Rise of Samurai IV

Rise of Samurai IV Review

Rise of Samurai IV, the latest installment in Pragmatic Play’s popular series, brings players back to feudal Japan with enhanced graphics and exciting new features. This 5×5 slot game offers a unique dual-mode gameplay, expanding wilds with multipliers, and the potential for substantial payouts. Let’s dive into what makes this game stand out in the crowded online slot market.

Game Overview

Rise of Samurai IV is built on a 5×5 grid with 15 fixed paylines. The game’s standout feature is its dual-profile system, allowing players to choose between two gameplay modes: Date and Sanada. This choice affects not only the visual aesthetics but also the game’s volatility and bonus frequency.

Key Features

• Dual-profile system (Date and Sanada modes)
• Expanding wilds with multipliers (up to 100x)
• Free spins bonus round
• High volatility
• Maximum win potential of 15,000x the bet

Gameplay and Mechanics

The core gameplay revolves around the expanding wilds feature, which can appear on any reel during both the base game and free spins. When a wild symbol lands, it expands to cover the entire reel if it contributes to a win. Each expanded wild receives a random multiplier between 2x and 100x, significantly boosting potential payouts.

Date vs. Sanada Mode

Players must choose between two gameplay profiles at the start of their session:

This choice adds a strategic element to the game, allowing players to tailor their experience based on their risk appetite and playing style.

Bonus Features

Free Spins

Landing three scatter symbols on reels 1, 3, and 5 triggers 10 free spins. During this bonus round, any expanding wilds that appear will remain sticky until the end of the feature, potentially leading to massive win combinations as more multiplier wilds accumulate.

Bonus Buy Option

For players who prefer immediate access to the free spins feature, Rise of Samurai IV offers a bonus buy option:

• 75x bet for Date mode
• 150x bet for Sanada mode
• 300x bet for guaranteed expanding wild on the first free spin (available in both modes)

The 300x option is particularly volatile and appeals to high-risk players seeking potentially enormous payouts.

Visual and Audio Design

Pragmatic Play has significantly improved the visual quality compared to previous entries in the series. The game features richly detailed symbols and backgrounds that change based on the chosen mode. Date mode presents an outdoor setting reminiscent of a Forbidden Palace, while Sanada mode takes place in an indoor dojo-like environment.

The audio design complements the visuals with traditional Japanese instruments and sound effects that enhance the immersive experience without becoming repetitive or distracting.

Volatility and RTP

Rise of Samurai IV is rated as a high volatility slot (5/5 on Pragmatic Play’s scale), indicating that while wins may be less frequent, they have the potential to be substantial when they occur. The Return to Player (RTP) varies slightly depending on the chosen mode:

• Date mode: 96.01% — 96.14%
• Sanada mode: 96.01% — 96.14%

These RTP ranges are competitive within the online slot market, offering fair long-term play value for players.

Betting Range and Payouts

The game caters to a wide range of players with a betting range from 0.10 to 100 credits per spin. The maximum win potential of 15,000x the bet is impressive and achievable in both gameplay modes, primarily through the accumulation of high-value expanding wilds during the free spins feature.

Symbol Payouts

Payouts for five-of-a-kind combinations range from 1x the bet for low-paying card symbols to 20x the bet for the highest-paying character symbol. The wild symbol shares the same payout value as the top-paying regular symbol.

Tips for Players

• Consider your risk tolerance when choosing between Date and Sanada modes. Date offers more frequent but potentially smaller bonus rounds, while Sanada provides less frequent but potentially more lucrative free spins sessions.
• Manage your bankroll carefully, especially given the game’s high volatility. Set win and loss limits before playing.
• The bonus buy feature can be tempting but remember it comes at a significant cost. Weigh the potential benefits against the guaranteed expense.
• Pay attention to the accumulation of sticky expanding wilds during free spins, as this is where the game’s biggest win potential lies.

Conclusion

Rise of Samurai IV represents a solid evolution of Pragmatic Play’s samurai-themed slot series. The dual-mode gameplay adds a layer of strategy and replayability, while the expanding wilds with multipliers provide exciting win potential. High volatility and a substantial maximum payout of 15,000x the bet make this game particularly appealing to thrill-seeking players.

While it may not revolutionize the slot genre, Rise of Samurai IV offers a polished, engaging experience with enough unique features to stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re a fan of Asian-themed slots or simply looking for a high-volatility game with big win potential, Rise of Samurai IV is certainly worth a spin.