The award-winning software supplier Wazdan released 9 Lions in 2018, a slot that uses an unconventional 3×3 reel grid. The game became an instant hit with players and won the Hot Product category at the 2018 G2E Asia Awards. The achievement is hardly surprising, as 9 Lions boasts enchanting graphics, a pleasant soundtrack, and a highly functional user interface that delivers a smooth playing experience.
But there is more to 9 Lions than gorgeous visuals and enticing sound effects. The Asian-themed slot is loaded with great features, including two generous bonus games and a gamble feature. Also included is Wazdan’s trademark Volatility Level feature, giving players a choice of three volatility settings (low, standard, and high). Read on as we explore the paytable and bonus features of this original Wazdan creation.
| 9 Lions Slot Summary | |
|---|---|
| Provider | Red Rake Gaming |
| Provider | Wazdan |
| Payline Number | 9 paylines |
| RTP | 96.59% |
| Minimum Bet | $0.20 |
| Maximum Bet | $100 |
| Wild Symbols | N/A |
| Scatter Symbols | N/A |
| Bonus Features | Block Symbols Mode, Dragons Bonus, Lions Bonus, Volatility Levels |
| Jackpot | 1,000x the bet |
Symbols and Winning Combinations in 9 Lions
This Wazdan release is unique, something that becomes apparent as soon as you load it. In line with the game’s Asian theme, the gorgeously rendered reel grid sits against a pagoda backdrop that oozes serenity. There are no conventional paylines as such. Instead, players must create winning combinations by landing a specific number of identical symbols anywhere within the same spin.
Players can also block matching icons that have previously appeared on the grid. Note that the software automatically blocks the highest paying set of icons, although players have the option to change it. The subsequent spin with the locked symbols requires a new stake. Players receive payouts for matching four to nine identical symbols. The top-paying combination consists of nine lions, awarding a payout of 500x the stake. Matching four to nine green turtles will earn you 10x to 350x the bet.
The other high-value symbols are represented by tokens depicting mythical creatures such as azure dragons, vermilion birds, and mighty tigers. These can enrich you with 250x, 200x, and 180x your total stake. A nine-of-a-kind with A, K, Q, J, or 10 delivers maximum prizes of 150x, 120x, 80x, 60x, and 30x the bet.
The dragon, a symbol of resilience, prosperity, and luck in Chinese culture, is the lowest-paying symbol, awarding up to 15x the stake for nine matches. Despite being the lowest payer, the dragon plays a key role in 9 Lions. It has the power to unlock one of the bonus features, as you will see shortly.
Bonus Features of 9 Lions
Wazdan’s game developers have incorporated two interesting features in 9 Lions, the first one being the Lions Bonus. On the right side of the main reels, you will see a smaller 3×3 grid. Each time a lion symbol appears on the main reels, it replicates itself in the corresponding section of the smaller grid.
Players must first fill the entire grid and then land at least three lions to kick off the bonus feature, which awards nine free spins. The lions that landed previously remain locked, and each subsequently appearing lion icon also locks in position for the duration of the free spins. When the feature ends, players receive payouts if they have managed to land four or more lions during the bonus rounds.
The second feature of interest is the Dragons Bonus. It launches whenever players land three dragon icons on the center reels. The player then receives a payout according to the paytable and enters a click-and-pick side game where they must choose one of three golden dragon eggs. Each egg contains a random instant win whose value ranges from 1x to a staggering 1,000x the total stake.
This 2018 Wazdan release also features three different levels of volatility (low, standard, and high), enabling players to adjust the gameplay to their gaming style and preferences. You can change the volatility level by clicking the button with the chili peppers below the reels. A gamble feature activates after each winning spin.
Players who choose it enter a picking side game with two coins. They must select the correct coin to double their profits from the last winning spin. Spinners can attempt to double their profits up to seven consecutive times. However, a wrong guess costs them their original win. Those who prefer to play at breakneck speed can adjust the dynamics of the gameplay. They can choose from normal, fast, and ultra-fast speeds. The autoplay feature allows you to go through up to 1,000 uninterrupted spins.
Verdict
After trying 9 Lions, we are not surprised that Wazdan won the Online Casino Innovator Award at the 2018 Central and Eastern Europe Gaming Conference. The highly innovative game is not only stunning to look at, but it also offers a unique playing experience that you are unlikely to find in slots from competing software studios. If 9 Lions has piqued your interest, you may also enjoy similar releases from the studio like 9 Tigers and Sun of Fortune.