Sword of Ares: Slot Overview
Put on your sandals, sharpen your swords, and get ready for an adventure with Sword of Ares, a mythology-themed online slot by Pragmatic Play. Known for its mythological inspirations, the studio builds on the success of its previous game, Gates of Olympus, with this new offering. Sword of Ares continues to immerse players in Ancient Greek lore, utilizing scatter pays to trigger wins and enhance multipliers. However, the mechanism for unlocking multipliers differs from its predecessor. Is this new system an improvement? Let’s dive in to find out.
Mythology Meets Modern Gameplay
In Sword of Ares, the titular character, Ares—the Greek god of war and son of Zeus and Hera—stands beside the reels, becoming animated during specific events on the grid. This game transports players to a cloudy, dreamlike realm adorned with mossy columns and ancient architecture, which, while not as celestial as Gates of Olympus, remains enchanting. The six-reel grid is relatively simple by comparison, though it may gain additional patterns later, similar to the enhancements seen in Gates of Olympus. Fans of jiliko will appreciate the game’s rich thematic elements and immersive atmosphere.
Statistical Overview
Statistically, the return to player (RTP) rate in Sword of Ares has experienced a slight decrease compared to its predecessor, though not significantly. The game is available with three RTP settings, the highest being 96.4%, and it operates on a highly volatile math model, which Pragmatic Play rates 5 out of 5. Players have two gameplay options: the default mode or purchasing free spins. In the default mode, individual spins can be wagered from 20 p/c to ₱5887.00, and the game is compatible with jiliko any device. When opting to buy free spins, the RTP decreases slightly to 96.39%.
Scatter Pay System
Sword of Ares employs a scatter pay system, forming wins when at least eight matching symbols appear anywhere on the 6×5 game grid. The lower-paying symbols include five types of gems, while the higher-paying ones are swords, shields, chariots, and helmets. Clusters of 8-9 matching symbols pay 0.5 to 8 times the stake, increasing to 2-40 times the bet for clusters of 12-30. Notably, wild symbols do not appear on the board, making the scatter system crucial for achieving wins.
Tumble Feature
Every winning cluster in Sword of Ares activates the Tumble feature, where all winning symbols vanish from the reels, allowing symbols from above to drop down and occupy the vacated positions. If another cluster win forms with the new symbols, they too are removed and replaced. The tumbling continues until no new cluster win is achieved, at which point the sequence concludes, and the accumulated win is awarded. Jiliko enthusiasts will find the Tumble feature particularly engaging, adding a layer of excitement to each spin.
Multiplier Collection Feature
Sword of Ares introduces a unique multiplier mechanic, distinct from its predecessor. Positioned above the reels is a meter displaying three multiplier values during the base game and six during free spins. At the start of each spin, these multipliers are locked. As winning symbols are removed through tumbles, the count of collected symbols or exploded symbols is tracked. Upon reaching specific collection thresholds, the multipliers unlock. At the conclusion of a tumble sequence, the total win is multiplied by the highest unlocked jiliko multiplier. In the base game, these thresholds and multipliers operate as follows:
- First multiplier: Potentially x2, x3, or x4, unlocked upon collecting 20 symbols.
- Second multiplier: Potentially x5, x6, x7, or x8, unlocked upon collecting 50 symbols.
- Third multiplier: Potentially x9, x10, x11, x12, x13, x14, or x15, unlocked upon collecting 100 symbols.
The Role of Bombs
Throughout both the base game and free spins, four types of Bomb symbols are present on all reels. When a Bomb lands, it remains on the screen until no more winning clusters occur. It then detonates, clearing all symbols in either a horizontal, vertical, cross, or X pattern. The removed symbols contribute to the multiplier collection, and new symbols cascade from above. In the base game, Bombs only explode following at least one tumble. This dynamic adds a strategic layer, keeping players, including those familiar with jiliko, engaged.
Free Spins and Multiplier Expansion
Triggering 4 or more scatters in the base game awards 15 free spins. During free spins, the multiplier meter expands with the following thresholds:
- First multiplier: Possible values include x2, x3, or x4, unlocked upon collecting 15 symbols.
- Second multiplier: Possible values include x5, x6, x7, or x8, unlocked upon collecting 27 symbols.
- Third multiplier: Possible values include x9, x10, x11, x12, x13, x14, or x15, unlocked upon collecting 39 symbols.
- Fourth multiplier: Possible values include x16, x17, x18, x19, x20, x22, or x25, unlocked upon collecting 55 symbols.
- Fifth multiplier: Possible values include x26, x28, x30, x32, x35, x40, or x50, unlocked upon collecting 85 symbols.
- Sixth multiplier: Always x500, unlocked upon collecting 235 symbols.
Players also have the option to purchase free spins for 100 times the total bet. Whether triggered naturally or purchased, the free spins round cannot be retriggered.
Comparing Sword of Ares to Gates of Olympus
For those familiar with Gates of Olympus, playing Sword of Ares reveals Pragmatic Play’s approach of maintaining some elements while tweaking others. The changes aren’t definitively better or worse; certain aspects may resonate more with some players while others might find them less appealing. The new method of unlocking multipliers through symbol collection introduces a goal-oriented challenge, contrasting with the random appearance of multipliers in Gates of Olympus. Deciding whether this approach is superior, inferior, or simply different proved challenging. To fully appreciate it, one might need to experience it firsthand.
Bonus Game Dynamics
In some respects, the bonus game evokes echoes of 300 Shields Mighty Ways, owing to its Hellenic themes and the mechanism of building multiplier values. However, in Sword of Ares, these multipliers reset between spins, unlike the more persistent multipliers in Light & Wonder’s game. Nonetheless, the intermediate multiplier values in Sword of Ares can be substantial, creating a dynamic experience that appeals to personal preferences. Notably, this approach has proven effective, with Pragmatic Play extending the jiliko win cap to an impressive 10,000 times the bet. Prepare for exhilarating tumbles and strategic symbol collections aimed at reaching that pinnacle.
Sword of Ares: Final Verdict
Ultimately, Sword of Ares offers a satisfying experience with its blend of scatter wins, tumble mechanics, and the intricacies of multiplier collection. While it may not innovate as profoundly as its predecessor, which is understandable given its sequel status, the expanded win potential and new features should resonate well with players who enjoy this style of gameplay. Fans of jiliko and other mythology-themed slots will find plenty to enjoy in this engaging and dynamic game.