Chi Slot is a brand new release by ELK Studios, and the theme is heavily influenced by Chinese culture and traditions. The game has all the ingredients and qualities of a classic and uses a layout consisting of a 5 x 3 grid with the reels set therein.
The pay lines can expand from 27, during regular play, up to 54 during the bonus round, which increases the potential for huge winning payouts. There are some astounding bonus features, and the game has a pretty good RTP of over 96% and provides decent payouts.
Wagering options range from 20p a spin, up to a higher limit of £20, thereby providing an excellent choice to suit all players. The theme is inspired by the Himalayan mountains and snow-capped peaks of that remote region of the world, and the rich Asian theme is accompanied by the eccentric sounds and melodies conjuring up images of a lost world and building atmosphere. You can almost feel the relaxing vibes of the fire and wind spirits Chi and Mow.
Iconic Asian Symbols
The game is aesthetically pleasing with several originally designed symbols lending colour and animated excitement to the game play. The game symbols consist of iconic images like a carp fish, ornately decorated cups and fans, flutes, beautiful jade stones, fire lanterns and local lotus flowers. There is a Free Spins symbol and a Bonus icon represented by the Yin Yang Scatter, which activates the Stairway to Fortune Bonus Game.
Chi – Stairway to Fortune Bonus Round
The main bonus feature of Chi is the heavenly Stairway to Fortune Bonus Game. To activate the function, you will need to get at least 3 Yin Yang Scatters on the reel grid.[spotlight] Chi and Mow are there to take you to the summit of the mountain and Fortune Reels, where you can win a considerable payout prize reaching 12,500x your trigger bet. The most lucrative feature of the game sees Chi and Mow working together to help you get better winnings on the Fortune Reels.
The beauty of this round is that Chi draws random numbers of between 1 and 6, and Mow will move the corresponding number of steps together with a cloud path of increasing multipliers. When Chi finally draws collect, the multiplier value held by Mow is paid out to you based on your triggering bet. You can win a lucrative payout when you manage to get the arrow on the highest reel, thereby adding a multiplier of 10,000x your trigger wager.
Yin Yang Free Spins with Sticky Wilds
The Chi Free Spins are activated when you get 3, or more of the Free Spins symbols, and you will receive 10, 15 or 20 free spins for getting 3, 4 or 5 symbols on the reels. There are absolutely no limits as to how many times the Free Spins can be re-triggered. Any Wilds that are generated during the Chi Free Spins remain stuck to the reels throughout the round, and the hit on the Mow image will activate a progressive multiplier staring from 2x, rising to 5x.
Cylindrical Wheels & Game play
Chi is a beautifully designed Asian-themed slot that takes you to a magical, mystical forbidden and remote region of the Himalayas, with your two celestial guides Chi and Mow, where you follow a story line narrative with engaging characters and totally unique design. The unconventional, cylindrical wheels give the game a different appearance and feel that is a welcome change from the standard slot setup, with laterally spinning reels.
Totem Symbols & Wild Fireballs
The Wild symbol replaces all the other game symbols apart from the Scatter, thereby producing winning line combinations leading to healthy payouts. At either side of the reels, there are two totems options, each activating its own spirit.
The red totem located on the left of the screen awakes Chi, who shoots fireballs onto your reels, thereby resulting in you receiving one to six wilds. The blue totem sees Mow summoned to hit the gong that boosts your payouts with multipliers from 2x up to 5x.
Summary of Chi
Chi is a likeable slot game with lots of engaging bonus features, fluid and smooth wagering process which provides options for everyone. The mobile version adds another welcome way to play the game on your tablet or smartphone. It is fully compatible with iPad, iPhone, and Android devices, their respective operating systems, and adequately optimised for mobile play. The game has a gorgeous theme, innovative game play, well-designed visuals and great potential for high payout prizes.