Release the Kraken is a maritime-themed video slot developed by Pragmatic Play, featuring a 5-reel, 4-row layout with 20 paylines. Set in the depths of the ocean, this medium-high volatility game offers multiple bonus features, random modifiers, and a maximum win potential of 10,000x your stake.
Release the Kraken represents Pragmatic Play's interpretation of the legendary sea monster that has captivated sailors and storytellers for centuries. Originally appearing in Norse sagas and later popularized through classic literature, the Kraken myth provides the foundation for this underwater adventure. The game combines high-quality graphics with a comprehensive feature set designed to maintain player engagement through both base game action and bonus round excitement.
Launched in January 2020, this slot has established itself within Pragmatic Play's extensive portfolio as a visually appealing option that balances accessibility with substantial win potential. The underwater setting features a semi-transparent reel structure positioned before a wrecked galleon on the ocean floor, creating an atmospheric environment enhanced by animated sunlight filtering through the water and carefully designed sound effects.
Release the Kraken operates on a 5-reel, 4-row grid configuration with 20 fixed paylines. The game's technical specifications reveal important information for players assessing whether this slot matches their preferences and playing style.
The default Return to Player percentage stands at 96.5%, positioning it slightly above the industry average and indicating favorable long-term theoretical returns. However, players should verify the RTP at their chosen casino, as some operators may offer versions with different return percentages.
Pragmatic Play rates the volatility at 4 out of 5 lightning bolts, classifying it as medium-high. This volatility level means players can expect less frequent wins compared to low volatility games, but with higher average payout values when winning combinations occur. The hit frequency and variance create a gameplay experience where patience may be required between significant wins, but the potential rewards justify the wait for players comfortable with this risk profile.
The betting structure accommodates a wide range of player budgets. The interface allows selection of 1 to 10 coins per line, with coin values ranging from 0.01 to 0.50. This creates a minimum bet of 0.10 per spin and a maximum of 100.00, making the game accessible to casual players while offering sufficient stakes for those seeking higher risk and reward scenarios.
The game is available in both demo and real money modes across desktop and mobile platforms, with HTML5 technology ensuring smooth performance across devices without requiring downloads or plugins.
Understanding the symbol hierarchy is essential for evaluating potential returns and recognizing valuable combinations during gameplay.
The lower-paying symbols consist of standard playing card royals from Jack through Ace. These symbols appear frequently but offer modest returns, typically requiring five-of-a-kind combinations for meaningful payouts. While not thematically integrated, they serve their functional purpose in creating regular small wins that sustain gameplay.
The premium symbols embrace the underwater theme with four sea creatures: a green fish, blue fish, turtle, and shark. These symbols feature a friendly, animated design aesthetic that contrasts with the ominous Kraken theme, creating visual appeal without becoming overly dark or intimidating.
The game logo serves as the highest-paying regular symbol, delivering 25x the stake for five matching symbols on a payline. The standard wild symbol matches this payout value and substitutes for all regular symbols, though it cannot replace Bonus, Free Spins, or Chest Bonus symbols. Additional wild variants appear through the feature mechanics, each with distinct properties that significantly impact winning potential.
One of Release the Kraken's distinguishing characteristics is its random feature activation system. At any moment during base game spins, three Kraken tentacles may emerge from the depths, each waving a pick-me indicator. Players select one tentacle to trigger one of several modifiers that can dramatically alter the outcome of the current spin or sequence.
This modifier introduces a pick-and-reveal mechanic where three treasure chests appear on the reels. Players open chests sequentially, with each revealing one of several outcomes. The More Wilds option adds additional Kraken Wild symbols to the reels, increasing winning potential. Continue Spinning maintains the current state without changes. The All Wins x2 and Collect option applies a 2x multiplier to any winning combinations before concluding the feature. Finally, Collect simply ends the feature and awards any accumulated wins.
The strategic element involves the uncertainty of chest contents, creating anticipation as each selection could extend the feature or conclude it. The potential for multiplied wins adds significant value when this particular modifier activates.
Modern video slots combine mathematical models with engaging themes to create entertainment experiences. Release the Kraken employs a certified random number generator ensuring fair outcomes on every spin, with the RTP representing the theoretical return to players over extended gameplay sessions.
When selecting a slot game, players should evaluate volatility levels, feature frequency, and betting ranges. Medium-high volatility games like Release the Kraken offer a balance between regular smaller wins and the potential for significant payouts, making them suitable for various bankroll management strategies.
When this random feature triggers, a massive 3x4 wild symbol appears on the reels, covering 12 positions simultaneously. This colossal wild dramatically increases the probability of forming multiple winning combinations across the 20 paylines, as it can complete numerous patterns at once. The visual impact of the giant wild symbol reinforces the Kraken theme while delivering substantial win potential.
This modifier places wild symbols on the reels that then shift position with each subsequent spin. The roaming mechanic creates dynamic gameplay where wild positions change, potentially creating new winning combinations on consecutive spins without requiring additional wagers. The feature continues until no new wins form, making it possible to accumulate multiple consecutive payouts from a single feature trigger.
The primary bonus feature activates when three or more Free Spins scatter symbols land anywhere on the reels. This triggers the main bonus round, which incorporates several of the base game modifiers with enhanced frequency and potential.
