Sword of Khans: Unveiling the Slot Game
Today's Fascinating Fact: Under the ambitious leadership of the Khans, the Mongol Empire expanded to become one of the world's largest empires, spanning from China and Mongolia to Russia and Europe. In fact, Genghis Khan's exceptional conquests and activities were so influential that a genetic analysis in 2003 revealed that 8% of the male population in the former Mongol Empire region are his direct descendants. That means approximately 1 in every 200 males alive back in 2003 could trace their lineage directly to Genghis Khan. It's intriguing to consider how this number may have grown over time. This background sets the stage for Sword of Khans, a slot game that takes players back to the era when the formidable Mongol horde ruled a significant part of the world. What may not be immediately apparent is that Sword of Khans, developed by Thunderkick, falls into the category of 'Book' slots but with a unique twist that adds vitality to the series.
Gameplay occurs in familiar surroundings, with sunlit mountains in the backdrop framing a pagoda-style structure that houses the 5x3 reel configuration. While visually reminiscent of Thunderkick's recent release, Divine Lotus, Sword of Khans offers a vastly different gaming experience. Players begin by selecting their desired bet level, ranging from 10 pence/cents to £/€100 per spin. Thunderkick has maximized the game's volatility, giving it a high rating of 9.4/10, although the RTP (Return to Player) is slightly lower than their typical offerings at 95.38%. This could be attributed to recent regulatory changes.
To form winning combinations, players need to land at least three low-paying symbols or two high-paying symbols on any of the game's 10 paylines. The low-paying symbols consist of standard 10 – A playing card royals, lacking distinctive characteristics and suitable for any game. In contrast, the high-paying symbols align with the game's theme and include spears and shields, body armor, helmets, and a character resembling Genghis Khan. Notably, the Mongol leader symbol offers the highest payout, granting 250 times the stake for a five-of-a-kind combination. These high-value symbols offer excitement during the base game, but the game's high volatility can present challenges. As is customary with 'Book' slots, the real excitement lies in the free spins feature and the potential for rewarding expanding symbols.
Sword of Khans (Thunderkick): Features
"Sword of Khans: A Unique Take on the Classic Slot Formula"
If you've experienced the likes of Book of Ra Deluxe or its various imitators, you might think you know what to expect. However, Thunderkick has introduced a twist that sets Sword of Khans apart. Instead of a book, this time, the central icon is a sword, which is somewhat unconventional considering the Mongols' weapon of choice was the composite bow. Notably, their bows had twice the range of their adversaries, providing a significant advantage, especially when fired from a moving horse. But back to the sword, which serves as both the wild and scatter symbol. As a wild, it can substitute for any pay symbol in the game, except for expanding symbols.
To trigger the bonus round and win 2x, 20x, or 200x your bet, you need to land 3, 4, or 5 sword symbols. The bonus round awards a random number of Free Spins, ranging from 5 to 15. If two or more scatters appear during the round, additional free spins are added to the remaining total. During the feature, a Special Expanding Symbol is chosen at random. When the required number of special symbols lands (2 high pay or 3 low pay), they expand to cover an entire reel, creating winning combinations wherever they are on the grid.
Now, here's the unique twist: during retriggers, more than one symbol can be selected as special at the same time. Thunderkick takes it a step further by adding a multiplier. If a symbol that is already special gets chosen, it can receive a multiplier of up to x3. If you fill the grid with 5 expanded symbols and the maximum multiplier, the game can deliver a payout of up to 10,000 times the stake in a single spin. To help players keep track of special symbols and multipliers, the game features a handy bar along the bottom of the reels.
In summary, Thunderkick consistently produces well-crafted slots, and Sword of Khans is no exception. While the graphics are solid without being groundbreaking, the gameplay is sure to captivate players. It combines the enduring appeal of the Book of Ra spinning style with innovative twists that make it an attractive choice. Sword of Khans demonstrates that slots don't always need to be completely revolutionary; a single original feature can breathe fresh life into a familiar concept. In this case, it's the additional multiplier during free spins that elevates the game's payout potential.
On the downside, the game's RTP is a bit lower than what Thunderkick typically offers. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's worth noting. However, the potential for epic wins of up to 10,000 times the stake can more than make up for it. Overall, Sword of Khans offers more than enough excitement and rewards to satisfy even the most dedicated gamers. While it may not be entirely groundbreaking, it successfully combines the essence of what made Book of Ra great with Thunderkick's unique additions, giving Sword of Khans its own distinct appeal.