Sorry, Twihards, but Twilight Princess, developed by Pragmatic Play, is not a playful homage to Bella Swan or the iconic Twilight series. Instead, it is a distant relative of Starlight Princess, a slot with shared characteristics and a few unique elements. Twilight Princess draws inspiration from Play’n GO’s classic Moon Princess but offers a fresh take on the genre. It’s worth noting that the slot world is currently witnessing a battle of the titans, with both Starlight Princess and Twilight Princess releasing their versions of the game. In this article, we’ll explore the world of Twilight Princess and what sets it apart from its counterparts.
A Glimpse into the Twilight Princess Universe
Twilight Princess takes players to a dreamy cartoon world hosted by a charismatic and leggy femme character, reminiscent of manga and anime themes. While the visual aesthetic might appeal to fans of the genre, it doesn’t offer anything exceptionally striking. The cartoon heroine floats beside a gaming grid, set in a cloudy, atmospheric location. When free spins are triggered, the ambiance changes as the lighting dims to reflect the twilight aspect, with a golden sun casting a warm glow on the background clouds. While the game’s design is decent, it doesn’t necessarily stand out, and during our demo play, the Western-themed soundtrack seemed somewhat out of place.
Unique Gameplay Mechanics
Unlike its counterpart, Starlight Princess, Twilight Princess takes a different approach to gameplay. It’s a grid slot where a win is achieved by landing at least 5 matching symbols in connected blocks, either horizontally or vertically. Notably, Twilight Princess does not feature a tumble or cascading reels mechanic. Instead, it boasts a highly volatile math model, receiving a top rating of 5 out of 5. This model results in a default RTP of 96.08%, or 96.01% when purchasing free spins. Players can choose their stakes, ranging from 20 pence/cents to £/€240 per spin. The game unfolds on a 5×5 grid, providing a unique gaming experience.
The symbols in Twilight Princess are a mix of shapes and items, with lower-paying symbols represented by circle, triangle, diamond, hexagon, and heart-shaped objects. On the higher end of the paytable, you’ll find a shield-type element, a flower, a bell, a crown, and, of course, the princess. Winning blocks consisting of 5 matching symbols offer payouts ranging from 0.25 to 2.5 times the bet. For those who manage to land a substantial block of 20 or more matching symbols, the rewards increase significantly, with payouts ranging from 7.5 to 50 times the bet.
Delving into the Slot Features of Twilight Princess
Twilight Princess introduces several unique features that enhance the gameplay, providing ample opportunities for players to secure impressive wins. Let’s explore these features:
Wilds with Multipliers
The wild symbol in Twilight Princess is a beautifully designed pink orb with a ‘W’ emblazoned on it. Wilds serve a dual purpose, substituting for any symbol except the scatter and coming with multiplier values of x2, x3, x5, or x10. These multipliers apply to any wins involving the wild symbol. Notably, when multiple wilds contribute to the same winning block, their multiplier values are combined. This means that one wild can be part of multiple winning blocks simultaneously, and a full screen of wilds results in a payout of 50 times the bet.
Free Spins
Twilight Princess’ scatter symbol is a golden orb that can land on all reels. To trigger the free spins feature, players need to land 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols, which reward them with 10 free spins and a payout of 2x, 15x, or 100x the bet, respectively. During the free spins round, any wild symbols that appear on the screen remain sticky until the free spins conclude. Additionally, scatters can land during free spins, overlaying on top of any symbol. Acquiring 2, 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols during free spins awards an extra 5, 10, 20, or 30 free spins, respectively.
Buy Free Spins
For players seeking immediate access to the bonus round, Twilight Princess offers the option to purchase free spins for 100 times the bet. This feature guarantees that 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols will land on the triggering spin.
Evaluating Twilight Princess: The Manga-Inspired Slot Adventure
While Twilight Princess may be considered more original than its counterpart, Starlight Princess, from a mechanical standpoint, it doesn’t exude an overwhelming sense of creativity. The game’s background appears plain, verging on dull, and despite featuring a floating princess and thematic symbols, it doesn’t fully embrace the manga and anime concept. There is room for improvement, particularly when it comes to the soundtrack, which currently feels out of sync with the overall theme.
The game’s features, while functional, might be perceived as basic and somewhat unimaginative. Nevertheless, they have the potential to provide thrills. The base game introduces wild multipliers that can elevate the excitement, but the real magic happens during the free spins round, where wilds become sticky with the assistance of the Twilight Princess’ magical staff. It’s not overly challenging to accumulate a significant number of sticky wilds, potentially leading to substantial rewards. Although the absence of a tumble feature is noted, Twilight Princess has the capacity to deliver wins of up to 7,500 times the bet.
Fans of anime and manga, especially those who appreciate games with sticky multiplier wild features, will find Twilight Princess intriguing. While the game may not fully exploit the theme’s potential, it manages to present a satisfying set of features within a Sailor Moon-inspired exterior.
In summary, Twilight Princess offers an enjoyable gaming experience, but it falls short of pushing the boundaries of innovation. Despite its minor shortcomings, the game’s features, potential for substantial wins, and manga-inspired design contribute to a memorable slot adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Twilight Princess, and who is the developer?
Twilight Princess is an online slot developed by Pragmatic Play, inspired by manga and anime themes.
How does the gameplay in Twilight Princess differ from Starlight Princess?
Twilight Princess is a grid slot where wins are formed by landing at least 5 matching symbols in connected blocks, either horizontally or vertically, while Starlight Princess uses a scatter pays system to award wins.
What is the RTP of Twilight Princess?
Twilight Princess offers an RTP of 96.08% during regular play and 96.01% when buying free spins.
What is the betting range in Twilight Princess?
Players can wager from 20 pence/cents to £/€240 per spin in Twilight Princess.
Are there unique symbols in Twilight Princess?
Yes, Twilight Princess features a mix of symbols, including circle, triangle, diamond, hexagon, heart-shaped items, and higher-paying symbols like a shield, a flower, a bell, a crown, and a princess.
How do wilds work in Twilight Princess?
The wild symbol in Twilight Princess substitutes for other symbols except the scatter and comes with multiplier values of x2, x3, x5, or x10, which apply to any wins involving the wild.
What happens during the free spins feature in Twilight Princess?
Free spins in Twilight Princess make wild symbols sticky, and scatters can land to award additional free spins.
Can I buy free spins in Twilight Princess?
Yes, players have the option to purchase free spins for 100 times the bet, ensuring the triggering spin lands 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols.
What is the maximum win in Twilight Princess?
Twilight Princess offers a maximum win of up to 7,500 times the bet.
How does Twilight Princess cater to fans of anime and manga themes?
Twilight Princess features a manga-inspired design with a dreamy cartoon world, making it appealing to fans of the genre.