Yokai Slot Review
BGaming have built a reputation for provably fair algorithms and consistently above-average return rates, and their ART Collab series takes that foundation a step further by pairing iGaming mechanics with genuine fine art commissions. Yokai is the latest entry in that concept, produced in collaboration with Portuguese street artist Gonçalo MAR and set within a Japanese mythology framework. The result is a medium volatility release with a standout 97% RTP – a full percentage point above the industry average of 96% – making it one of the more mathematically generous offerings to emerge from the studio’s recent catalogue.
With a maximum win of 8,000x and a feature set built around accumulating multipliers and sticky Wilds, Yokai targets players who appreciate atmosphere alongside genuine bonus potential. It sits comfortably alongside established Japanese-themed releases like Rise of Samurai and Shogun’s Secret, though the Moon Multiplier mechanic gives it its own distinct identity within that crowded corner of the market.
Base Game & Features
Yokai runs on a standard 5×3 grid with 20 fixed paylines paying left to right, a familiar structure that keeps the focus firmly on the feature set rather than complex win mechanics. The setting is depicted beneath Mount Fuji, populated by Yokai spirits and a Samurai character, and the hand-drawn aesthetic produced through the ART Collab concept gives the visuals a quality that separates it from the more generic approach common in Asian-themed slot production. The colour palette is restrained and atmospheric – calm rather than garish – and the soundtrack follows the same principle, sitting comfortably in the background without becoming intrusive over extended sessions.
Wild Symbols
The game features two distinct Wild types, both appearing on reels 2 through 4 and substituting for all symbols except the Scatter.
The Blue Wild functions as a standard substitution symbol in the base game, completing paylines where it lands. It becomes more significant during Free Spins, where it turns sticky and remains in position for the duration of the bonus round.
The Red Wild carries an additional layer of value: each one that lands brings a multiplier of +2, +3, +5, or +10. In isolation during the base game, these multiplier Wilds provide a useful boost to individual wins but rarely transform a spin in any meaningful way. Their real contribution comes later, when the Free Spins feature is active and those multiplier values feed into the accumulating Moon Multiplier.
Moon Multiplier
The Moon Multiplier is the mechanical thread that runs through both the base game and the bonus. During regular spins it collects all Wild multiplier values on each spin, though it resets with each new spin. In the base game, its function is limited to the single spin in which Red Wilds appear. The mechanic becomes genuinely interesting only once Free Spins are triggered, where the Moon Multiplier accumulates every Wild multiplier value across the entire bonus round rather than resetting between spins. That distinction – building spin-by-spin rather than relying on a single lucky hit – creates a momentum effect that is one of the more engaging aspects of the game’s design.
Yokai Free Spins & Bonus Features
Free Spins are triggered by landing 3 Scatter symbols on reels 1, 3, and 5 simultaneously. The trigger sequence is where the game’s most theatrical moment occurs: the Samurai cuts through 9 moons, each revealing a value between 1 and 3, and the sum of all nine values determines the total number of Free Spins awarded. The range of possible outcomes means you genuinely do not know how many spins you are about to receive until the reveal is complete – a small but effective piece of pre-feature suspense that distinguishes it from games with a fixed spin count.
Once the bonus is underway, all Wilds – both Blue and Red – become sticky, remaining locked in position for every subsequent spin. New Wilds that land also stick, meaning the reels progressively fill with locked Wild positions as the round continues. The combination of expanding sticky coverage and a growing Moon Multiplier creates a compounding effect that becomes more pronounced the further into the bonus you get. A session return of 455x during testing came from exactly this dynamic: sticky Wilds building across reels while several multiplier Wilds contributed to a growing Moon Multiplier total.
Retriggering is possible by landing 3 Scatter symbols on reels 1 and 5 during the bonus, with 6 moons used to determine the additional spin count. Retriggering is capped only by the maximum win ceiling of 8,000x, which at the maximum bet of EUR 32 equates to EUR 256,000.
Bonus Buy & Chance x2
Yokai includes two purchase options for players who prefer direct access to the feature:
- Buy Bonus – Purchases the Free Spins feature at a dynamically priced cost set at the time of purchase. Dynamic pricing means the cost varies rather than sitting at a fixed multiple of the stake.
- Chance x2 – Increases the probability of triggering Free Spins by slightly increasing the active bet amount. Suited to players who prefer a natural trigger with a modest stake uplift.
The dynamic pricing model on the Buy Bonus has attracted mixed commentary, with some players preferring the predictability of flat-rate bonus buys offered by competing titles. Whether the dynamic approach represents fair value depends on the price displayed at the moment of purchase.
Our Honest Verdict
BGaming’s ART Collab concept is a genuine differentiator in a market where aesthetic ambition rarely extends beyond licensed IP. The hand-drawn work from Gonçalo MAR gives Yokai a visual identity that most Japanese-themed slots – including its nearest neighbours Rise of Samurai and Shogun’s Secret – cannot match. The comparison to Ghost of Tsushima’s atmospheric Japanese setting is an apt one aesthetically, even if the gameplay operates on entirely different logic.
On a mechanical level, Yokai is a well-constructed medium volatility slot rather than an innovative one. The Moon Multiplier’s accumulating behaviour during Free Spins is the standout design decision – building momentum through the bonus rather than delivering a single lucky hit feels more engaging than many flat-multiplier implementations. Sticky Wilds are a proven mechanic and BGaming have integrated them sensibly here. The base game, by contrast, asks for patience: Wild multipliers appear but deliver limited impact in isolation, and the overall pace is steady without being particularly compelling.
The 97% RTP is a significant point in Yokai’s favour – players seeking mathematically fair gameplay will find few releases that match this return rate. The 8,000x maximum win is respectable for a medium volatility game and notably outpaces direct comparators like Rise of Samurai. The bet range of £/€0.20-32 keeps it accessible without excluding mid-stakes players. Desktop and mobile performance are equivalent, with no meaningful loss of clarity or playability on smaller screens.
Yokai is an enjoyable release that rewards those who appreciate atmosphere as much as mechanics. Players chasing extreme volatility and five-figure win multipliers should look elsewhere – 8,000x at medium variance is a balanced proposition rather than a high-stakes one. For players drawn to strong visual design, an above-average RTP, and a Free Spins feature that builds genuine momentum, it warrants serious consideration. It may not dominate session playlists, but it earns its place in a well-stocked rotation.
Yokai FAQs
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What is the RTP of Yokai slot?
Yokai delivers a standout 97% RTP, notably above the industry average of 96%. -
What is the maximum win in Yokai slot?
Yokai offers an impressive 8,000x bet as the maximum possible win. -
What is the volatility of Yokai BGaming slot?
Yokai has medium volatility, which delivers a balance between consistent wins and the potential for substantial payouts. -
What is the bet range for Yokai slot?
The betting range for Yokai by BGaming is from 0.20 to 32, which accommodates both casual players and high-rollers. -
How many reels and paylines does Yokai have?
Yokai plays across a 5-reel, 3-row grid with 20 fixed paylines that pay left to right. -
What are the main features in Yokai slot?
Yokai features Wild multipliers, a progressive Moon Multiplier that grows during Free Spins, sticky Wilds, Free Spins with retriggers, and a Buy Bonus for instant access. -
How do you trigger Free Spins in Yokai slot?
Land 3 Scatter symbols to trigger Free Spins. The samurai cuts 9 moons, revealing numbers that determine your spin total. Wilds become sticky, and the Moon Multiplier grows throughout the round. -
Is Yokai slot optimized for mobile play?
Yes, Yokai is perfectly optimized for mobile play, allowing players to enjoy the game on their smartphones and tablets.
