For those unacquainted with it, mahjong is a tile-based game that blends strategy, luck, and skill. Originating in China, this centuries-old pastime has transcended borders and cultures. Surprisingly, mahjong was created in the 19th century, which may come as a revelation to those who think of it as ancient. Developer Pragmatic Play, known for its Asian-themed slots, has once again chosen mahjong as the inspiration for their game, Mahjong Wins. This slot boasts tradition, tumbles, Gold symbols, tumble multipliers, and free spins with multipliers exceeding the base game.
If you’ve ever heard of internet cafes where gamers paid to play titles like Counter Strike online, you can draw a parallel with the idea of mahjong cafes, where enthusiasts gather to enjoy a game or two. In this context, Mahjong Wins creates an immersive atmosphere with its strong Asian aesthetics. The game features floating dragons, an elegant circular patterned background, and a soothing Chinese-inspired soundtrack. Occasionally, there is voice-over commentary, but it’s in Chinese, making it challenging to understand. The central grid is adorned with symbols reminiscent of mahjong tiles, and the overall presentation exudes professionalism.
Mahjong Wins Slot Overview
Bet options in Mahjong Wins are surprisingly limited for a Pragmatic Play slot, starting at MYR0.20 per spin and reaching a maximum of MYR200. Despite this, the game maintains Pragmatic Play’s signature math model, offering a high volatility rating (5 out of 5) and a respectable 96.48% return to player rate. The game offers 1,024 ways to win on a 5-reel, 4-row grid.
The symbols are based on mahjong tiles, making it challenging to describe them individually. However, there are 8 regular symbols that pay out between 0.5 to 5 times the bet for a combination of 5 matching symbols. Winning combinations trigger the tumble feature, removing the symbols and allowing new ones to fall into place. Mahjong Wins also features wild symbols on reels 2, 3, and 4, which can substitute for all symbols except the scatter.
Mahjong Wins: Slot Features
In addition to the tumble feature, Mahjong Wins offers a rising win multiplier feature in both the base game and free spins. Another noteworthy feature is Gold symbols.
Gold Symbols: On any spin, regular pay symbols marked in gold may land on reels 2, 3, and 4. When winning combinations are formed with gold symbols, they transform into wilds for the next tumble.
Tumble Multipliers: Above the reels, you’ll find a row of multiplier values. In the base game, the win multiplier starts at x1 and increases to x2, x3, and x5 with consecutive tumbles, maintaining this level for subsequent tumbles. The multiplier resets at the end of a tumble sequence.
Free Spins: Landing at least 3 scatter symbols awards 12 free spins. In free spins, the multiplier starts at x2 and increases with consecutive tumbles to x4, x6, and x10, holding steady for subsequent tumbles. The multiplier resets to x2 at the beginning of each free spin. Additionally, landing at least 3 scatter symbols during free spins grants an extra 10 free spins.
Mahjong Wins: Slot Verdict
While it may not cater to everyone’s taste, Mahjong Wins stands out as one of the most polished mahjong-themed online slots available. Its visual and auditory elements, as well as its smooth gameplay, contribute to its appeal. Players familiar with Pragmatic Play’s Mahjong Panda will find Mahjong Wins to be a similar experience, featuring the same mechanics, statistics, and gameplay.
Mahjong Wins effectively combines its features, with tumbles interacting with gold symbols, creating wilds, and boosting the win multiplier. The game also offers a generous maximum multiplier of x10 during free spins, which can be advantageous on a grid with 1,024 ways to win. Every aspect of the game blends seamlessly, from the attractive mahjong tile symbols to the Chinese-inspired ambiance. With a maximum win potential capped at 5,000 times the bet, Mahjong Wins offers a satisfying gaming experience.
In summary, if you’re on the lookout for a mahjong-themed slot game, Mahjong Wins is a worthy contender. While it doesn’t introduce anything groundbreaking beyond Mahjong Panda, it excels in delivering an enjoyable and professionally crafted gaming experience.