Mythology has been a source of inspiration for the manufacturers of casino games ever since the first video slot machines made their entry to the floors of landbased gambling halls. This tendency also manifests itself online where spinners can find a huge number of slots, inspired by mythological heroes and ancient civilizations.
Such is the case with RealTime Gaming’s creation Achilles which borrows its theme from Homer’s epic poem about the tragic fall of Troy. The slot uses the standard 3×5 grid and awards prizes on 20 adjustable paylines. Players can unlock up to 25 free spins with the help of the special symbols incorporated into the gameplay. However, the biggest attraction here is the random progressive jackpot. The progressive prizes can drop at the conclusion of any spin.
| Achilles Slot Summary | |
|---|---|
| Software Provider | RealTime Gaming |
| Payline Number | 20 adjustable lines |
| RTP | 95.00% |
| Minimum Bet | $0.20 |
| Maximum Bet | $20 |
| Wild Symbol | 3 or more wild Achilles symbols trigger the Achilles free spins feature |
| Scatter Symbol | 3 or more scattered Troy symbols unlock 10 free spins |
| Bonus Features | Up to 25 free spins with 3x multipliers on the winnings; up to 10 free spins triggered by the scatters with a 2x multiplier on the wins |
| Jackpot | The randomly triggered progressive jackpot can be won at the conclusion of any spin. |
Symbols and Winning Combinations of Achilles Slot
Reel spinners can relive Homer’s story of treachery with the help of this slot’s thematic background and symbols. The graphics are beginning to show their age, but are nevertheless impressive considering the slot was released in 2006. The five reels rotate against a backdrop that shows you the Aegean Sea with a beach leading to the city of Troy.
The low-paying symbols in the game use the standard initials of playing cards, with A and K paying up to 400x the line bet, Q and J returning up to 250 coins for five matches, and 10 and 9 awarding up to 200x the line bet.
The software developers have picked the Greek hero Achilles for the wild symbol of the game. It substitutes for all other symbols with the exception of the scattered ones. In addition, Achilles offers the biggest regular payout of 10,000x the line bet for five matches. A single Achilles symbol on an active payline rewards players with 2x their line bet.
The second top payer in Achilles is Helen of Troy, awarding a prize of 5,000 credits for five identical symbols. The beauty whose charm led to the demise of Troy is followed by the symbol with the Trojan horse, which offers a decent payout of 1,250 credits for five matches.
Last in line are the icons with the red flags and the shields. These pay 800 credits for five symbols, 200 credits for four matches, 30 credits for three matches, and 2x the line bet for two identical symbols.
There is also a scatted Troy symbol that pays up to 500 credits as long as the matching symbols land on adjacent reels. The other icons need to align from left to right in order to yield their corresponding payouts.
Bonus Features of Achilles Slot
The RealTime Gaming developers have equipped Achilles with a progressive jackpot and two separate free spins features. The first bonus feature is triggered by three or more Achilles symbols landing anywhere on the reels.
Players are then prompted to pick one of the triggering symbols in order to get 15, 20 or 25 free rounds. All scattered Troy icons transform into Helen and Achilles symbols during this bonus feature. There is also a 3x multiplier on the wins generated during the free rounds. The Achilles free spins can be retriggered with the same combination of Achilles symbols.
Slot mavens can unlock the second bonus feature by landing three or more scattered Troy symbols in any position on the reels. As many as 10 free spins are awarded for three or more scattered icons. All prizes generated during the Troy bonus games are increased by a 2x multiplier.
In order to boost the appeal of this slot, the developers have chosen a different background for the Troy free spins. Once you unlock the feature, you exit the main game and are taken to a new nighttime backdrop with ships sailing on the Aegean Sea.
The biggest appeal of Achilles is undoubtedly its progressive prize. This jackpot normally accumulates locally, which is why its value differs depending on which RealTime Gaming-powered casino you play at.
This is no reason to frown upon the game, though, because the jackpot is random and can drop at the end of any round, including spins that have otherwise resulted in a loss. There is no need to bet the maximum to qualify for the big prize, either. The only requirement is for you to play Achilles for real money.
Our Verdict
While it is true there is no room for comparison with today’s advanced 3D slots here, Achilles has stood the test of time and continues to be one of the most popular slots released by RealTime Gaming. What the game can offer are fast-paced action, a great random progressive jackpot, and simplicity in terms of gameplay.
The user-friendly interface makes this slot a great option for spinners from all levels of experience. We also liked the fact the game awards payouts for a single Achilles symbol landing on the reels, which certainly increases your win frequency.