Phoenix Forge Slot Review: Discover How To Land Payouts
Pragmatic Play often excels with each new slot game. The rate at which the provider launches hit after hit shows a level of consistency that few other companies can rival. So, the question is: will their latest release, Phoenix Forge, live up to expectation and deliver equally impressive gameplay?
Well, at first glance, it appears that Pragmatic Play has opted to take a simpler approach here. Whilst recent titles have incorporated various layouts and mechanics, it’s back to basics with Phoenix Forge. The layout consists of 5 reels, 3 rows and 20 fixed paylines – a standard setup if you will. Then, there are increasing multipliers to gain and a re-triggerable free spins feature to unlock across what is considered a high volatility game. Top that off with a 5,000x maximum win and it seems as though it’s a recipe for success, at least on the surface.
However, before you read our full Phoenix Forge slot review to discover our thoughts, you can check out the game’s key features below:
- Reels: 5
- Rows: 3
- Paylines: 20
- RTP: 96.51%
- Volatility: Very High
- Max Win: 5,000x
- Features: Tumble Feature, Hot Spot Multiplier, Free Spins
Phoenix Forge Features
What may come as a surprise is that Pragmatic Play has chosen not to include a wide range of special features. Although wild symbols and special multipliers can improve base game wins, there’s only one core bonus feature available.
Wild Symbol
The Golden Egg symbol is the game’s wild. It substitutes for all other paytable symbols, except the Scatter, to help you create winning combinations.
Scatter Symbol
The Phoenix symbol is the Scatter and it can appear on each of the 5 reels. Land 3 or more during a single spin to trigger the free spins feature and also earn a fixed payout.
- 3 Scatters: 2x total bet
- 4 Scatters: 5x total bet
- 5 Scatters: 20x total bet
Tumble Feature & Hot Spot Multiplier
Each winning combination that lands will trigger a subsequent tumble. Winning symbols will disappear from the reels leaving space for new ones to drop in. It’s a mechanic that many recent online slots utilise but, here, there’s one key difference.
Each position that was part of a win will receive a multiplier that improves subsequent wins. If additional wins are created on top of an existing multiplier it will increase by +1. Any wins that incorporate several multipliers will benefit from the sum of all multipliers it contains. When no more wins land, all multipliers reset before the next spin.
Phoenix Forge Free Spins and Bonus
Now, to the crux of the matter – the main Phoenix Forge bonus. Like many Pragmatic Play releases, Phoenix Forge has a free spins feature capable of delivering huge wins. You’ll need to land 3 Scatter symbols during a single spin to trigger an initial 10 free spins.
During the free spins bonus, the Hot Spot Multiplier remains active; multiplier values are not reset between spins, meaning they will continue to increase with each win until the feature ends.
You can also retrigger the bonus by landing 3 more Scatter symbols during the feature. If this occurs, you’ll receive an additional 5 free spins.
Phoenix Forge Theme and Symbols
Phoenix Forge’s overall theme revolves around its titular mythological character, the Phoenix. There’s also the magical element to consider, which is underpinned by a mysterious background littered with treasure.
The overall aesthetic is hardly groundbreaking and the various coloured gem symbols that adorn the reels aren’t particularly novel. However, the way in which the overall design blends together results in an eye-catching slot.
Phoenix Forge RTP and Volatility
Phoenix Forge comes with a 96.51% RTP and a very high volatility rating. It’s worth noting that the combination of these elements can result in some hefty swings in your account balance in the short term. Therefore, we advise you to select your stake accordingly.
How To Play Phoenix Forge
Phoenix Forge serves up standard slot gameplay to make the experience as straightforward as possible for players. The action unfolds across 5 reels, 3 rows and 20 fixed paylines, which will require you to land 3 or more matching symbols for a win.
All necessary game functions are set beneath the reels. Simply set your preferred stake, between the €0.20 minimum bet and €100 maximum bet, and hit spin to start the reels rolling. There’s also autoplay functionality for those of you who prefer to sit back, relax and watch as the action unfolds.
Slotsia’s Review
At the start of our review, we raised the question of whether or not we thought Phoenix Forge lived up to Pragmatic Play’s usual standards. Whilst we must admit that it’s a well-polished game with great potential, there does seem to be something missing – it feels rather lacklustre in terms of features.
In fairness, we can see Pragmatic Play’s intent. It’s evident that the provider has opted for a simple release that provides a respite from other more convoluted releases and it certainly meets those particular criteria.
However, it feels as though somebody is perpetually watering the embers to prevent the Phoenix from ever reaching its true potential. We still recommend giving it a try, at the end of the day a 5,000x win is nothing to sniff at. It’s just that it may have limited replay value.
Pros and cons:
96.51% RTP
5,000x maximum win
Lack of features
