Ashoka Online Slot: Review

Ashoka is an intriguing and original slot produced by Elk Studios, set in ancient India. The game's protagonist is a warrior prince who has the ability to command a fearsome white tiger. The game is rich in mythological elements, such as statues of goddess Kali and other stone carvings that recall the cult of a lost civilization, which here blends with clear fantasy elements. The slot is structured on an innovative 6-reel and 8-row grid with Cluster Pays payout mechanics. The RTP is estimated at 94% and volatility is high.

Theme and Graphics of Ashoka

The graphics in Ashoka are truly worthy of attention. The attention to detail and design implementation is impressive, making it seem much more similar to environments found in classic console or PC video games. The background shows the statue of an 8-armed deity, a clear reference to Hindu culture: generally, goddess Kali is depicted in malevolent forms, but this time she seems to aspire more to peaceful balance. Next to her, however, a stone wheel shows an engraved skull framed in gold, a clear warning to anyone approaching with hostile intentions. The icons on the reels are also unique, engraved in rectangular stone blocks. The reels feature ancient decorations and inlays, perfect for the proposed context and setting.

Paytable

The Ashoka slot consists of 6 reels and 8 rows, utilizing the Cluster Pay method. To obtain a winning combination, you need to collect 8 or more identical symbols appearing anywhere on the grid. They don't need to be aligned vertically or horizontally as in other traditional slot games. The betting range varies from €0.20 to €100 per spin. Ashoka slot can offer up to 25,000 times the bet, undoubtedly a more than interesting value. The symbols and their respective payouts are:

• J and Q that pay up to 3x;
• K and A that pay up to 5x;
• Blue gem pays up to 15x;
• Green gem pays up to 20x;
• Orange gem pays up to 30x;
• Red gem pays up to 50x;
• White tiger pays up to 100x.

Bonus Features of Ashoka Slot

Avalanche: when 8 or more identical symbols land anywhere on the grid forming a winning combination, the Avalanche mode activates. Winning symbols are removed from the grid and blocking symbols vertically adjacent to a winning symbol are removed. This increases the number of symbols available on the grid, improving your chances of getting another Scatter Pays win. The grid is then reloaded with new symbols. Additional winning combinations will lead to more avalanches until no more winning combinations form.

Wild Features: Ashoka slot features several Wild characteristics. First, Big Wild symbols can appear in 2×2 or 3×3 sizes, equivalent to 4 or 9 regular wild symbols. This is known as the Big Wilds feature. Additionally, there's the Charged Wilds feature, which activates when a Charged Wild symbol appears on the grid. This symbol stays in play for 3 winning combinations and is removed after the last win.

Multipliers: besides wild symbols, there are also a couple of multiplier symbols that can appear on the grid. The Multiplier feature activates when the Multiplier symbol lands on the grid. This adds its value and activates the win multiplier when there are visible winning combinations. Additionally, there's the Super Multiplier feature. The Super Multiplier symbol adds its value and activates the Win Multiplier when winning combinations appear. Important to note that the Super Multiplier symbol reactivates for each avalanche.

Free Spins: the Free Spins Bonus feature activates when 3 Bonus Skull Scatter symbols land anywhere on the grid during a base game spin. This awards 10 free spins. Getting 2 or 3 scatters during the feature will award 5 or 10 extra free spins respectively, with no limit. Inactive scatters become active when vertically adjacent to a winning symbol, leading to additional free spins. Even more significantly, Super Multiplier symbols remain active between free spins. This can lead to larger multipliers being applied to winning combinations.

Slots Similar to Ashoka

Those wanting to discover interesting alternatives to Ashoka can try:

• Tome of Madness by Play'nGo;
• Aztec Spins by Red Tiger;
• Patanjali Chakra by Spinmatic.

Pros and Cons of Ashoka Slot

From a visual standpoint, Ashoka slot is designed with great care, offering a unique theme and aesthetic concept. The background music is particularly pleasant, while the scenario is peaceful and fascinating. Regarding gameplay, it's actually quite straightforward. The Avalanche mode introduces more symbols, thus increasing winning chances. The Big Wilds, which can reach sizes up to 3×3, facilitate better combinations, as do the Charged Wilds that remain on the grid for up to 3 wins. The key to the game are the Multiplier and Super Multiplier symbols, and it's undoubtedly appreciated that during free spins, super multipliers remain active throughout the feature. With a maximum winning potential of 25,000x, Ashoka slot can be considered decidedly interesting. However, the below-average RTP proves to be a major disappointment.