Originally started thousands of years ago, the shadow puppet show is still an extremely popular Asian art form where folks from different regions are able to give and receive entertainment despite the language barrier.
The art involved flat puppets (made of paper or leather), which were projected on a white cloth screen. Connected by threads the marionettes could be easily operated, creating specific shadows, which then tell a story through actions, reflection and exaggeration. Though primitive, this theatre setup was capable of conveying strong ideas and presenting dramatic pieces.
The puppeteers not only had to be extremely skillful with their fingers but also enhance the folk drama with song, musical instruments, sounds and prepare the puppets, decors and costumes themselves.
Dedicated to the ancient drama shows, the game features some famous shadow puppets (historical and folk heroes), some of which are still sold as souvenirs. All symbols on the paytable: Emperor and Empress, Samurai, Tiger, Peacock and Stork, even the card suits all match the “shadow art style” design.
Shadow Play slot comes on an ordinary 5×3 playing field with 243 winways where any 3+ identical symbols on adjacent reels payout. But this seemingly straightforward game instantly becomes more interesting when you find out that it includes a unique (for this many pay ways) win-both-ways system.
That is to say, with the exception of the 5OAK combinations (which pay only 1 way), all other winning formations pay left to right or right to left within 1 spin. Customary for this provider, the betting range is large – here up to 150 CAD. Also so routinely, there is no technical data published for the important slot properties.
Using the internal/limited recourses of our BNC game lab, we had determined that the game’s hit rate is a little over 25% (so, not very favourable), and based on the values of the paytable, we estimate Shadow Play slot as a game with a Low Volatility. It exhibits high returns (around 96% RTP) and the maximum prospect we calculate at 2430x the total bet as there are no Multipliers and other win boosters.
Long story short, we don’t encourage the bonus hunters to try to complete the wagering conditions here, even though the game exhibits low variance. The hit rate is still insufficient to succeed in this process. On the other hand, we give thumbs up for the Shadow Play slot with real money: 1) employing medium bets (1.50 to 9 CAD per spin), and 2) ideally in short sessions. Don’t give in to the urge to play this low-risk slot with very high stakes as its harmless nature can be a trap if you get it in a “cold mood”. Pick your optimal bet, stay firmly on it and wait till 1 handsomely paid (extended) Bonus round.
These are our tips for the players who dare to come out of the shadows and play with real credits. For those with a more guarded approach, we provide the link to play free and test the special win-both-way system of KA Gaming’s Shadow Play online slot.
Bonus Features of Shadow Play slot
- Wilds – The green dragon is the Wild factor in the slot. It can drop only on the central 3 reels and brings no value on its own. Wilds do have the routine occupation of replacing the missing symbols when pay combination can be constructed.
- Scatters & Free Spins – The lantern image is the Scatter in the game. 3/4/5 lanterns will pay respectively 2x/10x/x20 the bet and will initiate a Bonus round incorporating 15/20/30 FS. The gameplay here is analogous to the base game, but there is a chance of multiple re-triggers within 1 Bonus.
Settings
- Provider – KA Gaming
- Payment lines – 243
- Volatility – Low
- Default range of bets – 0.30 to 150 CAD
- Playing field – 5х3
- The maximum winning is – 2430x the total bet
- Bonuses – Win both ways, Wilds, Scatters, Free Spins
- Free Spins -Yes (plus possible re-trigger)
- RTP – 96%
