Rise of Merlin — Slot Review
Rise of Merlin is Play’n GO’s fantasy‑themed “Book” style slot, built around expanding symbols, high volatility, and massive top‑end potential. It’s one of the studio’s most popular releases thanks to its clean gameplay, huge win ceiling, and simple but addictive bonus structure
SlotTribe Test Result to 1.00 Stake
SlotTribe Test Results – Rise of Merlin
100 Spins Profit/Loss: +£34.50
250 Spins Profit/Loss: -£66.50
Bonus Frequency: 2 bonuses in the first 100 spins, 0 bonuses in the extra 150
Volatility Feel: High
Released: 2019
Provider: Play’n GO
RTP: 96.58%
Mick’s Verdict:
100 Spins:
A cracking start. This is one of those slots I genuinely enjoy but often forget exists because it barely shows up in casino lobbies anymore. The first 100 spins went well — two bonuses dropping in the final stretch, landing for 42x and 26x. That gave the session a nice lift and set expectations high for the next 150.
250 Spins:
Unfortunately, Merlin did what Merlin does — teased early, then vanished into the ether. The extra 150 spins were flat as fuck, no bonus, barely any notable wins, and the balance slowly bled out. Classic high‑volatility behaviour: early hope, late disappointment.
Overall:
Still a slot I enjoy, still capable of big moments, but today it didn’t deliver. Strong first 100, dead second half.
Gameplay & Features
Rise of Merlin uses a classic 5×3 layout with 10 paylines. It’s a pure premium‑symbol slot with no gimmicks — just high volatility and expanding symbols that can fill the screen.
Key mechanics:
- Wild/Scatter is the crystal ball
- Merlin is the top symbol
- Expanding symbols trigger on any win during free spins
- Full‑screen premiums = carnage
It’s simple, fast, and capable of outrageous hits.
Free Spins
Trigger 8 free spins with 3+ crystal balls.
During the bonus:
- One symbol is chosen to expand
- Retriggering adds another expanding symbol
- Multiple expanding symbols = insane potential
This is where Rise of Merlin becomes a monster. Retriggers can stack up to ridiculous levels.
Volatility, RTP & Max Win
Volatility: High
RTP: ~96%
Max Win: ~5,000x+
Rise of Merlin is known for its full‑screen premium hits — especially Merlin himself.
Graphics & Sound
Fantasy visuals, glowing orbs, and a mystical soundtrack. It’s not flashy, but it’s clean, sharp, and easy to play for long sessions.
What Rise of Merlin Does Well
- Classic expanding symbol gameplay
- Huge retrigger potential
- Massive full‑screen payouts
- Simple, fast, addictive
What It Does Badly
- Base game can be dry
- Bonus can flop without retriggers
- High volatility means long dead patches
Who It’s For
Players who enjoy:
- Book‑style slots
- Expanding symbols
- High volatility
- Big premium hits
If you like Book of Dead but want a fantasy twist, Rise of Merlin is the perfect alternative.
SlotTribe Verdict
Rise of Merlin is one of Play’n GO’s strongest expanding‑symbol slots — simple, volatile, and capable of huge wins. A timeless classic that still holds up today.
I’ve had some great wins on this one, another forgotten favourite that I should play more.
