300 Shields Extreme

300 Shields Extreme: Review

Initially launched in 2014 under NextGen Gaming, 300 Shields the game became an iconic favorite in the online gaming world immediately and has maintained its status as a top choice among players even now. Its straightforward yet high-risk gameplay, combined with the potential for immense rewards, has solidified its legendary status among slot enthusiasts. Based on the narrative of the famous fantasy film '300', which dramatizes the historical Persian Wars, NextGen Gaming has enhanced this Spartan-themed slot with improved HD graphics, smoother gaming mechanics, and has introduced features like a bonus purchase and a gamble option.

While the core mechanics and exciting mathematical model remain unchanged, 300 Shields Extreme mirrors its predecessor closely. However, a bonus purchase option may have required slight adjustments, and upon comparison, one can notice a notable increase in the scatter symbol's value in the updated version. Yet, the return to player percentage stays steady at an impressive 95.299%.

Created by NextGen Gaming, this vibrant slot features a classic five-reel and 25-payline setup and is compatible with all devices, allowing wagers from as little as 0.25 to as much as 12.50 Euros per spin. The visual experience has been significantly enhanced in its transition to HTML5, offering players familiar with the original a noticeably sharper look. The graphics are now significantly clearer and richer in color, with animated elements like firefly-type dots adding life to what was once a more static background.

As you indulge in the gameplay, you’ll encounter familiar symbols – A, K, Q, J, 10, and 9, playing as lower value symbols, while icons like arrows, swords, ships, and archers serve as high-reward symbols. The archer stands as the most rewarding, offering a payout of 10 times your initial stake for a full line of five. The Warrior symbol acts as the wild, replacing other symbols except for the scatter, and plays a key role in unlocking the free spins bonus round.

The main game is highly volatile and rather straightforward, featuring no additional bonuses or high reward opportunities, placing the emphasis primarily on the free spins round. Players can now directly access this feature at the cost of 60 times their wager, which aligns with current gaming trends. Although the bonus purchase trend is not universally appealing, in this instance, it presents a fair deal in comparison to other slot games, especially given the verified potential for big wins.

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, triggering the bonus requires you to land at least three scatter symbols on the reels, unlocking five free spins with the Warrior wild wins doubled. Moreover, acquiring three scatters can reignite the feature, adding five more spins to your game. During the free spins, landing shield symbols increases your shield collection displayed on the meter to the side:

• Collecting two or more shields grants an extra five spins, with Warrior wins multiplied by 5.
• Securing six or more shields provides five more spins, elevating Warrior wins by 25 times.
• Amassing 12 or more shields awards another set of five spins, ballooning Warrior wins to 300 times.

Reaching the ultimate level is a dream achievement for slots fans, offering a chance at winning up to 17,770 times your stake on a single spin. This undeniable potential is part of what made the original game such a tremendous success.

300 Shields Extreme: Verdict

As fans of the original, we were thrilled to hear about a continuation. Initially, the additional bonus purchase feature seemed underwhelming, but after playing, we were reminded of the game's excellence and discovered a surprising preference for this version. It’s not only visually superior but also operates more smoothly. The bonus buy option, priced at a reasonable 60x, blends seamlessly with the game mechanics.

Bear in mind, 300 Shields Extreme is exceptionally volatile, characterized by its all-or-nothing nature. The main game doesn’t favor sustained play sessions, and even triggering the bonus doesn’t guarantee reaching the top tier. Those familiar with the original know that activating the 300x multiplier doesn't ensure gargantuan wins, but the game’s potential is tangible and authentic. Anticipate new social media buzz around colossal wins following the release of 300 Shields Extreme.