Rise of Merlin Slot Review - Play Free Demo

Rise of Merlin, developed by Play’n GO, is a captivating video slot that whisks players into the world of ancient magic, mystery, and powerful enchantments. Inspired by Arthurian legends, this high-volatility game is centered around the legendary wizard Merlin and his mystical creatures.

With rich graphics, an expanding symbol feature, and a free spins bonus with retrigger potential, it’s no surprise this game has become a favorite among fantasy-themed slot fans.

Rise of Merlin is structured with a classic 5-reel, 3-row layout and offers 10 adjustable paylines, giving players the flexibility to tailor their bets. The game operates with a Return to Player (RTP) of 96.58%, which is slightly above industry average and ideal for long-term play.

Its high volatility means payouts can be less frequent, but when they hit—especially during bonus rounds—they can be substantial. The slot’s top win potential is a generous 5,000x your stake, achievable through expanding symbols during the free spins feature.

Whether you're spinning for fun or for real money, these stats make Rise of Merlin a rewarding slot with serious win potential for risk-takers and seasoned players alike.

Rise of Merlin features a well-balanced mix of thematic symbols and classic card icons that fit seamlessly into its magical setting. At the top of the paytable stands Merlin himself — the highest-paying symbol that can award an impressive 5,000x your bet when you land five on a single payline. Supporting Merlin are the majestic Dragon and wise Owl symbols, which offer solid medium-value wins and add depth to the fantasy theme.

The game also includes familiar low-paying symbols represented by the standard card values A, K, Q, J, and 10, designed in a style that complements the enchanted ambiance without distracting from the main characters.

A key symbol in the game is the Crystal Ball, which serves a dual purpose. As a wild, it substitutes for all other symbols (except itself) to help create winning combinations, increasing your chances of landing a payout on any spin. At the same time, the Crystal Ball acts as the scatter symbol, triggering the game’s highly anticipated Free Spins bonus round when three or more appear anywhere on the reels.

Bonus Features – Unlocking Magical Wins

The Free Spins feature is the heart of Rise of Merlin’s bonus content. Once triggered by three or more Crystal Ball scatters, you are awarded 8 free spins. Before the free spins begin, one symbol (except the scatter) is randomly selected to become an expanding symbol. During the free spins, whenever this special symbol appears on the reels and contributes to a winning combination, it will expand to cover the entire reel, dramatically increasing your chances for big wins.

What truly makes this bonus special is the retrigger mechanic — if three or more scatters land again during the free spins, you earn an additional 5 free spins and another expanding symbol is added to the mix. This can continue up to a maximum of 9 expanding symbols, turning the reels into a magical tapestry of winning potential. It’s this feature that allows players to land massive payouts, including the coveted 5,000x max win.

The smooth interplay between the expanding symbols and the free spins creates an exciting dynamic where every spin is packed with anticipation. Whether it’s Merlin himself spreading across the reels or a dragon suddenly dominating a column, the bonus rounds make Rise of Merlin a thrilling adventure with lots of surprises and potential for big rewards.

Rise of Merlin plunges players into a richly enchanted world, drawing inspiration from Arthurian legend and ancient wizardry. The game’s backdrop features a grand arcane hall, illuminated by flickering magical lights and framed with majestic pillars carved with mystical runes. The ambient soundtrack is soft yet ominous, perfectly enhancing the magical and mysterious atmosphere.

The visuals are meticulously detailed — from the shimmering spellbook and crystal orb to the mythical beasts like dragons and owls that appear on the reels. Merlin, with his glowing staff and flowing robes, is beautifully animated, reinforcing his role as the central figure of the slot. The reel spins are buttery-smooth, with subtle particle effects and magical auras that intensify the fantasy theme. The overall design balances simplicity with immersive fantasy elements, making it both visually captivating and easy to navigate — ideal for newcomers and fantasy slot enthusiasts alike.

Rise of Merlin is a must-play for fans of Book-style slots, magical themes, and high volatility action. With stunning visuals, the thrill of expanding symbols, and the chance to retrigger multiple free spins, it offers both immersive storytelling and exciting gameplay. Whether you're playing for real money or trying the free demo on CasinoTutor, Rise of Merlin delivers an enchanting experience with big win potential.