It’s Shark Time! 2 is the latest underwater-themed slot from ElaGames, released in February 2025 as a sequel to their Cash Time series. The game features a 5×3 grid with 20 paylines and introduces an innovative Cash Prize system where 3-12 special symbols trigger instant rewards. With its low volatility and 94.7% RTP, the slot maintains steady engagement through frequent smaller wins. The Hold & Win bonus round, triggered by bonus anchors on reels 2-4, offers 7 free spins on a 4×3 panel with sticky Cash Prize symbols. The game’s maximum win potential reaches 3000x the bet in both base game and bonus rounds. A ship’s wheel Wild symbol enhances winning possibilities by substituting for all regular symbols except sharks and bonus anchors. The game successfully balances classic mechanics with modern features, offering particular appeal to players who prefer extended gaming sessions.
The underwater slot genre welcomes a new addition with It's Shark Time! 2, released by ElaGames on February 6, 2025. This 5×3 slot with 20 paylines brings fresh mechanics to the genre while building upon its predecessor's success.
Game Background and Evolution
It's Shark Time! 2 serves as the sequel to the original Cash Time series, transitioning from the classic timer-based mechanics to an immersive underwater theme. The game maintains the series' signature instant prize collection system while introducing new marine-themed elements.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
The game operates on a 5×3 grid with 20 fixed paylines, offering a surprisingly low volatility profile – a rare choice for modern slots. With an RTP of 94.7%, it positions itself slightly below the industry average but compensates with frequent smaller wins and engaging bonus features.
The base game introduces an innovative Cash Prize system where players can win instant rewards by landing 3 to 12 special symbols anywhere on the reels. These prizes scale dramatically, from modest 2€ awards for three symbols up to substantial 6,000€ payouts for collecting all twelve.
Symbol Structure and Payouts
The game's symbol hierarchy presents an interesting twist on conventional slot design. The Wild symbol, represented by a ship's wheel with a golden ‘W', substitutes for all regular symbols except the sharks and bonus anchors. This creates a unique dynamic where high-paying combinations become more achievable while maintaining balance through the exclusion of special symbols.
The regular symbol set features different colored lucky sevens as premium symbols, with payouts ranging from 250€ for five red sevens down to 10€ for three light blue ones. The fish characters serve as lower-paying symbols, adding personality to the game while maintaining reasonable win potential.
Hold & Win Bonus Innovation
The standout feature arrives in the form of a modified Hold & Win bonus round, triggered by landing bonus anchors on reels 2, 3, and 4. Unlike traditional Hold & Win games, this version awards a fixed 7 spins played on a 4×3 panel, where Cash Prize symbols stick until the bonus concludes.
What makes this feature particularly intriguing is its completion condition – players can either use all spins or fill all 12 positions with Cash Prize symbols. This creates an engaging risk-reward dynamic where each spin could be the difference between a modest win and a substantial payout.
Visual Design and Audio Experience
The game's visual presentation demonstrates significant evolution from its predecessor. The underwater setting features rich blues and dynamic lighting effects that create depth without overwhelming the gameplay elements. Character designs, particularly the expressive fish symbols, add personality while maintaining clear visibility of winning combinations.
Mathematical Profile
The game's low volatility rating paired with a maximum win cap of 150,000 creates an interesting mathematical profile. While the 3000x bet limit during both base game and free spins might seem conservative by today's standards, it aligns well with the game's focus on regular engagement rather than extreme volatility.
It's Shark Time! 2 successfully balances nostalgia for classic slot mechanics with modern gaming expectations. The combination of instant prizes, hold-and-win features, and low volatility creates an engaging experience that should particularly appeal to players who prefer extended gaming sessions with steady returns rather than high-risk, high-reward gameplay. The game stands out in the crowded underwater-themed slot market through its thoughtful integration of Cash Prize mechanics with traditional slot elements. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it offers enough unique features and reliable gameplay to warrant attention from both casual players and experienced slot enthusiasts.
