Epic Ape Slots
King Kong has nothing on this gargantuan gorilla. Playtech are going
super-sized in the Epic Ape video slot, where jungle scene plays host to one mighty
simian who doesn't do things by halves. Not satisfied with the measly 3125 ways to win
slots, Playtech's latest release offers 4096 betways. To contain this massive beast,
there are huge 6x4 reels. Plus, the game's special features don't come in small
sizes.
There are superb real cash prizes to be had as this enormous ape runs rampant
with stacked symbols across the reels. Trigger up to 100 free spins for a giant-sized
bonus, and win big with the diamond wild multipliers feature. Be warned, though, it is
not an easy stroll through the jungle to pick up these prizes. They do not grow on
trees, after all. This ape-themed slot has high volatility and it can be especially
challenging to trigger the bonus features.
It's perfectly appropriate that this
super-sized slot is developed with software by Playtech, one of the biggest players on
the iGaming market needing very little introduction. The team's back catalog includes
some of the most popular and well-known slots games available at online casinos. They
have done it all, from big-branded licensed slots to progressives and table games. They
even have their own software for live dealer casino games.
Even by Playtech standards,
though, the Epic Ape video slot is a big online slots game. Knowing the team's
illustrious track record, we were eager to test this new game out. Does size really
matter in online slots? Can the Epic Ape truly deliver on its mammoth promises? Let's
take a closer look at this jungle-themed slots adventure.
Jungle Mania on 6x4
Reels
This vast reel set is a rich emerald green with brightly colored symbols.
Appealing artwork depicts a luscious jungle backdrop, hazy with steam. You can feel the
humidity of the tropical setting and a vibrant drum beat energizes the gameplay. The
Epic Ape is a well-designed, atmospheric slot. The bar for visuals has been set high of
late. We've seen more stunning graphics and animation in some of the most recent
releases on the market. But this is a minor detail, because the glossy, hi-definition
here serve the theme well.
With 4096 payways in play, a gambler might be anxious
that stakes are insanely high. However, Playtech have opted for a reasonable fixed
multiplier value of 40 to calculate total bets. Coin values may vary at different
online casinos, but the game we played offered a range of 0.01 to 2.00. When multiplied
by 40 to achieve your total bet, this means stakes range from 0.40 to 80.00. This is
certainly not a game for low-limits players. However, regardless of your preferred
stake range, the Epic Ape video slot is really only for players who love and can afford
a high-volatility ride.
Take a glance at the paytable's payout potential, and suddenly
things aren't looking so super-sized. Top prizes reach just 300x your coin for matching
six apes on the reels. However, get the reels spinning, and those huge 4096 payways
will mean multiple winning combinations at a time. Plus, all the symbols appear stacked
on the reels for an even greater chance at multiples. The five high-paying animal
symbols also reward a prize of 10x your coin for landing just two of a kind.
You can
achieve some big wins in the base game with multiple apes on the reels. Then you're
treated to a special display of gorillas beating their chest in ferocious glee, as gold
coins shower the screen. The high volatility means these moments can be rare. However,
the bonus is the real challenge to trigger. We found the base game generous enough to
keep the play ticking over, but holding out for the bonus round is hard work. If ever a
slot needed a patient player, it's this one.
Get Lucky With an Epic 100 Free Spins
All
the biggest wins seem possible from the massive 100 free spins you can win in the bonus
round. However, it's still not that easy. You are most likely to land three free games
scatter symbols which gets you 8 free spins. To achieve the hallowed 100 free spins,
you will need six scatter symbols across the reels.
At last, the bonus starts and the
game's multiplier feature kicks in. Diamond wilds will now randomly offer 2x, 3x and 5x
multipliers when they form a winning combo. Two to five wilds anywhere will also award
extra free spins, so the bonus can just build indefinitely. Of course, the bonus is
just as volatile as the rest of the game, and playing it is no guarantee of a big win.
For gamblers who love the thrill of the chase, though, this game will really offer you
a good run for your money.
Play Playtech Anywhere, Anytime
Playtech's games are all
provided on the developer's innovative One Casino software. This just means that all
their games play on all devices using a single account. To the player, it offers great
versatility as well as secure peace of mind. Whether you are a smartphone player or a
desktop user, you can access the free Epic Ape slot through many of the best online
casinos. Ultimately, gamblers may well choose to play for real money. However, we would
recommend that players first test the volatility of the gameplay in the play-for-free
demos available.
More Mighty Animal-Themed Slots
The seasoned slots player will know
that the Epic Ape video slot is not the first game to introduce 4096 ways to win. The
large-scale Raging Rhino by WMS has more than a passing resemblance to Epic Ape with
its 4096 winways, multiplier diamond wilds and animal theme. There are significant
differences, though. The rhino only offers 50 free spins, compared to the gorilla's 100
(plus retriggers). Prize payouts are higher for the ape's slot and, being newer, the
graphics are much stronger.
However, why not enjoy both? These games are worthy
competition for each other, and gamblers certainly don't have to choose one over the
other. If you can handle these reels on a giant scale, then Playtech have also produced
Buffalo Blitz and Dragon Champions in the same format. If, however, Epic Ape's
volatility is just too steep, then check out our top recommendations page for more
animal-themed slots games.
Epic Action With the Epic Ape Video Slot
The Epic Ape video
slot offers players a glossy, appealing game on a mammoth scale, with plenty of
high-volatility action. For players who love Raging Rhino or Buffalo Blitz, there's
plenty more of the same on offer here. Rather than break the mould, Playtech have
played it a little safe and opted to recreate what already works. It's a little
disappointing from such an industry leader. However, it does work – and well.
If you
like your slots on a titanic scale and you love the thrill of chasing down a big win,
then you can't go wrong with this mighty beast. The game has enormous potential for
some big prizes. Multipliers and free spins on large reels with so many payways means
that some lucky gambler somewhere will hit fantastic real cash prizes. That gambler
could only possibly be you if you load up for real money and get spinning those epic
reels.
