symbols landing on the triggering spin.
What is the setting of Twilight Princess?
Twilight Princess is set in a dreamy cartoon world, hosted by an anime-inspired character, and features a cloudy, atmospheric backdrop.
Is Twilight Princess suitable for fans of manga and anime?
Yes, the game’s theme draws inspiration from manga and anime, making it an attractive choice for enthusiasts of these genres.