The Scatter Symbol’s Secret Role in Age of the Gods: Wheels of Olympus
The world of online slots is constantly evolving, with new games emerging every day. Among them, one series stands out for its rich mythology, stunning visuals, and innovative gameplay mechanics – the Age of the Gods series from Playtech. In this article, game we’ll delve into the intricacies of Age of the Gods: Wheels of Olympus, focusing on the often-overlooked scatter symbol and its pivotal role in the game.
The Basics of Age of the Gods: Wheels of Olympus
Released in 2015, Age of the Gods: Wheels of Olympus is a five-reel, 25-payline online slot set in ancient Greece. The game takes players on an epic adventure through the mythological realms of Olympus, where they’ll encounter various gods and goddesses from Greek mythology. Designed to capture the essence of the original myths, Playtech’s masterpiece features:
- Reels and Paylines: Five reels, each containing five symbols per spin, and 25 fixed paylines.
- Symbols:
- High-value symbols (Zeus, Poseidon, Athena, Ares, Artemis, Aphrodite, and Apollo) award the highest wins.
- Low-value symbols include the classic Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10.
- Scatters, Wilds, and Bonus symbols add to the game’s complexity.
- Bonus Features:
- Scatter symbols can trigger free spins and a progressive jackpot.
- Wild symbols substitute for other icons to create winning combinations.
The Mysterious Case of the Scatter Symbol
In many online slots, scatter symbols are often seen as mere triggers for bonus features. However, Age of the Gods: Wheels of Olympus reveals that this icon holds more significance than initially thought. Let’s examine its role in the game and how it contributes to the overall winning potential.
- Triggering Free Spins: The Scatter symbol, represented by a depiction of Zeus’ lightning bolt, can appear on reels 1, 2, or 3 in any position. When two or more Scatters land simultaneously, players are awarded free spins:
- Two Scatters award 5 free spins with a 2x multiplier.
- Three Scatters trigger 10 free spins with a 4x multiplier.
With each spin, the Scatter symbol reappears on reels 1 and 3 in any position. If two or more appear during this period, additional free spins are awarded, up to a maximum of 20 free spins with a 5x multiplier.
- Unlocking Jackpots: The Scatter symbol plays a crucial role in triggering the game’s progressive jackpot:
- Players can win part of the progressive jackpot by landing five Wild symbols on any payline.
- Three or more Scatters on reels 1, 2, and 3 award the entire progressive jackpot.
The Scatter symbol also appears as a bonus symbol, which adds to its importance in Age of the Gods: Wheels of Olympus. By collecting multiple Bonus symbols during free spins, players can unlock even greater rewards.
A Closer Look at the Gameplay Mechanics
To truly understand the Scatter symbol’s significance, we need to analyze the game’s overall design and mechanics:
- Volatility: Age of the Gods: Wheels of Olympus is classified as a medium-volatility slot. This means that wins are relatively frequent but often smaller in value.
- RTP (Return-to-Player): The RTP for this game stands at 94.95%, which is slightly below average. However, it’s essential to remember that the progressive jackpot and potential free spins can lead to significant payouts.
- Paytable: While the base game offers relatively modest wins, the scatter symbol and other bonus features contribute significantly to the overall winning potential.
The gameplay mechanics and Scatter symbol are intertwined in a delicate balance:
- Balancing Winning Opportunities: Playtech achieved an excellent balance between providing frequent wins and offering substantial rewards through the progressive jackpot and free spins. The Scatter symbol plays a key role in this equilibrium, creating opportunities for significant payouts without overwhelming players.
- Encouraging Exploration: By incorporating multiple features and symbols, Age of the Gods: Wheels of Olympus encourages exploration and discovery within the game. Players must adapt their strategy to maximize their chances of winning, which adds an exciting layer of complexity.
Conclusion
Age of the Gods: Wheels of Olympus offers a rich experience that’s just as captivating as it is rewarding. Beneath its mythological surface lies a sophisticated blend of mechanics, each designed to contribute to the game’s overall success. The scatter symbol holds more significance than initially thought, acting as both a trigger for bonus features and an integral part of the gameplay.
By acknowledging and understanding the intricacies of Age of the Gods: Wheels of Olympus, players can unlock new levels of enjoyment from this already immersive experience. It is essential to appreciate not just the visual elements but also the strategic nuances that make this game truly stand out among its peers.
The scatter symbol in Age of the Gods: Wheels of Olympus serves as a prime example of clever design. It subtly influences gameplay without overpowering it, inviting players to dive into the game’s depths and uncover new secrets.