King of Vikings

NGM Game presents King of Vikings, a slot that operates on a foundation of classic video slot principles while building its core appeal on a particularly potent free games feature. At first glance, the game presents a standard 5-reel, 3-row layout with up to 10 adjustable paylines. However, its character comes not from an overabundance of complex mechanics, but from the deliberate design of its bonus round and the significant weight given to its highest-value symbols. The game’s stated 96% RTP provides a transparent baseline for its payout structure. The visual approach sidesteps the typically stern and gritty depiction of Norse culture, opting instead for a bright, almost jovial cartoon aesthetic that sets a lighthearted tone for the gameplay. The primary points of interest for any seasoned player will be the functionality of the Wild symbol as a standalone jackpot and the precise execution of the Free Games feature, which is engineered to deliver consistent action.

Central Gameplay Features and Bonus Activation

A thorough examination of a slot's mechanics begins with its special symbols, as they dictate the primary deviations from standard line pays. In King of Vikings, these symbols are straightforward in concept but powerful in their application, forming the backbone of the game’s potential for substantial outcomes.

The Wild symbol, represented by the titular Viking king, serves a dual function that elevates it beyond a simple substitute. Its primary role is to complete or extend winning combinations by standing in for any other symbol, with the exception of the Scatter. However, its secondary function is arguably more impactful. The Wild is also the game's highest-paying symbol, possessing its own discrete payout table. A combination of five Wild symbols on an active payline yields a return of 9,000 credits, a figure that significantly overshadows the rest of the paytable. Even a two-symbol combination of Wilds delivers a payout, a small but crucial detail that contributes to the game's hit frequency and helps sustain a player's credit balance during periods between larger wins. This makes the appearance of a Wild on the first two reels an event of note, even without a third matching symbol.

The Scatter symbol, depicted as a golden device filled with gems, is the key to unlocking the game's main feature. Like the Wild, it also carries a high direct payout value, second only to the Wild itself at 7,500 credits for a five-symbol appearance anywhere on the screen. Scatters operate independently of paylines; their combinations are valid regardless of position, as long as the minimum number appear. Landing three or more Scatters simultaneously initiates the Free Games sequence. The game also includes a classic Risk Game, or “Double Game,” which becomes available after any winning spin in the base game. This is an optional, high-risk feature where a player can attempt to double their recent winnings by correctly guessing the color (red or black) of a concealed playing card. A correct guess doubles the sum, which can then be collected or risked again. An incorrect guess results in the forfeiture of the entire amount from that win. This feature offers a direct method for players to inject personal risk tolerance into the gameplay, turning small wins into more considerable sums at the cost of potential loss.

The Free Games Round Dissected

The main attraction in King of Vikings is its Free Games feature. While triggered by a conventional method—landing three, four,or five Scatter symbols—its internal mechanics are quite specific and warrant a detailed breakdown. The initial trigger provides a set of 10 free spins, a standard count for the industry. What sets this round apart is the process that occurs before the first spin commences.

Upon activation, the game randomly selects one of the regular paying symbols (from the high-value characters down to the low-value card ranks) to act as a special symbol for the duration of the entire bonus round. The power of this feature lies in its guaranteed placement. For every one of the 10 free spins, this chosen special symbol is automatically placed in the center position of reel 1 and the center position of reel 2. This creates a powerful and predictable core for each spin. The rules also state that this symbol can sometimes appear on reel 3 as well, further enhancing the potential for a high-value combination.

The implication of this fixed symbol placement is significant. With the same symbol locked into the central row on the first two reels, every single spin during the bonus round is structured to produce a winning combination on at least one of the active paylines. The game's documentation notes “every game wins,” which refers to this mechanical certainty. A three-of-a-kind win is essentially pre-configured, pending the appearance of the same symbol or a Wild on the third reel along an active line. This transforms the bonus round from a game of chance for any win into a game of chance for the size of the win. The excitement shifts from “Will I win?” to “How big will this guaranteed win be?”. The specific interaction of this feature with the paylines can be complex. For a visual clarification of how the guaranteed wins are calculated, you can launch the demo King of Vikings game and access the built-in help file by pressing the info icon.

Furthermore, the sequence of 10 free games is not a final limit. Landing another set of three or more Scatters during the round will append an additional 10 free games to the remaining total. This allows the feature to extend, granting more opportunities to capitalize on the locked special symbol. The nature of this bonus makes the choice of the special symbol at the outset critically important. If a high-value symbol like the Woman or Man is chosen, the round has a substantially higher baseline value compared to a round where a low-value '10' or ‘9' is selected. This initial reveal of the special symbol is the most pivotal moment of the entire feature.

Visual Presentation and Thematic Execution

Thematically, King of Vikings deviates from the popular grim, battle-hardened portrayal of Norse mythology. The developer, NGM Game, has chosen a visual style that is colorful, bright, and almost whimsical. The background depicts a peaceful, sun-drenched Viking settlement with stylized houses and lush green fields, set against a pleasant blue sky. This creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the high-stakes potential of the gameplay mechanics.

The character design reinforces this lighthearted tone. The Viking king Wild symbol is not a fearsome warrior but a jovial, smiling figure with a prominent, well-groomed beard. Other high-value symbols, like the woman, share this cheerful disposition. The art is rendered in a clean, 2D cartoon style with bold outlines and vibrant colors. The lower-value symbols, the card ranks from 9 to Ace, are designed with a Celtic knotwork motif, a small but appreciated nod to the broader aesthetic associated with the era. Animation is functional and serves to highlight wins without being overly distracting. Winning symbols are typically framed in light or perform a simple, looping animation. A nice touch is the subtle wisp of steam rising from the Ham symbol, adding a small bit of life to the static icons. The overall visual package is cohesive and well-executed, aiming for approachability rather than intense immersion.

A Closer Look at the Game's Mechanical Framework

Beneath the thematic dressing, King of Vikings is built on a versatile and transparent mechanical structure. The ability to adjust the number of active paylines from 1 to 10 provides a significant degree of control for the player. Activating all 10 lines maximizes the chances of hitting a combination on any given spin, while playing fewer lines lowers the total stake per spin at the cost of coverage. Similarly, the line bet is adjustable from 1 to 100 credits. This granular control allows for a wide range of total bet sizes, from a minimal investment to a maximum of 1,000 credits per spin (10 lines x 100 credits), accommodating various bankroll strategies.

The symbol hierarchy is clearly defined and contributes directly to the game's volatility profile. The paytable can be broken down into distinct tiers:

Jackpot Tier: The Wild symbol, with a payout an order of magnitude higher than any other.

High Tier: The Scatter symbol (which also pays handsomely), the Woman, and the Man with an axe.

Mid Tier: The Horn and the Ham.

Low Tier: The card rank symbols from Ace down to 9.

An important structural detail is which symbols pay for two-of-a-kind combinations. In King of Vikings, the Wild, the Scatter, the ‘9', and the '10' symbols all award a small payout for just two matching symbols on a line (or anywhere, for the Scatter). This design choice increases the overall hit frequency, providing small, regular returns that can help mitigate the variance between major feature triggers. This suggests a mathematical model that balances periods of low returns with the potential for very high payouts from the Wild line hit or a fortunate Free Games round. The developer's approach favors clarity and a powerful, centralized bonus. By focusing the game's potential into the Free Games feature and the Wild symbol's jackpot value, NGM Game has created a slot that is easy to understand but contains considerable potential. This makes it a compelling option for players who appreciate straightforward mechanics paired with a high-impact bonus round, even if it lacks the cascading or multi-layered features seen in some other titles.