Shambala is a popular online casino slot machine developed by Microgaming, one of the leading software providers in the industry. This game takes players on an exotic adventure to a mystical world inspired by ancient myths and legends. With its vibrant graphics, engaging gameplay, and lucrative payouts, it’s no wonder that Shambala has become a favorite among slot enthusiasts.
Theme and Design
The game is set against a majestic backdrop of lush mountains and serene valleys, creating a tranquil atmosphere that immerses players in the world of Shambala. The casino games reels are designed to resemble intricately carved stone tablets, with symbols etched into them to convey an ancient feel. As the game unfolds, players can hear the soothing sounds of Tibetan instruments and gentle chimes, adding to the enchanting ambiance.
Symbols
The slot features a range of high-paying symbols inspired by Eastern mysticism:
- Lion: The lion is the highest-paying symbol in the base game, offering payouts of up to 20 times the bet for five-of-a-kind combinations.
- Elephant: The majestic elephant offers payouts of up to 10 times the bet for four-of-a-kind combinations and up to 15 times for five-of-a-kind.
- Tiger: The tiger is a high-paying symbol that awards up to 8 times the bet for three-of-a-kind, four-of-a-kind and five-of-a-kind combinations.
Low-paying symbols include A, K, Q, J, and 10, which offer lower payouts but still contribute to the overall win potential.
Payouts
The payout structure of Shambala is straightforward. Each symbol has a fixed value in coins, with the highest-payer being the lion. The paytable displays all possible combinations and their corresponding payouts:
- Lion (5x): 20-100 times bet
- Elephant (4x): 10-50 times bet
- Tiger (3x): 8-40 times bet
Wilds
The Wild symbol is a stylized image of the Buddha, which can substitute for any other symbol on the reels except scatters. The Wild replaces all symbols to form winning combinations and increases payouts when part of a combination.
Scatters
The Scatter symbol features an intricately designed lotus flower. When two or more Scatters appear anywhere on the reels, players are awarded free spins:
- 2x: 5-10x bet + 8 Free Spins
- 3x: 15-50x bet + 12 Free Spins
Bonus Features
Shambala features a unique bonus feature called "Mystic Wheel." When the Mystic Wheel icon appears on reel three, players are awarded entry into this exciting round:
- Selecting the number of free spins: Players can choose from two options – either 5 or 20 Free Spins.
- Multiplier Selection: A multiplier value is randomly assigned to each spin, with possible values ranging from x3 to x10.
Free spins feature all regular reel symbols and Wilds but offer an increased multiplier on all winning combinations:
- Five-of-a-kind lion wins pay out up to 100 times the bet
- Elephant’s four-of-a kind: Up to 50 times the bet
Free Spins
As mentioned earlier, free spins are triggered by Scatters. The Mystic Wheel bonus is where players can choose between two options for their free spin award.
In addition to the standard Free Spins feature:
- "Mystic" Bonus Free Spins: Players get 5-10x bet + 8-12 Free Spins with multiplier range from x3-x10
- "Wheel of Fortune" Bonus Feature: This game includes a random jackpot round when two or more scatter lotus flower symbols appear anywhere on the reels (see below for details)
RTP
Shambala’s RTP is 96.02%, which falls within the standard online slot range. Microgaming aims to provide an above-average return rate, indicating that players have a reasonable chance of winning.
Volatility
The game has medium-to-high volatility, offering balanced payouts and decent win frequencies. This makes it appealing to both beginners and seasoned gamblers who want a mix between regular wins and larger jackpots.
Betting Range
Shambala can accommodate various betting styles with its flexible coin values ranging from 1-5 coins per spin:
- Minimum bet: €0.25
- Maximum bet: €25