Introduction to Pragmatic Play’s “Release” Series
Pragmatic Play, a prominent game developer in the online casino industry, has crafted a unique series of slot games that began with the release of “Release the Kraken” in 2020. This game took players on an adventurous deep-sea journey, captivating audiences with its immersive graphics and engaging gameplay. The series continued with “Release the Kraken 2,” which built on the success of its predecessor by introducing new features and enhanced mechanics.
The Arrival of Release the Bison
In early 2024, Pragmatic Play introduced “Release the Bison,” a game that departed from the aquatic theme of its predecessors and ventured into the heart of nature. Despite its visual and thematic differences, “Release the Bison” shares a resemblance to “Release the Kraken 2” in terms of gameplay mechanics and feature structure, making it a familiar yet fresh experience for players.
Visual Appeal and Theme
Set against a backdrop of picturesque mountains, meadows, and trees, “Release the Bison” captivates players with its serene outdoor setting. The reels are adorned with expressive animal symbols that add a touch of whimsy to the game. These symbols, while quirky, contribute to the game’s charm and do not detract from its overall appeal. The game’s design beautifully captures the essence of nature, providing a visually pleasing experience.
Pay Symbols and Payouts
The pay symbols in “Release the Bison” reflect the game’s nature theme. Standard playing card ranks (10-A) represent the lower-value symbols, while higher-paying symbols feature four distinct animal characters. A winning combination of five identical royals yields payouts ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 times the bet, whereas five high-paying animal symbols can award between 2 and 10 times the stake. The bison symbol acts as the wild, substituting for pesowin regular pay symbols and offering payouts of up to 12.5 times the bet for five wilds on a payline.
Wild Respins Feature
One of the standout features of “Release the Bison” is the Wild Respins mode. This feature activates when at least four wild symbols land on the reels during the base game. Once triggered, all wilds become mobile, shifting to random positions after each respin, with payouts occurring between spins. Additional wilds landing during this feature trigger further respins and increase the win multiplier by +1. The feature continues until no new wilds land, and any scatter symbols collected during this time can lead to the free spins round.
Guaranteed Win Feature
In the base game, “Release the Bison” includes a Guaranteed Win feature that can turn a non-winning spin into a win worth between 10x and 40x the bet. This random feature adds an element of surprise and excitement to the gameplay, providing players with unexpected pesowin rewards during their session.
Free Spins Round
The free spins round in “Release the Bison” is triggered by landing three or more scatter symbols. Occasionally, if only two scatters appear, a respin might occur to give players a chance at landing a third scatter. Before the bonus round begins, a wheel appears to determine the number of free spins and the starting multiplier. Depending on the number of triggering scatters, players can receive up to 18 free spins with multipliers up to x5. During the free spins, wild symbols become roaming wilds, moving to random positions between spins and increasing the multiplier with each additional wild collected.
Feature Buy Option
“Release the Bison” offers a Feature Buy option, allowing players to purchase the free spins round directly. The cost varies based on the number of triggering scatters, with three scatters costing 80 times the bet, four scatters costing 150 times the bet, and five scatters pesowin costing 300 times the bet. This option provides players with a chance to experience the game’s most exciting feature without waiting for it to trigger naturally.
Slot Verdict
While “Release the Bison” brings a fresh theme and several engaging features to the table, it also incorporates some technical changes that may dampen the overall excitement. Compared to “Release the Kraken 2,” the potential for big wins has been reduced, with a maximum win cap of 3,000 times the bet, down from 5,000 times in Kraken 2 and 10,000 times in the original game. Additionally, the pesowin omission of certain features, like the Shifting Stack Wilds and the Kraken Offer, makes “Release the Bison” a less thrilling experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Release the Bison” by Pragmatic Play offers a visually appealing and engaging slot experience with its nature-themed setting and expressive animal symbols. While the game shares similarities with “Release the Kraken 2” in terms of mechanics, the technical tweaks and reduced win potential might not resonate with all players. However, for those who appreciate the serene outdoor theme and the thrill of roaming wilds and free spins, “Release the Bison” provides a unique and enjoyable gaming experience.
Final Thoughts on Pragmatic Play’s Evolution
Pragmatic Play’s “Release” series showcases the developer’s ability to create diverse and captivating slot games. Each installment brings something new to the table, whether it’s the deep-sea adventure of “Release the Kraken,” the enhanced features of “Release the Kraken 2,” or the nature-inspired charm of “Release the Bison.” As the series evolves, Pragmatic Play continues to demonstrate its creativity and pesowin commitment to delivering high-quality gaming experiences to players worldwide.