Review: Rise Of Merlin By Play’n GO

Rise Of Merlin By Play’n GO

Key Points:

• Provider: Play’n GO

• RTP: ~ 96.58% (among the standard versions) — note there are lower-RTP variants in some casinos.

• Volatility: High 

• Max Win: Up to 5,000× your bet

• Win Lines: 10 fixed paylines on a 5-reel × 3-row grid

• Release Date: June 20, 2019

• Our Rating: 87% — for those who like their slots a bit daring, this one delivers

Game Overview and Theme:

If Merlin had a slot game, this would be it. Dive into a misty wizard’s lair filled with arcane runes, crystal balls, owls, dragons, and the kind of swirling magic best served with a pinch of danger. The aesthetic is mystical, slightly gothic, with glowing symbols, dramatic music, and an atmosphere of “something powerful is about to happen.” Play’n GO has taken the old “Book of…” template (you know it) and dressed it up for a wizard’s workshop rather than an Egypt tomb or dusty temple.

It feels immersive without getting over-the-top. Merlin himself is front and center when you trigger the big stuff, which adds to the thrill.

Game Features:

Here’s where the spells really come into play:

• Free Spins with Expanding Symbols: Land 3 or more of the special orb symbols (which function as both Wild and Scatter) to trigger 8 free spins. Before Free Spins begin, one regular symbol is randomly chosen as the Expanding Symbol. When that symbol appears, it expands to cover the whole reel. Crucially, during Free Spins, you can retrigger with 3+ orbs to both get more spins and add more Expanding Symbols. You can go up to 9 expanding symbols in a single Free Spins round, boosting your chances for huge wins.

• Crystal Ball Wild/Scatter symbol: This dual-purpose symbol steps in as a Wild (helping complete payline wins) and as the trigger for Free Spins as a Scatter. It’s critical because without enough of these, the magic doesn’t start.

• Gamble Feature: After a win in the base game, you have the option to gamble your payout. Guess the colour of a card (for double) or the suit (for quadruple). But beware — one wrong guess loses the win. Pretty standard risk-reward stuff.

• Max Win Achievability via Free Spins: The big 5,000× isn’t easy to land; typically requires Merlin (or whatever your chosen expanding symbol) to be among those high-value symbols, plus multiple expanding symbols across the reels via retriggers.

The Pros And Cons Of Playing

Pros:

• The Free Spins + Expanding Symbols + retriggers combo is really satisfying. When it works, the visuals and wins can feel epic.

• The potential 5,000× max win is very respectable, especially given the relatively high RTP in many versions.

• Theme & atmosphere are strong. For players who like fantasy / wizardry slots, this feels polished and immersive.

• Good bet range in many casinos allows both small-stake players and higher rollers to try their luck.

Cons:

• High volatility means this slot can punish you with long dry spells. Wins aren’t frequent; you’ll need patience (and sufficient bankroll).

• Some versions offered by casinos have lower RTPs — which reduces the long-term return. Always check the game info where you play.

• The base game is fairly static. Without Free Spins, there’s not much in the way of modifiers or bonus features. If Free Spins don’t trigger, things can feel repetitive.

• The Gamble feature adds risk. Some players love risking it for big returns; others prefer less stress.

Summary and Rating (out of 100%):

Rise of Merlin is a slot for risk-takers, for players who enjoy the buildup, the anticipation, the moments of pure magic when everything aligns. It won’t make you wildly rich every spin, but when it hits, you feel like Merlin himself is nodding in approval.

• Theme & Graphics: 90% — excellent execution, immersive setting, good design.

• Feature Depth & Mechanics: 85% — not overloaded with features, but those it has work very well.

• Win Potential vs Risk: 88% — big upside, but you pay for it with volatility.

• Accessibility & Player Enjoyment: 80% — some may find the waits too long, but for many, the tension adds to the fun.

Overall Rating: 87/100

If you like a slot with mystical vibes, strong visuals, and the chance of a huge hit (if you're willing to wait), Rise of Merlin should be on your “spin-this” list.

Tell us what you think in the comments section below.