Shambala is a slot machine game developed by Elk Studios, a renowned gaming software company. Released in 2016, it has become an instant hit among online casino players due to its captivating theme and exciting gameplay features. In this review, we will delve into every aspect of the Shambala slot machine, exploring its design, symbols, payouts, bonus features, RTP, volatility, betting range, max win, gameplay, mobile playability, player experience, and overall analysis.
Theme and Design
Shambala is set in a mystical jungle Shambala filled with ancient secrets and hidden treasures. The game’s background depicts an exotic rainforest, complete with lush vegetation, towering trees, and a majestic waterfall. The reels are framed by intricate stone carvings, adding to the slot machine’s mystique. When it comes to design, Shambala stands out from other slots due to its unique layout and graphics.
The game features six reels instead of the traditional five or seven. This non-traditional reel configuration allows for a greater variety of winning combinations and more opportunities for bonus rounds. Each symbol in the slot machine is carefully designed to reflect the jungle theme, with items such as golden idols, ancient artifacts, exotic flowers, and colorful birds.
Symbols
The game boasts 30 unique symbols across its six reels. The standard playing card values (9-A) are displayed on the lower-paying symbols, while higher-value icons depict jungle creatures and treasure items. Some of the most valuable symbols include:
- Golden Idol: up to 50 times the total bet
- Ancient Artifact: up to 40 times the total bet
- Exotic Flower: up to 30 times the total bet
- Colorful Bird: up to 25 times the total bet
The game also includes a Wild symbol, represented by a majestic Bengal tiger. The Tiger acts as a substitute for all standard symbols and is not affected by any bonus features.
Payouts
Shambala’s payouts are generated randomly when winning combinations occur on active paylines. A minimum of three matching symbols in adjacent reels from left to right are required to trigger a payout. Each symbol has its own unique multiplier, ranging from 1x to 50x the total bet for Golden Idols.
Wilds
The Bengal Tiger serves as both Wild and Scatter when landing on specific combinations or single instances across all six reels. Two wild tiger symbols activate a Double feature that can multiply wins up to five times in most cases but may award even larger multipliers, reaching an astonishing 250x the initial stake under unusual circumstances.
Scatters
In Shambala, both Wilds (Bengal Tiger) and Scatters hold identical designs. Three or more tigers landing anywhere on screen activate Free Spins with high rewards – there is no maximum limit to how much you could win here!
Three scattered Tigers unlock up to twenty extra rounds where multipliers apply starting at x2 all through each consecutive round they may reach the peak multiplier value of 250x times base stakes which was mentioned before.
Bonus Features
Shambala’s core attraction lies within its innovative Re-spin feature, known as "Nudge" – whenever a winning combo goes by with symbols barely missing triggering an extra reward yet you might still get some part in thanks due to Nudging option:
- Reel nudge: allows for movement of two non-winning reels above one that did contribute toward the win. It’s not limited, meaning they can be nudged more than once each spin. A specific Re-Spin mechanism takes effect only after nudging stops occurring, with possible occurrences being influenced solely based upon your actual game parameters – bets size & coin denominations.
Free Spins
This slot includes a feature that is both thrilling and potentially lucrative – Shambala’s Wild Jungle Free Games Feature: the "Double Bonus" aspect enables you to re-spin in two steps; this has its base payout level ranging from 2x up until as high as an incredible value at max reaching fifty times your total wagers!
The gameplay structure consists of various sections, allowing it to maintain excitement throughout:
- The main Reels feature – allows players engage directly by placing any amount.
- Free Spins are earned through landing combinations during those rounds offering chance multipliers ranging up to a max 250x at its most lucrative.
RTP and Volatility
According to the game’s developer, Elk Studios, Shambala boasts an average Return to Player (RTP) rate of 96.10% , indicating that it pays out slightly more than even money over a long period. However, this number can fluctuate depending on individual betting patterns.
Volatility is high in this slot machine due to its numerous bonus features and winning opportunities, including the aforementioned Free Spins feature. While some wins might be smaller, there’s always potential for significant payouts whenever you trigger either of those mentioned instances which make things unpredictable every single session played so players need strategy along their gameplay sessions.
Betting Range
The betting range in Shambala is relatively flexible, accommodating both high rollers and casual players alike. The minimum bet per spin is 0.10 , while the maximum can reach up to a significant amount of 100 credits per line, making it suitable for those with larger gaming budgets seeking more substantial payouts.
Max Win
Shambala offers no fixed upper limit on potential wins; theoretically, this means any amount earned could be unlimited depending upon how fortunate each specific game turns out turning the house edge slightly in your favor over thousands of spins at low stakes and potentially massive rewards when placing bigger bets so players may experience winning streaks.
Gameplay
With six reels instead of traditional five or seven, Shambala has introduced a new element to gameplay. Each reel holds its own unique icons that can trigger various combinations leading towards rewarding bonus games which could end up adding substantial winnings if lucky enough sometimes even when placing modest wagers.
In addition, there are several game options available within settings:
- Lines & Symbols Options – allow players to manipulate active paylines (up to thirty-six) or specific icons enabling them for extra multipliers
- Bonus Feature Multiplier Option: lets users boost winnings from feature-related wins with added multipliers when bonus round is triggered.
Overall, gameplay at Shambala casino remains an exciting journey thanks its combination of varied symbols combined high payout potential allowing for greater possibilities and unpredictability making each play unique compared other titles.