Planet of the Apes Slot Review
NetEnt have built a reputation for transforming Hollywood blockbusters into engaging slot experiences, and their approach to the Planet of the Apes franchise demonstrates this perfectly. Rather than opting for a standard single-reel format, they’ve delivered a dual-reel configuration that mirrors the two films it’s based on. This isn’t just a cosmetic choice – the twin reel sets fundamentally change how the game plays, offering independent bonus systems and free spins variants. For those familiar with branded slots, this represents a step beyond typical movie tie-ins, where the licence often amounts to little more than themed graphics.
Base Game & Features
Planet of the Apes operates across two independent 5-reel, 3-row configurations positioned side by side. The left set represents Rise of the Planet of the Apes, whilst the right represents Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Each reel set contains 20 paylines, bringing the total to 40 paylines across both grids. This dual-reel system isn’t purely aesthetic – each side functions independently during base gameplay, with wins calculated separately on each grid.
Symbol configuration includes character symbols from both films, with apes and humans represented distinctly on each side. Wild symbols appear on both reel sets and substitute for regular symbols in standard fashion. The game uses a traditional left-to-right payline structure on each grid, requiring matching symbols across consecutive reels to form winning combinations.
Betting accommodates a wide range of player budgets. Minimum stakes start at £0.20 per spin, covering both reel sets simultaneously, whilst the maximum bet reaches £200 per spin. This range positions the game comfortably in the mid-to-upper betting bracket, suitable for casual players through to higher-stakes sessions.
Dual Feature
The Dual feature can trigger randomly before any spin during base gameplay. When activated, reels on both the Rise and Dawn sides spin together, and any matching symbols that land on identical positions across both grids award combined prizes. This mechanic effectively doubles win potential for that spin, adding volatility to the base game experience. Activation frequency is unpredictable, though when it does trigger, the synchronised reels create meaningful payout opportunities.
Rise and Dawn Random Bonuses
Each reel set features its own randomly triggered bonus mechanic, independent of the other side:
Rise Bonus: Triggered when a Bonus symbol lands on the first reel of the Rise side. This awards an instant cash prize of up to 600x bet, with the value determined randomly. The bonus resolves immediately without interrupting the base game flow.
Dawn Bonus: Triggered when a Bonus symbol lands on the final reel of the Dawn side. This converts one type of human symbol and one type of ape symbol into matching symbols, creating higher probability for winning combinations on that spin. The symbol transformation can significantly boost payouts depending on positioning.
Wild Symbol Mechanics
Wilds play a particularly important role in the dual-reel system. When a full stack of wild symbols lands on any reel within the Rise grid, those wilds are copied across to the corresponding reel on the Dawn grid. This wild duplication increases win potential across both reel sets simultaneously, adding an extra layer to the standard wild substitution mechanic.
Planet of the Apes Free Spins
Free spins are triggered independently on each reel set, requiring three or more scatter symbols (represented by the game logo) to land on a single grid. Scatters landing on the Rise side activate Rise free spins, whilst scatters on the Dawn side trigger Dawn free spins. Both variants offer distinct mechanics and win-building strategies.
Rise Free Spins
Rise free spins award 10 free spins with a wild collection system. Throughout the feature, any wild symbols that land are collected and held. On the final spin, all collected wilds are randomly placed across the reels in a single spin, creating potential for significant wild coverage. The mechanic builds anticipation across the feature, with the final spin determining the outcome. Wild positions are randomised, meaning results can vary from modest coverage to reel-filling wild placements.
Dawn Free Spins
Dawn free spins award 15 free spins and introduce three collectible symbols on the reels during the feature:
- Multiplier Symbol: Increases the free spins multiplier by +1, up to a maximum of 5x
- Extra Wild Symbol: Adds additional wild symbols to the reels for remaining spins
- Extra Free Spin Symbol: Awards additional free spins, extending the feature
These collectible symbols progressively enhance the feature as they land, with multipliers stacking across the spins. The combination of more initial spins (15 vs Rise’s 10), multiplier potential up to 5x, and progressive wild additions gives Dawn free spins notably higher win potential than the Rise variant. Maximum win during Dawn free spins reaches 3,000x stake when the 5x multiplier is achieved, representing the overall game maximum.
During either free spins variant, scatter symbols can retrigger the feature by landing three or more scatters on the active reel set, awarding additional spins.
