Rise of Merlin by Play'n GO delivers an enchanting spin on the beloved Book slot formula, featuring a free spins bonus with expanding symbols that can be retriggered up to 9 times. This magical slot introduces an innovative twist where each retrigger adds another expanding symbol to boost your winning potential. Set in the mystical world of Merlin the wizard, complete with dragons and magical creatures, this 5-reel, 3-row slot offers 10 paylines and maximum bets up to £100 per spin. This high volatility slot can deliver wins up to 5,000x your stake, making every spin a potential adventure into substantial rewards. The unique double-win mechanic ensures you collect payouts both when special symbols land and when they expand to fill entire reels during the bonus feature.
Rise of Merlin from Play'n GO represents an innovative addition to the popular Book slot series, introducing a captivating free spins feature with expanding symbols that offers up to 9 retriggers. The game's standout innovation lies in its ability to accumulate multiple expanding symbols through retriggers, creating increasingly lucrative bonus rounds.
Set against the backdrop of Merlin's magical realm, this slot showcases dragons, owls, and mystical artifacts across its 5 reels, 3 rows, and 10 paylines. Players can wager between minimum and maximum stakes of £100 per spin across all compatible devices and platforms.
As a highly volatile slot, Rise of Merlin offers the potential for significant wins up to 5,000 times your stake. The game's mechanics ensure double payouts during free spins - first when the special symbol appears, then again when it expands across the entire reel.
The slot's symbol hierarchy places Merlin himself and the Crystal Ball Wild at the top of the paytable. The reels also feature mystical creatures including dragons and an owl, complemented by traditional card suit symbols. Winning combinations require 2 to 5 matching symbols along active paylines:
• Crystal Ball Wild - Premium symbol and substitute
• Merlin - Highest value character symbol
• Red Dragon - High-paying mystical creature
• Blue Dragon - Mid-range fantasy symbol
• Owl - Merlin's magical companion
• Card Suits - Lower-value base symbols
Rise of Merlin focuses primarily on its signature free spins feature, staying true to the Book series tradition. While the game doesn't include multiple bonus rounds, the expanding symbol mechanic provides the core excitement and winning potential that defines this slot category.
The free spins bonus activates when 3 or more Crystal Ball scatters appear simultaneously, awarding 8 initial free spins. Before the feature begins, one symbol is randomly selected to become the expanding symbol.
During free spins, the chosen symbol expands to cover entire reels when it appears, significantly increasing winning potential. The innovative twist occurs during retriggers - landing 3+ scatters during the feature awards 8 additional spins and selects a second expanding symbol. This process continues for up to 9 retriggers, potentially creating multiple expanding symbols simultaneously.
While Rise of Merlin doesn't feature a progressive jackpot, the maximum win reaches 5,000x your stake when premium symbols fill the screen. Playing at the highest stake of £100 could yield wins up to £500,000 on a single spin.
Rise of Merlin is available for real money play at 21.com and can be enjoyed in demo mode for free practice. The slot runs seamlessly on mobile devices, tablets, and desktop platforms, ensuring smooth gameplay across iPhone, iPad, Android devices, and all major operating systems.
Rise of Merlin successfully builds upon the proven Book slot formula while introducing meaningful innovation through its multiple expanding symbols mechanic. The retrigger system that adds expanding symbols creates escalating excitement and winning potential that distinguishes it from standard Book-style games.
The slot maintains the high volatility and substantial win potential that players expect from this genre, with the 5,000x maximum payout providing excellent reward opportunities. While the game focuses on a single primary feature rather than multiple bonus rounds, the expanding symbols mechanic offers sufficient complexity and entertainment value.
Strengths:
• Free spins with expanding symbols core feature
• Innovative retrigger system adds expanding symbols progressively
• Maximum win potential of 5,000x stake
• High volatility appeals to thrill-seeking players
• Cross-platform compatibility for seamless gameplay
Limitations: • Single bonus feature may appeal to players preferring variety • High volatility requires patience for significant wins