Upon entering free spins, players receive an initial allocation of spins. The exact number may vary based on the number of triggering scatters, with more scatters typically awarding additional spins. During the bonus round, the Kraken features that appear randomly in the base game occur with increased frequency, creating more opportunities for significant wins.
The chest selection mechanic plays a prominent role, allowing players to open treasure chests that reveal various modifiers including extra free spins, additional roaming wilds, win multipliers, or guaranteed minimum payways. These modifiers can combine to create powerful winning scenarios, particularly when multipliers apply to combinations formed by multiple wild symbols.
For players in jurisdictions where feature purchase is permitted, Release the Kraken may offer a bonus buy option allowing direct access to the free spins round for a predetermined cost, typically a multiple of the base stake. This feature appeals to players who prefer immediate access to bonus rounds rather than waiting for organic triggers, though it requires careful bankroll management due to the upfront cost.
While slot outcomes are determined by random number generation, understanding game mechanics enables more informed decision-making regarding bet sizing and session management.
Given the medium-high volatility, players should prepare for extended periods without significant wins. A recommended approach involves setting a session bankroll representing at least 100 times the chosen bet level, providing sufficient cushion to weather variance while remaining in play long enough for features to trigger. Adjusting bet sizes based on bankroll fluctuations helps extend gameplay and increases the probability of experiencing the full range of features.
Random features in the base game provide periodic excitement, but free spins triggers typically require patience. Understanding that bonus rounds may not occur within short sessions helps set realistic expectations and prevents chasing losses. The random modifiers serve as interim rewards that maintain engagement between free spins activations.
Players should honestly assess their risk tolerance before committing to extended sessions. Those who prefer frequent small wins may find the volatility level frustrating, while players comfortable with variance and focused on larger potential payouts will appreciate the game's structure. Trying the demo version provides risk-free insight into whether the gameplay rhythm matches personal preferences.
Pragmatic Play invested considerable effort in the presentation, creating an immersive underwater environment. The color palette emphasizes deep blues and greens, with bioluminescent effects and animated light rays creating depth. The wrecked ship in the background reinforces the danger associated with the Kraken legend while maintaining a balance that avoids becoming too dark or foreboding.
The soundtrack complements the theme with ambient underwater sounds and dramatic musical cues during feature activations. The audio design enhances immersion without becoming repetitive or overwhelming during extended sessions, an important consideration for player comfort.
Pragmatic Play later released Release the Kraken Megaways, a sequel employing the popular Megaways mechanic licensed from Big Time Gaming. This version features six reels with variable symbol positions, offering up to 117,649 ways to win compared to the original's 20 paylines.
The Megaways version introduces modified features including enhanced roaming wilds mechanics and different bonus round structures. While both games share thematic elements, they provide distinct mathematical models and gameplay experiences. Players who enjoy the original may appreciate the Megaways version's increased volatility and win potential, though the core Release the Kraken offers a more traditional and potentially more accessible experience for those less familiar with Megaways mechanics.
Release the Kraken is widely available across online casinos that feature Pragmatic Play content. When selecting a platform for real money play, players should verify licensing, check the specific RTP percentage offered, review withdrawal policies, and assess available bonuses that may apply to slot play.
The game functions seamlessly across desktop browsers, iOS devices, and Android platforms without requiring app downloads. Mobile optimization ensures that all features, including the pick-and-click chest mechanics, function intuitively on touchscreens.
Release the Kraken delivers a well-rounded slot experience that successfully balances thematic immersion with engaging mechanics. The 96.5% RTP and medium-high volatility create a mathematical profile suitable for players seeking substantial win potential without extreme variance. The combination of random base game modifiers and comprehensive free spins features provides varied gameplay that extends beyond simple reel spinning.
The visual and audio presentation demonstrates Pragmatic Play's production capabilities, creating an atmospheric environment that enhances the legendary Kraken theme. While the game may not revolutionize slot mechanics, it executes established concepts effectively, resulting in an entertaining and potentially rewarding experience.
Players comfortable with medium-high volatility and patient enough to experience the full feature set will find Release the Kraken offers solid entertainment value. The wide betting range ensures accessibility across different budget levels, while the maximum win potential provides sufficient incentive for those seeking significant returns. As with all gambling activities, responsible play and realistic expectations remain essential for an enjoyable experience.
The default RTP is 96.5%, though some casino operators may offer versions with different return percentages. Always check the game information at your chosen casino to confirm the specific RTP.
Pragmatic Play rates it at 4 out of 5 for volatility, classifying it as medium-high. This means less frequent wins but higher average payout values when combinations occur.
Yes, the game is available in demo mode at most online casinos and on Pragmatic Play's official website, allowing risk-free play to test features and gameplay before wagering real money.
The maximum win potential is 10,000x your stake, achievable through combinations of wild features, multipliers, and optimal symbol combinations during bonus rounds.
Land three or more Free Spins scatter symbols anywhere on the reels during a base game spin to activate the bonus round with its enhanced features and modifiers.
Three random features can trigger in the base game: Kraken Locking Wilds with chest picks, Colossal Kraken Wilds covering 12 positions, and Roaming Kraken Wilds that shift positions across spins.
Bets range from 0.10 to 100.00 per spin, accommodating both casual players and high rollers through adjustable coin values and coins per line.
Yes, the Megaways version features six reels with up to 117,649 ways to win, modified mechanics, and different volatility compared to the original's 5-reel, 20-payline structure.
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