Release the Kraken Megaways Slot Review
Release the Kraken Megaways brings Pragmatic Play’s beloved underwater adventure into the modern Megaways era. This October 2024 release transforms the classic Release the Kraken formula into a dynamic, feature-rich slot that combines thematic depth with mechanical complexity. The game successfully blends the charm of its predecessors with contemporary Megaways excitement, making it a worthwhile addition for both franchise veterans and Megaways enthusiasts seeking mechanical depth beyond standard bonus mechanics.
Base Game & Features
Release the Kraken Megaways operates on a dynamic 6-reel, 2-7 symbol configuration that creates up to 117,649 ways to win with each spin. The fluid reel system means winning combinations form constantly throughout your session, keeping the action flowing even during stretches between major bonus triggers. The underwater backdrop features vividly rendered symbols—from the menacing Kraken to treasures scattered across the reels—all complemented by polished animations that enhance the immersive atmosphere.
Mystery Symbols & Wild Respins
The base game introduces Mystery Symbols that appear exclusively during regular spins, concealing identical payable symbols until the reel locks in place. When three or more wild symbols land, the game triggers a respin mode where wilds reposition randomly across the grid. Each additional wild that lands during respins grants another spin, creating potential chains of consecutive respins that can build significant wins without touching the bonus round.
Guaranteed Win Mechanic
Pragmatic Play incorporated a Guaranteed Win feature that awards a minimum of 10x your stake on random losing spins during the base game. This mechanic keeps sessions feeling responsive and prevents extended dry spells from becoming utterly frustrating—small compensatory wins arrive regularly enough to maintain engagement between feature triggers.
Bonus Features & Free Spins
Free spins trigger when you land 3 or more scatter symbols anywhere across the reels, awarding an initial 6 spins. What sets this bonus round apart is the interactive Treasure Chest Picking Phase—a dynamic element that genuinely engages players by offering meaningful choices during the feature. You’ll select from treasure chests, each concealing potential upgrades: additional spins (up to +4), multiplier boosts (up to +2x), roaming wild enhancements, or guaranteed minimum payways (2,000-10,000x your stake). The sense of influence over outcomes makes the bonus feel dynamic and rewarding rather than predetermined and passive.
Roaming Wilds & Multiplier Stacking
During free spins, wild symbols become roaming wilds that shift to new positions with each spin, creating cascading win opportunities across the dynamic Megaways grid. When two roaming wilds occupy the same position on a single spin, your multiplier increases by 1x, stacking progressively throughout the feature. This mechanic directly rewards you for interactive choices made during the treasure chest phase, making picks feel consequential rather than cosmetic.
Ante Bet & Bonus Buy
The Ante Bet feature costs an additional 25% per spin but doubles your chances of triggering free spins, effectively increasing your hit frequency when you’re targeting the bonus round. Activating Ante Bet also boosts your RTP to 96.53%, making it valuable for players seeking consistent bonus engagement. For immediate bonus access, the Bonus Buy feature offers two options: 100x stake (guarantees 3 scatters plus 1 treasure chest pick) or 150x stake (triggers 4-6 scatters with corresponding picks, giving broader upgrade potential).
Our Honest Verdict
Overall Verdict: 4.5/5
Release the Kraken Megaways successfully merges an established favourite with modern mechanics, delivering a polished experience that balances mechanical depth with thematic immersion. The game packs substantial entertainment value through its 8+ distinct features, industry-leading 96.40% RTP, and impressive 10,000x maximum win potential. Pragmatic Play invested genuine effort here—the interactive treasure chest picking phase genuinely distinguishes this from standard bonus mechanics, delivering the sense of player agency that transforms passive bonus rounds into engaging gameplay moments.
Where the game shows limitations is in base game pacing. Medium volatility combined with approximately 1 in 296 free spin trigger odds means stretches between exciting moments, and when bonus rounds arrive, treasure chest picks can occasionally disappoint if they fail to align with roaming wild collisions. The 10,000x maximum win, whilst substantial, matches the original Kraken—some may find the cap unambitious for a Megaways slot with 117,649 ways to win.
Recommended for players who value feature richness, visual quality, and engaging bonus mechanics over pure volatility and base game action. The audiovisual experience significantly enhances appeal, and the combination of Megaways mechanic with the innovative treasure chest picking phase creates a standout slot experience. Best suited for Pragmatic Play regulars and Megaways enthusiasts; not ideal for those seeking consistent base game wins or record-breaking max win potential.
Release the Kraken Megaways FAQs
What is the RTP of Release the Kraken Megaways?
Release the Kraken Megaways has multiple RTP versions available. The standard RTP is 96.40%, with alternative versions at 95.50% and 94.50%. The slight variations in reported RTP figures suggest that different casinos may offer different RTP versions depending on regional regulations and casino settings.
What is the maximum win on Release the Kraken Megaways?
The maximum win potential on Release the Kraken Megaways is 10,000x your stake. This significant max win potential is achieved through the combination of the 117,649 ways to win Megaways mechanic and bonus features like roaming wilds and multipliers.
Does Release the Kraken Megaways have free spins?
Yes, Release the Kraken Megaways includes a free spins bonus round triggered by landing 3 or more scatter symbols. During free spins, wild symbols become roaming and remain active throughout the feature, while wild respins can be triggered for additional spins and win-building opportunities.
What is the volatility of Release the Kraken Megaways?
Release the Kraken Megaways is classified as medium volatility by most sources, though some describe it as medium-to-high or high volatility. The game is positioned at the higher end of medium volatility, with the Megaways mechanic and dynamic features creating a more volatile play experience than the volatility rating suggests.
Can I play Release the Kraken Megaways on mobile?
Release the Kraken Megaways is available to play on mobile devices, as confirmed by its presence on multiple mobile-friendly casino platforms and the official Pragmatic Play website which supports mobile gaming.
Does Release the Kraken Megaways have a bonus buy feature?
Yes, Release the Kraken Megaways includes two bonus buy options. Players can purchase free spins at 100x stake to trigger 3 scatters, or 150x stake to trigger free spins with a random chance of 4, 5, or 6 scatters, providing flexibility in bonus feature engagement.
How many ways to win does Release the Kraken Megaways have?
Release the Kraken Megaways offers up to 117,649 ways to win through the Megaways mechanic. The game features 6 reels with a dynamic matrix system where each reel can display 2 to 7 symbols, creating varying winning combinations on each spin.
What are the main features of Release the Kraken Megaways?
Key features include Mystery Symbols, Wild Respins, Guaranteed Win mechanics, Ante Bet feature, Bonus Buy, roaming wilds during free spins, treasure chest picking phase, and multipliers. The combination of these features during bonus rounds creates high-win potential through the interactive gameplay elements.