Our Honest Verdict
Planet of the Apes sits comfortably within NetEnt’s catalogue of branded titles, delivering on the innovation expected from the developer’s premium releases. The dual-reel system isn’t just window dressing – it genuinely alters gameplay dynamics with independent bonus systems and the synchronised Dual feature adding base game variance. At 96.33% RTP with medium volatility, the game positions itself for extended sessions rather than high-risk chasing, though the 3,000x maximum win via Dawn free spins provides sufficient upside for those willing to wait for the feature.
The distinction between Rise and Dawn free spins is worth noting. Rise free spins offer a concentrated final-spin mechanic that delivers fast results, whilst Dawn free spins build progressively with multipliers and wild additions across 15 spins. For win potential, Dawn clearly takes precedence – the combination of more spins, higher multipliers (5x vs Rise’s 2x), and progressive enhancements creates significantly better odds of substantial payouts. Rise free spins, conversely, suit players preferring quick-resolution features without the gradual build-up.
Where the game excels is mechanical complexity without overwhelming clutter. Two full reel sets could easily feel chaotic, but NetEnt’s layout keeps everything readable, with clear visual separation between Rise and Dawn areas. The wild duplication mechanic between grids adds strategic depth, whilst random bonuses (600x instant cash on Rise, symbol transformation on Dawn) keep base gameplay engaging between free spins triggers.
That said, the medium volatility and 3,000x cap won’t satisfy those chasing truly massive multipliers found in high-variance slots. This is clearly designed for movie fans and players who appreciate layered feature sets over raw win potential. The £200 maximum bet accommodates higher-stakes players, though the medium variance profile means big wins require patience and feature hits rather than base game accumulation.
Compared to other NetEnt branded slots, Planet of the Apes holds up well. It avoids the trap of slapping a movie theme onto standard mechanics, instead building the dual-film concept into the core gameplay. For those familiar with the franchise, the thematic execution is faithful, with character designs and animations capturing the films’ atmosphere effectively. Casual players might find the dual-grid layout initially confusing, but the mechanics are straightforward once understood.
Recommended for: Movie fans, players who enjoy feature-rich gameplay with multiple bonus paths, and those seeking medium volatility sessions with decent RTP. The dual-reel system offers enough innovation to keep regular slot players interested, whilst the branded content appeals to franchise enthusiasts.
Less suitable for: High-variance chasers seeking 10,000x+ potential, players preferring simple single-reel formats, or those wanting fast-paced base game action. The feature-focused design means base gameplay can feel slower between triggers.
Planet of the Apes FAQs
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What is the RTP of Planet of the Apes?
Planet of the Apes has an RTP of 96.33%, which sits comfortably in the mid-range for NetEnt slots. This return-to-player percentage applies across both the Rise and Dawn reel sets equally. -
What is the maximum win on Planet of the Apes?
The maximum win reaches 3,000x your stake, achievable during Dawn free spins when the 5x multiplier is activated. Base game scatter wins cap at 1,000x for five scatter symbols. At maximum bet (£200), the top payout is £600,000. -
Does Planet of the Apes have free spins?
Yes, Planet of the Apes features two distinct free spins variants – Rise free spins (10 spins with wild collection) and Dawn free spins (15 spins with multipliers up to 5x). Both are triggered independently by landing three or more scatter symbols on the respective reel set. -
Can I play Planet of the Apes on mobile?
Yes, Planet of the Apes is fully optimised for mobile play across iOS and Android devices. The dual-reel layout adapts to smaller screens without compromising functionality, though a horizontal orientation provides the best viewing experience. -
Does Planet of the Apes have a bonus buy feature?
No, Planet of the Apes does not include a bonus buy option. Free spins and bonus features must be triggered organically through scatter symbols and random bonus activations during standard gameplay. -
What is the volatility of Planet of the Apes?
Planet of the Apes is classified as medium volatility, balancing regular smaller wins with occasional larger payouts. This variance level suits extended play sessions rather than high-risk chasing, making it accessible to a broader player base. -
Which free spins mode is better – Rise or Dawn?
Dawn free spins offer higher win potential with 15 spins (vs Rise’s 10), multipliers up to 5x (vs Rise’s 2x), and progressive wild additions. The maximum win of 3,000x stake is achieved through Dawn free spins. Rise free spins suit those preferring concentrated final-spin mechanics with wild collection. -
When was Planet of the Apes released?
Planet of the Apes was released by NetEnt on October 23, 2017. The game is based on the Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) films.
