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Release the Kraken Review
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Release the Kraken is a 5-reel slot developed by Pragmatic Play, with a 96.5% RTP, high volatility, and a 2500x maximum win. The game’s tension builds through its unpredictable bonus features and the potential for significant multipliers to trigger. Available at Ontario iGaming-licensed casinos regulated by the AGCO.
Release the Kraken delivers a deep-sea adventure that’s best suited for players who can tolerate extended periods without big wins in exchange for the chance at substantial payouts. The game’s core appeal lies in its feature-driven potential, where multipliers and bonus rounds are the main drivers of excitement, rather than constant base-game activity. If you’re looking for a slot that keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting for the main event, this might be the one.
Quick Verdict
- Best for: Players who enjoy feature-heavy slots with the potential for big wins, even if they’re infrequent.
- Not ideal for: Players who prefer consistent wins and frequent base-game action.
- Standout: The unpredictable nature of the bonus features, offering multiple ways to achieve higher multipliers and wins.
- Watch out for: The high volatility means extended sessions required, as wins can be sparse between feature activations.
- Rating: 8.2/10 – Release the Kraken offers a compelling, if sometimes quiet, chase for big wins, making it a solid choice for patient players.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | Pragmatic Play |
| RTP (Global) | 96.5% (globally reported) |
| RTP (Ontario) | Not independently verified. Check the in-game info panel at your Ontario casino. |
| Volatility | high (globally reported) |
| Max Win | 2500x |
| Min Bet (CAD) | 0.01 |
| Max Bet (CAD) | 0.5 |
| Paylines | Fixed |
| Reels | 5 |
| Tested at | BetMGM |
How Release the Kraken Actually Plays
Release the Kraken is played on a standard 5-reel grid with fixed paylines, meaning the number of ways to win remains constant on every spin. The game immerses you in an underwater world, with symbols ranging from lower-paying card suits to higher-paying thematic icons like a kraken, treasure chest, and diver. The overall rhythm of the base game tends to be rather quiet. You’ll likely experience stretches where wins are modest, serving mostly to keep the reels spinning rather than providing significant boosts. The real excitement and potential for larger payouts are heavily concentrated in the bonus features. This means that while the base game provides the framework, it’s the special rounds where the game truly comes alive and where the max win potential of 2500x your bet can be pursued. The fixed paylines simplify the gameplay, allowing you to focus on the anticipation of landing the right combinations to trigger the game’s more rewarding elements.
Bonus Features
Kraken Lock & Spin
The Kraken Lock & Spin feature is triggered by landing three or more Kraken symbols on the reels. Once activated, the game shifts into a hold-and-win style bonus. All triggering Kraken symbols lock in place, and you’re awarded three respins. During these respins, only Kraken symbols and blank spaces appear on the reels. Each time a Kraken symbol lands, it locks in place, and your respin count resets to three. The goal is to fill the screen with Kraken symbols, as each one can carry a multiplier value. The feature continues until you run out of respins or fill the entire grid. This bonus offers a direct path to accumulating a significant number of multipliers, and it’s where much of the game’s 2500x max win potential can be realized. The tension builds with each symbol that locks, as it brings you closer to a potentially substantial payout.
Free Spins
Release the Kraken offers multiple free spins features, each triggered by landing three or more Scatter symbols. The game presents a choice:
- Beluga Bonus: Awards 10 free spins with a roaming kraken multiplier that can increase with each win. This multiplier can apply to individual wins, potentially boosting them significantly. The roaming nature of the multiplier adds an element of unpredictability, as it moves across the reels with each spin.
- Narwhal Bonus: Awards 10 free spins with added Wilds. These Wilds can transform other symbols into Wilds, increasing the chances of landing winning combinations. The more Wilds that appear, the greater the potential for extended winning streaks.
- Sperm Whale Bonus: Awards 10 free spins with a guaranteed multiplier of 5x on all wins. This is the most straightforward of the bonus options, providing a consistent boost to every payout during the feature.
The choice of bonus feature adds a layer of strategy, as players can opt for the feature that best suits their risk tolerance and desired outcome. The free spins are where the game provides its most consistent opportunities for amplified wins, making their activation a key objective.
RTP and Volatility: What to Expect
Release the Kraken features a globally reported RTP of 96.5%, which generally sits at the higher end of what you’d expect from online slots. This figure represents the theoretical return to players over millions of spins, so your individual session results will naturally differ. The game’s high volatility means that while the potential for large wins exists, they won’t occur frequently. You should anticipate periods where wins are small, or even non-existent, between more significant payouts. This type of slot is designed for players who are comfortable with this uneven distribution of wins and are willing to wait for the more rewarding bonus features to trigger. If you prefer a steadier stream of smaller wins, the high volatility of Release the Kraken might feel frustrating over shorter play sessions. It’s a game that rewards patience and a strategic approach to managing your bankroll during these inevitable quieter spells.
