Release the Kraken

Release the Kraken is a captivating maritime-themed slot from Pragmatic Play, bringing the legendary sea monster to life in a digital, underwater world. Inspired by the Norse sagas and immortalized in literature like Moby Dick and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the Kraken has long haunted sailors’ imaginations. Pragmatic Play channels that mystique into a visually stunning, feature-packed slot that can deliver thrilling rewards—or keep players on the edge of their seats as they face the fearsome tentacles of the deep.

Overview

Set at the bottom of the ocean, Release the Kraken features a 5-reel, 4-row layout with 20 paylines in the base game. The backdrop is an eerie sunken galleon, and the semi-transparent reels let the mysterious deep-sea environment take center stage. The betting range is flexible, allowing players to choose 1–10 coins per line with coin values from 0.01 to 0.50, making total bets from $0.10 up to $100 per spin. The game’s RTP is 96.5%, placing it within the average range for modern video slots, while its volatility sits at a high-but-not-extreme level, promising both occasional wins and the potential for bigger payouts.

The paytable is split between low and high-value symbols. Low-value symbols are the standard playing cards J through A, while high-value symbols feature sea creatures including a green fish, blue fish, a turtle, and a shark—each with a charming, almost animated design reminiscent of family-friendly ocean tales. The game’s logo is the most valuable regular symbol, offering 25x your stake for five of a kind, and standard wilds substitute for all symbols except Bonus, Free Spins, or Chest Bonus icons.

While the base game is visually appealing, it’s the bonus features that really make this slot shine.

Features

Release the Kraken comes alive when its features are triggered, either randomly during base spins or through specific symbol combinations. The game offers several exciting mechanics:

Random Spin Features

At random, three Kraken tentacles appear over the reels with a “Pick Me” prompt. Players select one to reveal a spin modifier:

  • Kraken Lockin Wilds: Players open three chests, revealing either additional wilds, multipliers, or a collect option. “More Wilds” adds extra Kraken Wilds to the reels, “All Wins x2 and Collect” applies a multiplier and ends the feature, while “Collect” simply pays out your winnings.

  • Colossal Kraken Wilds: A giant 3×4 wild appears, covering a large portion of the reels. The placement may vary, sometimes covering only the top or bottom positions.

  • Infectious Kraken Wilds: Adds at least one wild that converts adjacent symbols into additional wilds, increasing potential wins exponentially.

Special wilds from these features substitute for all regular symbols except the Bonus, Free Spins, or Chest Bonus symbols, adding layers of excitement to every spin.

Sunken Treasure Bonus

Triggered by Bonus symbols on reels 1 and 3 along with a Chest Bonus on reel 5, this feature lets players pick chests to reveal cash prizes. There’s no fixed number of picks—players continue until one chest reveals “Collect,” ending the round. This element adds a fun interactive component that feels like a mini treasure hunt.

Roaming Kraken Free Spins

The standout feature of the game, Roaming Kraken Free Spins, is triggered by Bonus symbols on reels 1 and 3 plus the Free Spins symbol on reel 5. Players reveal chests to gain additional spins, typically receiving 10 spins on average, though extra spins (+1, +2, +3) are possible. During this feature:

  • Paylines increase from 20 to 40, improving win opportunities.

  • Roaming wilds stay on the reels for multiple spins, incrementing a win multiplier with each appearance.

This feature combines suspense, strategy, and visual flair, creating a highly engaging gameplay experience.

Graphics and Audio

Pragmatic Play is known for quality graphics, and Release the Kraken is no exception. The underwater theme is immersive, with detailed symbols and a subtle animation that brings the reels to life. The sound design complements the eerie, mysterious atmosphere, with deep-sea ambiance and occasional dramatic cues when features activate.

Verdict

Release the Kraken is a well-crafted slot that balances stunning visuals, interactive features, and rewarding gameplay. The combination of Random Spin modifiers, chest-opening mechanics, and Roaming Kraken Free Spins ensures players are constantly engaged. While its base game may feel familiar to seasoned Pragmatic Play enthusiasts, the features introduce enough variety to keep the experience fresh and exciting.

One interesting quirk noted during testing is the recurring pattern in the chest features: the number four frequently appears as the revealed prize, with the fifth chest almost always ending the feature with “Collect.” While likely coincidental, it adds a humorous layer of predictability that some players may find amusing.

Overall, Release the Kraken is ideal for players who enjoy interactive bonus rounds, big multipliers, and ocean-themed slots. Whether you’re a casual spinner or a thrill-seeker chasing wilds and multipliers, this game delivers a deep-sea adventure worth exploring.