I never thought when writing a slot review I would need to type the words ‘esoteric’ and ‘fruit’, but today’s Pentagram slot review gives me cause! Pentagram is a classic fruit machine from Realistic Games that has been given an occult twist. Keep on reading to learn more about this bizarre online slot combo.
The Pentagram slot is described as a ‘classic pokie’, meaning that it is a typical 3x3 fruit machine. There are 5 win ways on offer in this slot game, and accepted wagers range from 5p (1p per payline) to £50 (£10 per payline). Clicking the up or down arrow in the BET box allows players to change some of their wagers, therefore altering the stake value.
Simple software drives the Pentagram slot machine game, and its bottom of the screen shows all the necessary functions for a player. Non-UK gamers can make use of Autoplay, with options for 10, 25, or 100 spins.
Moving on to the math model of Pentagram, players will notice a below-average (by modern standards) RTP of 95.25%; however, for a slot of its age and its retro fruit machine style, this is pretty par for the course. The low volatility of this game is worth mentioning, as it makes this game a solid candidate for new players looking to learn the ropes. One note of warning, however, there is a reported hit rate of 1 in 7 spins; I could not find any clear confirmation from Realistic Games that this is the case, but if true, it counteracts the low volatility reported almost entirely.
As you might expect from a slot of this type, the top payout for the Pentagram slot is modest at 250x the player's total stake. While this is not exciting if playing at the minimum 5p wager (at £12.50), should a player be lucky enough to land the jackpot playing at the maximum stake, up to £12,500 is up for grabs. Just remember to set yourself a budget and always gamble responsibly.
There are lots of different online casinos where you can play Pentagram. Here is our pick of the best slot sites:
With five paylines across the stone textured symbol segments here, the Pentagram slot features a classic 3x3 game grid arrangement with the golden game logo squarely above.
There is no getting around the fact that this slot is older. Released in 2011 the graphics on this slot are basic and not as crisp as current releases. This does have the benefit of being much more pleasing to view as a mobile user, but may not be to your tastes if you have only ever experienced modern online video slots.
As mentioned, this slots’ theme is weird. Part occult/Wiccan and esoteric, and part fruit machine, the Pentagram slot is a little baffling, but it is almost certain to be a theme players have not seen before (for better or worse).
The setting for the reels is a grand grey grey-bricked temple complete with columns and arches. Autumnal leaves prettily frame the reel set and provide a satisfying contrast and adding to the witchy air. The background of the slots reels is also stone, and they appear to have a slight curve, allowing players to see glimpses of the symbols just off the reels which is a nice touch to the classic mechanical slot games of the past.
Typical slot sound effects have been selected by Realistic Games instead of any soundtrack, which impacts the immersive potential of the game. However, if you are the type of player who immediately turns all sounds off, this will not be an issue.
As alluded to, the symbols of the Pentagram game are predominantly classic fruit machine symbols, with the full paytable as follows:
Cherries
3 of a Kind Awards = 2x
Lemons
3 of a Kind Awards = 2x
Oranges
3 of a Kind Awards = 2x
Grapes
3 of a Kind Awards = 10x
Bell
3 of a Kind Awards = 10x
Watermelon
3 of a Kind Awards = 50x
7
3 of a Kind Awards = 250x
Pentagram
Appears across three reels as ‘PENT’ and Doubles the total win when it appears during free spins
Despite being nearly 15 years old, the Pentagram slot can be played seamlessly across all devices and platforms, including mobile ones. The simple graphics and smaller reel size of this game lend themselves well to on-the-go gameplay.
The Pentagram slot keeps things simple and has only one bonus feature. However, instead of the single respins, holds, or nudges common to games of this genre, the Pentagram slot opts to include a free spins bonus round akin to video slot.
Free Spins are triggered when the word ‘PENT’ lands on reel one, a Pentagram Icon on reel 2, and the word ‘GRAM’ on reel 2. Players will be awarded 10 free spins. Each time a Pentagram symbol lands on reel 3, the total payout for the round doubles and will continue to double each time a new Pentagram symbol is landed. This means a multiplier of 2, 4, 8, 12, 24x (etc.) is possible, and could greatly increase payout potential. Should this happen, you will get ten more free rounds. Anytime the Pentagram symbol shows on reel three during the free spins, the spins' overall winnings double. Considering how often the Pentagram sign shows, this may build up rather quickly. You start with two coins, four, eight, sixteen, thirty-two, sixty-four, 128, 256. The maximum coins one may make with this doubling of wins are 250 coins.
The Pentagram slot is certainly an odd one, and I am not sure how the words ‘occult’ and ‘fruit machine’ made their way into the development meeting; however, for the right kind of player, this slot just works. Fruit machines have a loyal fan base who enjoy their familiarity and simplicity. These two features, however, can mean that games in the genre feel like clones of one another. By having a unique theme that is kept subtle, the familiar is retained while a refreshing twist reinvigorates gameplay. This is further backed up by the free spins bonus round, a feature not commonly seen in slots of this type that works perfectly here.
The Pentagram slot positions itself well as a stepping stone between fruit machines and modern video slots. This not only benefits fans of traditional slots wanting to experiment with modern online slots, but also makes Pentagram a great slot for new players. The low volatility, concise array of symbols, and limited number of paylines make it easy for new players to learn the ropes, thus providing a great jumping off point into future slot exploration.
Therefore, I rate the Pentagram slot at a surprisingly respectful 6.5/10.
Rating: 6.5
Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about Pentagram.