Introduction
Japan has long held a special place on my travel wish list. I’m not talking about a quick stopover at Narita Airport, where you get the surreal experience of an airport floating on water. Instead, I mean a deep dive into the vibrant culture, far beyond that one time I found myself wearing a kimono during a hotel stay. Ronin Stackways slot made this introduction possible.
The upside? This was before smartphones became ubiquitous, so there’s no embarrassing photographic evidence of my kimono escapade. Although, I have a sneaking suspicion that somewhere in the dusty recesses of old photo albums, that cringe-worthy image still lurks.
How to Play Ronin Stackways
But why the sudden detour into reminiscing about Japan? Well, that leads us to the subject of today’s review: Hacksaw Gaming’s Ronin Stackways. This slot adventure unfolds against the backdrop of Japan’s rich culture and the legendary stories of samurai. So, let’s get down to the details. This 5-reel slot game is at the center of attention, with the potential for up to 1,000,000 paylines. Featuring an RTP of 96.35% and a top win of 5,000 times the bet, it’s time to explore the game’s unique features.
Symbols
In the realm of the base game, action may seem limited, but that’s where the Stackways mechanic takes center stage, orchestrating a series of wins. There are two types of symbols: Normal Stackways, which can stretch the reels up to 4 positions high, and Revealing Stackways, which can fill entire reels with up to 10 symbols. Additionally, the game offers two versions of the free spins feature. The first version requires landing three scatters, increasing the chance of Stackways symbols appearing. If four scatters show up, it triggers the Super Stack Spins, further enhancing the odds of encountering Revealing Stackways symbols.
Slot Mechanics of Ronin Stackways
Before you think about embarking on a quest to master the way of the samurai, I’d recommend starting with a test run of our Ronin Stackways slot demo. Instead of booking a flight to Japan to join a traditional martial arts school, you might want to try a few spins first – the demo is right here.
I was particularly excited to explore Hacksaw Gaming’s latest creation, featuring their unique Stackways mechanic. My enthusiasm stems from my love for their first slot, Mayan Stackways, which introduced this innovative feature. If you haven’t tried that game, it’s definitely worth a few spins. But for now, let’s focus on Ronin Stackways and delve into its various aspects. Fans of online slots with Japanese aesthetics and the mystique of ancient samurai traditions might also find interest in Play’n Go’s Ronin’s Honour or Print Studios’ Shinobi Spirit, both known for their unconventional approach to game design.
Bonus Rounds
Returning to the game at hand, let’s take a closer look at the pay structure and the enticing rewards waiting to be claimed.
So, who stands at the top of the pay hierarchy? A katana-wielding samurai, you might think. But it’s not. The highest-paying symbol is a cheeky monkey, rewarding four times the bet for a combination of five. Next in line is the majestic tiger, offering three times the bet, followed by the fox, bear, and panda, each giving two times the stake for a five-symbol match. The lower ranks are filled with five royal symbols – Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten – each granting 0.7 times the bet for a combination of five. Don’t worry about the absence of a wild symbol; the Stackways feature more than makes up for it.
Wagering
Hacksaw Gaming caters to various player preferences by offering a wide range of wagering options. The bet size can range from a minimum of €0.10 to a maximum of €100 per spin. Notably, the betting range between the minimum and the popular €2 mark is generous, accommodating most players looking for an enjoyable gaming experience.
Base Game & Modifiers of Ronin Stackways
Starting your journey in Ronin Stackways introduces you to a 5×4 reel grid, providing 1,024 potential paths to victory. However, this number can expand, thanks to the crucial Stackways symbols. Don’t worry; we’ll explore this mechanic more in-depth shortly. To claim your rewards, you need to align at least three matching symbols on adjacent reels starting from the leftmost one.
Stackways Symbols
The game’s standout feature, Stackways symbols, can appear on any of the five reels, coming in two distinct forms: Normal Stackways, with values ranging from 2 to 4, and Revealing Stackways, which can feature up to 10 symbols. When these symbols appear, the stacked symbol is chosen based on the symbol that could form the longest winning combination with the symbols already on the reels when the Stackways symbol lands. If multiple equally long winning combinations are possible, the symbol is selected randomly. Importantly, stacking only occurs when a winning combination is formed.
Ronin Stackways Slot Bonus Features
Hacksaw Gaming seamlessly integrates two unique versions of the bonus feature, each awarding 10 free spins upon activation. You can trigger the Stack Spins bonus with three scatters, while four scatters unlock the Super Stack Spins.
Stack Spins: During the Stack Spins round, the chances of Stackways symbols appearing increase. If 2 or 3 FS scatters land, they grant additional spins – 2 and 4, respectively.
Super Stack Spins: In the Super Stack Spins mode, the likelihood of encountering Stackways symbols is even higher. Notably, only the potent Revealing Stackways symbols appear during this phase. Like the previous bonus round, landing 2 or 3 FS scatters provides extra spins – 2 and 4, respectively.
Bonus Buy: For players in regions where the bonus buy feature is permitted, several options are available:
- Bonus Hunt Feature Spins: Costing 3x the bet, this option increases the chances of triggering a bonus game by fivefold.
- Stackways Feature Spins: Priced at 40x the bet, this option ensures that at least 2 Stackways symbols appear on each spin.
- Stack Spins: For 100x the bet, you get 10 Free Spins with an elevated likelihood of encountering Stackways symbols.
- Super Stack Spins: At a cost of 200x the bet, you receive 10 Free Spins featuring amplified chances of encountering Revealing Stackways Symbols.
Mobile Use
Ronin Stackways is fully compatible with mobile devices, offering a seamless gaming experience on smartphones and tablets. Its responsive design and user-friendly interface make it easy to play on various mobile platforms, including both iOS and Android devices.
Our Conclusion 4 out of 5
At first glance, Ronin Stackways stands out as one of Hacksaw Gaming’s most visually captivating slots to date, boasting a stunning design. While the gameplay holds its own, what truly excites me is the innovative Stackways mechanic, which I first encountered and loved in Mayan Stackways. For now, let’s focus on Ronin Stackways and explore its unique features. If you’re a fan of online slots with Japanese aesthetics or the mystique of ancient samurai traditions, you might also find interest in Play’n Go’s Ronin’s Honour or Print Studios’ Shinobi Spirit, known for their unconventional approach to game design.
Pros
- Innovative Stackways Mechanic
- High-Quality Visuals
- Variety of Bonus Features
- Wide Betting Range
Cons
- Limited Base Game Action
- No Wild Symbol
- High Volatility
FAQ
Can I play Ronin Stackways on my mobile device?
Yes, Ronin Stackways is designed to be fully compatible with mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. You can play it directly in your mobile web browser.
What is the Stackways mechanic in the game?
The Stackways mechanic involves stacked symbols that can appear in two forms: Normal Stackways and Revealing Stackways. These symbols can extend the reels and potentially lead to more significant wins.
Are there different types of free spins in the game?
Yes, Ronin Stackways offers two variations of the free spins feature: Stack Spins and Super Stack Spins. Each version comes with its own unique characteristics, affecting the likelihood of Stackways symbols landing on the reels.