Where to Play Release the Kraken in Ontario
You’ll find Release the Kraken at a number of top-tier online casinos operating in Ontario. Here are a few recommendations:
- BetMGM: Known for its extensive game library and frequent promotions, BetMGM offers a polished gaming experience.
- Bet365: A global leader, bet365 provides a reliable platform with fast withdrawals and a vast selection of slots.
- Caesars: Caesars offers a strong loyalty program and a user-friendly interface, making it a popular choice for many players.
- BetRivers: BetRivers is often praised for its responsive customer support and a good range of payment options.
- FanDuel: FanDuel is a well-established brand that provides a streamlined mobile app and a competitive casino offering.
All listed operators hold current iGaming Ontario registrations, verified at igamingontario.ca/en/operator.
Mobile Experience
Playing Release the Kraken on a mobile device should be a smooth experience, as Pragmatic Play games are generally well-optimized for smaller screens. The 5-reel layout translates well to portrait mode, ensuring that all symbols and game controls are easily visible and accessible. Tapping to spin, adjust your bet, or access the game’s information menu is intuitive. During the bonus features, such as Kraken Lock & Spin or the various free spins modes, the animations and symbol transformations are designed to be clear even on a compact display. The transitions between the base game and bonus rounds are smooth, maintaining the game’s detailed feel without significant performance issues. You won’t have trouble interacting with the bonus choices or understanding the multipliers at play, even when you’re on the go.
Our Verdict
CanadaCasinos.io Rating: 8.2/10
- Bonus Features: 8.5/10
- RTP Value: 8.0/10
- Volatility Suitability: 7.5/10
- Mobile: 8.5/10
- Design: 8.0/10
Release the Kraken is a solid choice for players who enjoy a high-volatility slot with the potential for significant wins, particularly through its engaging bonus features. If you have the patience for quieter base-game sessions and are focused on chasing those bigger multipliers and feature payouts, this game will likely satisfy. However, players who prefer more frequent, smaller wins and constant base-game action might find the high volatility less appealing. The game’s underwater theme is well-executed, and its mobile performance is excellent, making it a well-rounded option for many Ontario players.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RTP of Release the Kraken?
Release the Kraken has a globally reported RTP of 96.5%, which is considered fairly standard for online slots. This figure represents the theoretical percentage of wagers that are returned to players over an extended period. Keep in mind that actual results in any given session will vary significantly due to the game’s inherent volatility.
Is Release the Kraken available at Ontario casinos?
Release the Kraken is available at licensed online casinos operating in Ontario. These casinos are regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and are verified at igamingontario.ca. You can play this Pragmatic Play title at several reputable Ontario operators.
How do you trigger the bonus in Release the Kraken?
Release the Kraken — the bonus features in Release the Kraken are triggered by landing Scatter symbols.
- Specifically:
The Kraken Lock & Spin feature is activated by landing three or more Kraken symbols.
- The Free Spins features are triggered by landing three or more Scatter symbols.
- The number of Scatters landed can influence the specific bonus round or the number of initial spins awarded..
What is the maximum win in Release the Kraken?
Release the Kraken — the maximum win in Release the Kraken is capped at 2500 times your total bet. This significant payout potential is primarily achievable during the game’s bonus rounds, where multipliers and feature-specific mechanics can amplify your winnings considerably. Achieving this maximum win requires a combination of luck and strategic feature activation.
Is Release the Kraken available on mobile?
Release the Kraken is fully optimized for mobile play and is available on a wide range of smartphones and tablets. You can expect a smooth and responsive gaming experience, with all features and controls adapted for touchscreens. Whether you’re using an iOS or Android device, the game should perform well, offering the same engaging gameplay as on desktop.
How does the Kraken Lock & Spin feature work?
Release the Kraken — the Kraken Lock & Spin feature in Release the Kraken begins when you land three or more Kraken symbols. These symbols lock in place, and you receive three respins. Only Kraken symbols and blanks appear during this feature. Each new Kraken symbol locks and resets the respin count to three, aiming to fill the grid with multipliers for a substantial payout.
What are the different Free Spins options in Release the Kraken?
Release the Kraken offers three distinct Free Spins options: the Beluga Bonus with roaming multipliers, the Narwhal Bonus with added Wilds, and the Sperm Whale Bonus with a guaranteed 5x win multiplier. Players choose their preferred option when the Free Spins are triggered, allowing for a strategic element based on desired volatility and win potential.
Responsible Gambling
Gambling involves financial risk. Must be 19+ to play at Ontario-licensed casinos. If gambling is causing problems, contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 or visit connexontario.ca. All games listed are available at iGaming Ontario-licensed operators regulated by the AGCO.
Where to Play Release the Kraken
