Rise of Merlin, a popular slot from Play'n GO, offers players a journey into a world of magic and ancient wisdom. The game is built around a familiar 5-reel, 3-row layout, but its core appeal lies in its engaging bonus features. During the base game, landing three or more Scatter symbols (represented by Merlin himself) triggers the Free Spins feature. This is where the game's potential for excitement truly emerges.
The defining mechanic of the Free Spins round is the selection of one or more 'Expanding Symbols'. Before the free spins commence, one symbol is randomly chosen to become an expanding symbol. Whenever this symbol appears on a reel during the free spins, it expands to cover the entire reel, creating more opportunities for winning combinations. If multiple expanding symbols land on the same spin, they can combine to form substantial wins. The game also features a gamble option after each win, allowing players to potentially double or quadruple their winnings by guessing the colour or suit of a card, though this carries inherent risk.
Rise of Merlin operates with a stated Return to Player (RTP) typically around 96.21%, though this can vary slightly depending on the operator's configuration. Its volatility is high, meaning that while wins may not occur frequently, they have the potential to be significant when they do. This high volatility is a key part of its appeal to players who enjoy the anticipation of larger payouts. The expanding symbols mechanic in the free spins round is a proven formula that creates dynamic gameplay, and the potential for retriggers adds another layer of engagement. For new players approaching Rise of Merlin, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the paytable to understand which symbols offer the highest payouts and how the expanding symbols function before placing larger bets.
