Mahjong Ways 3 is a video slot sequel developed by PlayStar. The game features a colorful aesthetic with a unique reel layout of 6 reels, configured in a 4-5-5-5-5-4 format. It departs from traditional paylines and utilizes Cluster Pays mechanics to determine wins. Wins are awarded when clusters of 4 or more matching symbols connect either vertically or horizontally on adjacent reels.
The core gameplay revolves around cascading reels with a special Golden Dragon respin feature. Winning symbols are eliminated from the grid, and new symbols cascade down from above to fill the empty spaces. If new winning clusters are formed in this process, the cascading sequence continues. This can potentially lead to a chain reaction of wins on a single spin.
Adding another layer of excitement is the Golden Dragon symbol, which can appear on the first reel during any spin. If it lands, a Golden Dragon respin is triggered after all winning clusters are evaluated. During this respin, the reels spin again, offering the chance to create a new winning combination and potentially extend the winning streak.
To activate the Free Spins bonus round, players need to land 4, 5, or 6 scatter symbols, awarding 10, 12, or 15 free spins respectively. The Free Spins round operates similarly to the base game with cascading reels. However, additional scatters appearing on the reels during free spins award 5 extra free spins, with a maximum limit of 200 free spins in total. This feature offers players the potential for extended gameplay and significant wins.
Players who prefer not to wait for the scatters to trigger the Free Spins round can utilize the Lucky Strike feature. This optional shortcut allows players to purchase the Free Spins bonus for a predetermined price, directly accessing the bonus round without the need to land the scatters organically.
Slot Symbols:
The symbols in Mahjong Ways 3 consist of various ornately designed plates decorated with Chinese characters and motifs. These plates come in different colors, with Green, Red, and White being the higher paying symbols. Other symbols include various combinations of dots, representing lower payouts. The Golden Plate symbol functions as the Wild, substituting for all White Plate symbols to form winning clusters. Two separate symbols act as Scatters: the Free Spins symbol, which directly triggers the bonus round, and the Golden Dragon symbol, which initiates the Golden Dragon respin feature.
Important Details:
- Mahjong Ways 3 offers a high RTP (Return to Player) of 96.92%, indicating a theoretical payout percentage over the long term.
- A free demo version of Mahjong Ways 3 is available, allowing players to try the game and understand its mechanics before wagering real money.
- The slot does not include a progressive jackpot feature.