Shogun of Time Slots
Shogun of Time brings together two unlikely worlds - futuristic cyberpunk aesthetics and traditional Japanese warrior culture. This unique 4-reel video slot from Microgaming's partner studio Apricot offers players 81 ways to win and the chance to score up to 16 free spins. With its striking visuals and innovative bonus features, this time-traveling adventure stands out in the crowded online slot market.
A Visual Time Machine
The moment you launch Shogun of Time, you're transported between two worlds. The game masterfully blends neon-lit cyberpunk cityscapes with traditional Japanese elements. The reels feature a mix of futuristic and historical symbols - from the imposing Samurai Helmet to the mysterious Cyberpunk Girl who serves as your guide through this time-bending journey.
The attention to detail is impressive, with symbols like the Warrior's Chest Plate and traditional Japanese Fan rendered in a style that honors their historical significance while giving them a futuristic edge. Even the standard playing card symbols (A, K, Q, J, 10) have been designed to complement the game's unique aesthetic.
Gameplay Basics: 4 Reels of Time-Bending Action
Unlike most modern video slots that feature 5 reels, Shogun of Time takes a different approach with its 4-reel setup. This creates a more compact playing field but doesn't limit your winning potential thanks to the 81 paylines that can form winning combinations.
The game's symbols range from lower-paying card values to premium symbols like the Samurai Helmet and the Cyberpunk Girl. The Shogun of Time Logo serves as the wild symbol, substituting for all regular symbols to help complete winning combinations. Keep an eye out for the Face Mask symbol, which plays a crucial role in triggering the game's bonus features.
Betting Options for All Players
Whether you're a casual player or a high roller, Shogun of Time accommodates all betting preferences. You can start with coin sizes as low as $0.01 and go up to $0.10, with the ability to adjust your total bet up to a maximum of $100 per spin.
The game uses a fixed payline system, meaning all 81 ways to win are always active. This simplifies the betting process - you just select your total bet amount and start spinning. This approach makes Shogun of Time accessible to newcomers while still offering enough flexibility for experienced players to implement their preferred betting strategies.
Reel Split Re-spin Feature
One of the most innovative aspects of Shogun of Time is the Reel Split Re-spin Feature. When you land a winning combination on all four reels, something magical happens - the game splits the middle reels and adds a fifth reel to the center! This not only gives you a re-spin but also increases your ways to win from 81 to 243.
During this feature, the middle reel can stack wilds, dramatically increasing your chances of hitting multiple winning combinations. This clever mechanic adds an extra layer of excitement to the base game and can lead to substantial payouts.
Free Spins: Journey to the Future
Land three or more Face Mask scatter symbols anywhere on the reels to trigger the Free Spins feature. You'll be awarded up to 16 free spins depending on how many scatters activated the feature. During free spins, the game permanently expands to five reels with 243 ways to win, and the middle reel becomes fully wild for the entire duration.
This combination of expanded reels, increased ways to win, and a guaranteed wild reel creates the perfect conditions for landing multiple big wins. The free spins can't be retriggered, but the potential payouts during this feature can be significant enough that you won't mind.
Smart Play Strategies
While Shogun of Time is largely based on luck like all slots, there are ways to maximize your enjoyment and potentially your returns:
Start with smaller bets to get a feel for the game's mechanics, particularly how often the Reel Split feature triggers. This will help you gauge the game's volatility with your playing style.
Don't chase losses - set a budget before you start playing and stick to it. The time-traveling theme might be enticing, but your bankroll exists very much in the present.
Pay attention to the paytable and symbol values. Knowing which combinations to hope for can make the experience more engaging and help you appreciate those big wins when they come.
A Timeless Slot Experience
Shogun of Time successfully merges two fascinating worlds into one cohesive and entertaining slot experience. The 4-reel setup with the potential to expand to 5 reels during features keeps gameplay fresh and exciting. With its moderate volatility, the game strikes a good balance between frequent small wins and the occasional larger payout.
Whether you're drawn to the cyberpunk aesthetic, fascinated by Japanese warrior culture, or simply looking for an innovative slot with unique mechanics, Shogun of Time delivers an adventure worth taking. The combination of striking visuals, engaging features, and solid winning potential makes this time-traveling journey one you'll want to experience again and again.