Theme and Graphics
The graphics of this new version are completely different from the previous one. The colors are warm and the atmosphere is calm and relaxing, enhanced by small waterfalls that rise and flow into a pond with floating lotus flowers. On the sides of the grid are stone wheels: one depicts a roaring tiger, while the other shows Ashoka's face with hands joined in prayer. The background is enriched by several palm trees, thus helping to recreate an exotic environment.
The game grid is imposing and positioned in the center of a pond, with a stone frame supported by four columns, recalling Buddhist temple architecture. The main symbols harmonize perfectly with the game's setting, including a roaring white tiger with a majestic gem at its center. The other symbols are precious gems of various shapes: a hexagonal red gem, a double-pointed green gem, and a diamond-shaped blue gem.
Attention to detail is also evident in the minor symbols, which are closely related to the context and shapes of various chakras. Moreover, the choice of colors is not random but recalls the Buddhist and Hindu tradition of the seven chakra colors.
The soundtrack chosen for the game is a traditional Indian melody, which adds an authentic atmosphere faithful to Indian traditions.
Payouts and Symbols
Ashoka Eternal presents different paylines, which are activated when identical symbols align in sequence on adjacent reels. Let's now look at the highest value prizes the game has to offer:
- The white tiger pays up to 250x
- Red gem pays up to 125x
- Green gem pays up to 100x
- Blue gem pays up to 75x
- The minor symbols, depicting different chakras, pay up to 50x.
Bonus Features
Expansion Grid: the grid expands to 7x9 symbols when blocks are removed from columns 1 and 7, with the introduction of an additional series of blocks on the first and last column.
Multiplier Wheel: the multiplier wheel consists of 12 positions. For the global multiplier to be activated, the wheel must stop in a position where the symbol is at the highest point. Each time wins occur, the wheel turns left.
Large Symbols: can appear in various sizes, including 1x1, 2x2, and 3x3. Larger wild symbols pay as the normal number of 1x1 wild symbols.
Charged Wild: wild symbol that remains for up to 3 wins.
Redrop Symbols: work by selecting a type of paying symbol that remains locked during a redrop. This feature activates when no more wins are visible on the screen.
Bonus Symbol: activates the bonus game when adjacent to a winning symbol. With 3 active bonus symbols, you access the bonus game, which offers 8 free drops. During this bonus, adding more active bonus symbols can lead to additional free drops.
Super Bonus Symbol: activates the super bonus game when one of the bonus symbols is a super bonus symbol.
X-iter: the x-iter feature allows the player to purchase different game modes:
- Bonus Hunt purchases a game round with triple the chance to activate the bonus game.
- Super Multiplier Wheel purchases a game round with double the chance to activate the global multiplier.
- Bonus purchases a bonus game round.
- Super Bonus purchases a bonus game round with double the chances of activating the global multiplier.
Similar Slots to Ashoka Eternal
Those looking for an interesting alternative to this game can try:
- Ashoka by ELk Studios
- Pearls of India by Play'n Go
- Buddha by 3oaks
Pros and Cons of the Slot
The player fanbase is divided between classic Ashoka and Ashoka Eternal. Despite sharing the same theme, Ashoka Eternal presents a significant change in graphic appearance, with more vibrant colors and a more cartoon-inspired look compared to its more mystical counterpart, the previous version. Both games are rich in detail, and preference between the two depends on the player's personal taste.
From a technical perspective, this slot offers several bonuses, ranging from the expandable grid to the multiplier wheel, with various advantages.
However, there are also disadvantages to consider. For example, the RTP (Return to Player) is lower than average, recording 94% against the average of 96%.