Darkness

Darkness Slot Review

When a new studio enters an oversaturated market, it can be hard for them to make their mark, but Print Studios has proven the opposite with Darkness. Released in October 2023, this dark gothic horror slot combines meticulous atmospheric design with a sophisticated feature set that refuses to compromise. The game delivers what few horror-themed slots manage: genuine artistic integrity paired with impressive gameplay depth. This is a title that doesn’t insult player intelligence, and it certainly isn’t afraid to commit to its bold vision.

Base Game & Features

Darkness operates on a 5-reel, 4-row grid with 26 paylines. The layout itself feels deliberately constrained – fewer paylines than many modern releases, yet the compensation comes through the complexity of the feature interactions. The visual presentation demands attention: adjustable brightness settings (ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 in 0.10 increments) let players craft their own level of immersion within this exceptionally eerie atmosphere. It’s a design choice that shows Print Studios understands their audience.

Special Symbols & Modifiers

The base game features several mechanics that keep gameplay engaging without relying solely on bonus round potential. The Dirge Wilds pay out 50x the bet for five across a payline, providing a meaningful standard win rather than just substitution value. Giant Symbols randomly appear in sizes from 3×2 up to 4×5 (some sources indicate 5×4), significantly boosting win frequency by covering multiple symbol positions.

Most notably, the SuperSpinners feature activates on reel dividers with 14 different multiplier lanterns. These apply values ranging from 2x up to 20x to any winning combination passing through them. During these spins, a cascading mechanic kicks in, with symbols dropping and new ones falling to fill the gaps. This creates the possibility of multiple consecutive wins on a single spin—a satisfying mechanic that performs exceptionally well.

There’s also a Feature Bet available, allowing players to artificially increase their bet to influence feature frequency. Betting ranges from £0.10 minimum up to £50 maximum, accommodating different bankroll preferences without sacrificing the integrity of the core experience.

Bonus Features & Free Spins

The Dark Ritual Free Spins bonus represents the centrepiece of Darkness’s appeal. Landing 3, 4, or 5 Pentagram Scatter symbols triggers 10, 12, or 14 free spins respectively. During this bonus round, the game transforms: the stakes feel higher, the atmosphere intensifies, and the potential for substantial wins crystallises.

Within the free spins round, players can unlock the Lucifer Feature by collecting all five Pentagram points across the reels. Once activated, reels 2, 3, and 4 become entirely wild for the remainder of the bonus. This mechanic combines the thrill of progression with genuine mechanical payoff—it’s not merely cosmetic, but fundamentally changes win probability.

For those seeking acceleration, the Bonus Buy option allows purchasing direct access to free spins at 100x the current bet. International players (outside the UK) can use this feature, though the UKGC regulations in the British market restrict its availability locally. The RTP when using Bonus Buy reaches 96.79%, up from the base 96.14%—a meaningful increase that reflects the feature’s value.

Additionally, Scatter Boost lets players increase their bet by 50% to boost scatter frequency (approximately 1 in 122 versus the standard 1 in 300). This pushes the RTP to 96.40%, offering flexibility for those who prefer more frequent bonus access over maximum volatility.

Verdict: Who Should Play Darkness?

Darkness is visually the best horror game currently available, with meticulous attention to detail in creating that spine-tingling atmosphere. The game creates ultimate immersion with a highly unsettling, frightening environment that produces extreme reactions from players—genuinely a “hate it or love it” proposition.

The volatility sits at very high (4 out of 5), meaning players should absolutely not expect regular wins. When they land, they can be substantial, but expect longer dry spells between payouts. The 20,000x maximum win potential is genuinely impressive and achievable, particularly when the Dark Ritual bonus pairs with the Lucifer feature covering reels 2-4. With a fixed RTP of 96.14%, the game offers excellent value for a high-volatility title.

However, this is decidedly not for casual or faint-of-heart players. The intensity is extreme, and skittish players might genuinely hesitate triggering the free spins bonus. Those with moderate bankrolls should approach carefully—extended losing streaks are not only possible but probable with this volatility profile.

Darkness absolutely stunned players with its horrific demeanor but gripped them with excellent gameplay. It’s a masterpiece for horror aficionados and perfect for serious volatility chasers who want features that mean something. The game doesn’t insult intelligence; it respects its audience enough to deliver complexity without handholding.

Quick Stats

• Provider: Print Studios
• Reels: 5×4 (26 paylines)
• RTP: 96.14% (base), 96.40% (Scatter Boost), 96.79% (Bonus Buy)
• Volatility: Very High (4/5)
• Hit Frequency: 32.99%
• Minimum Bet: £0.10
• Maximum Bet: £50
• Maximum Win: 20,000x total bet
• Release Date: 19 October 2023
• Theme: Dark Gothic Horror

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the RTP of Darkness slot?

  Darkness has a base RTP of 96.14%, which increases to 96.40% with the Scatter Boost feature and 96.79% when using the Bonus Buy option. This sits above the industry average, making it excellent value for a high-volatility game.
• What is the maximum win on Darkness?

  The maximum win on Darkness slot is 20,000x the total bet amount. This impressive potential is achievable through combinations of the Dark Ritual Free Spins bonus with the Lucifer feature covering reels 2 through 4, paired with SuperSpinner multipliers.
• What is the volatility of Darkness slot?

  Darkness has very high volatility (rated 4 out of 5). Players experience larger gaps between wins, but when wins land, they tend to be substantial. This makes it ideal for players chasing big win potential but demanding patience and a robust bankroll.
• Does Darkness slot have free spins?

  Yes, Darkness features the Dark Ritual Free Spins bonus round triggered by landing 3, 4, or 5 Pentagram Scatter symbols, awarding 10, 12, or 14 free spins respectively. During the bonus, players can unlock the Lucifer Feature by collecting all five Pentagram points, turning reels 2 through 4 entirely wild.
• What are the key features of Darkness slot?

  Darkness includes SuperSpinners with multipliers (2x to 20x), Giant Symbols (3×2 to 4×5), Dark Ritual Free Spins, Dirge Wilds (50x for five), the Lucifer Feature transforming reels 2-4 wild, Bonus Buy (100x bet, international only), and Scatter Boost (50% increased bet for more scatters).
• Who developed Darkness slot?

  Darkness is developed by Print Studios, known for creating unique, thematic slot games with bold design choices and sophisticated bonus mechanics that prioritise quality and artistic vision.
• What is the betting range on Darkness?

  Darkness offers flexible betting from £0.10 minimum to £50 maximum, accommodating diverse bankrolls. The game also includes Feature Bet and Scatter Boost options for players who want to adjust feature frequency and scatter triggers.
• Is Darkness worth playing?

  Darkness is worth playing if you’re a horror aficionado or high-volatility chaser. It delivers meticulous atmosphere, excellent gameplay with impressive potential, and features that genuinely matter. However, it’s decidedly not for casual players—the extreme intensity and high volatility demand appreciation for both artistic integrity and bankroll management.