Shaolin Master: Slot Overview
Shaolin Master by Hacksaw Gaming is a cluster-pays slot played on a 5x6 grid with cascading mechanics. Wins are formed by clusters of 5 or more matching symbols, which vanish to make space for new symbols, potentially triggering consecutive wins. The game offers a maximum win of 10,000x the bet, with a medium-volatility math model providing balanced gameplay. It features a competitive RTP of 96.31%.
Shaolin Master features 5 lower-paying symbols: 10, J, Q, K, and A, which award payouts ranging from 0.1x to 15x the bet for clusters of 5 to 15+ symbols. The 5 higher-paying symbols include a fist, a purple item, a golden item, the student, and the master, offering rewards between 0.3x and 60x the bet for similar clusters.
After analyzing the paytable, we found that out of the possible 70 payout combinations, 44 combinations either return the stake or result in a profit.
Shaolin Master: Slot Overview
Chi Orbs
The Chi Orbs feature introduces Blue, Red, and Balance Chi Orbs as wild multiplier symbols.
- Blue Chi Orb: Begins with a multiplier of x1. Each time it participates in a win, the multiplier increases by +1. It remains on the reels during cascades but disappears at the end of the round.
- Red Chi Orb: Similar to the Blue Chi Orb, it starts with a x1 multiplier. However, the multiplier increases by +1 for every symbol involved in a winning cluster, including itself.
- Balance Chi Orb: This orb appears during cascades. Its multiplier is the product of all active Red and Blue Chi Orb multipliers on the grid. If part of a win, its multiplier is applied to the payout before it is removed.
The Student Free Spins
Trigger The Student Free Spins by landing 3 or 4 scatter symbols in the base game, awarding 10 or 12 spins, respectively.
- Multipliers are displayed below each reel, increasing by +1 for every winning symbol on their corresponding reels.
- Green Gem multipliers: These symbols further amplify the reel multipliers by values ranging from x2 to x10.
- Green Chi Orb: Activates the multipliers on a reel, applying their combined values to the winning clusters and awarding +3 extra spins.
- Maximum multiplier value: x9,999 per reel.
This mode offers opportunities to continuously build reel multipliers while extending free spins for high payout potential.
The Master Bonus Round
The Master Bonus Round is triggered by landing 5 scatter symbols in the base game, awarding 3 spins that refill when special symbols land.
- Multiplier Blocks: Increase the reel multipliers where they land, either by additive values (x2 to x10) or multiplicative values (x2 to x10).
- Epic Blocks: Apply their effects to all reel multipliers simultaneously, enhancing win potential.
- Ice Blocks: Crush these to drop new Multiplier Blocks, which adopt the value of the reel multiplier above them.
- Crusher Blocks: Destroy other blocks as they descend to the bottom, summing up their values to create a powerful new Multiplier Block.
- Maximum reel multiplier value: x9,999.
This bonus mode combines strategy with excitement as players aim to maximize multipliers while dodging destructive Crusher Blocks.
Bonus Buys
Shaolin Master offers several bonus buy options for players who want to skip the grind:
- BonusHunt FeatureSpins (3x bet): Increases the chances of triggering a bonus game by 5x.
- Enlightened FeatureSpins (50x bet): Guarantees a Red Chi Orb and at least one winning cluster per spin.
- The Student Free Spins (100x bet): Direct entry into The Student Free Spins feature.
- The Master Bonus Round (200x bet): Immediate access to The Master Bonus Round for ultimate payout opportunities.
Each option caters to different gameplay preferences, from enhanced base game spins to instant access to high-stakes bonus modes.
Shaolin Master Conclusion
Shaolin Master by Hacksaw Gaming is a solid addition to the developer's lineup, offering a well-balanced blend of cascading mechanics, multipliers, and an engaging Kung Fu theme. While it may not have the same atmosphere as some of Hacksaw's other hits, it certainly delivers with its strategic multiplier features and the potential for a significant win of up to 10,000x the bet. Players who enjoy cluster-pays slots with high-reward potential and engaging features will find Shaolin Master an enjoyable experience.
Shaolin Master arrives as a follow-up to the Christmas-themed slot Snow Slingers, sharing a similarity in featuring multipliers as key gameplay mechanics. Additionally, Hacksaw Gaming has teased its upcoming release, Donut Division, which promises to continue this streak of engaging multiplier-based gameplay.
If you're on the hunt for more exciting multiplier-focused games, we recommend trying Mio & Neko Rock, Piggy Blitz Disco Gold, or Candy Treasures for diverse yet equally thrilling experiences.
Fun Fact
Did you know? The game’s martial arts theme is inspired by Shaolin monks, known for their discipline and incredible physical feats, adding depth to its engaging design.
