Introduction to Ways of Athena
Software provider Thunderkick has long been fascinated by myths, legends, and ancient tales, and the release of Ways of Athena is another testament to this. Following in the footsteps of previous hits like Midas Golden Touch and the Beat the Beast series, this game draws inspiration from Ancient Greek mythology. The slot is centered around Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, and introduces exciting features such as the Matching Mystery LuckyCola symbol mechanic and a progressive free spins round.
A Glimpse Into Ancient Greece
The setting of Ways of Athena transports players into a serene landscape that feels like a paradise straight from Greek mythology. It evokes images of ancient temples, sun-kissed hillsides, and beautiful, classical architecture. The visual style can be a perfect escape from the chaos of modern-day life, offering a moment of peace and tranquility. Players who enjoy romanticizing the distant past can dive into this world, especially with the game’s relaxing aesthetic.
Ways of Athena Game Layout
The game presents a standard 5-reel, 3-row grid, but its winning mechanics are far from typical. Players can unlock 243 ways to win, but thanks to a splitting symbol mechanic, this number can grow to as many as 43,923 ways. The high volatility of the game combined with two RTP variants (94.21% being the maximum) means there’s a lot of potential for big payouts, making it an enticing option for many players.
Stake and Winning Potential
Players can place bets ranging from as low as 10 c to a maximum of $/€100, giving a lot of flexibility for those who want to play casually or those looking for higher stakes. The game’s lower-paying symbols include the classic 10-A card royals, offering payouts between 0.7x to 1x the bet for a 5-of-a-kind win. Higher-paying symbols, such as vases, harps, shields, helmets, and Athena herself, provide 2x to 5x the bet for a 5-of-a-kind combination.
Matching Mystery Symbols
One of the standout features of Ways of Athena is the Matching Mystery symbol mechanic. On each spin, symbols on reels 2-5 may turn into Matching Mystery symbols, which can land a maximum of two per reel. These mystery symbols randomly match the symbol on the leftmost reel, transforming into double symbols. This mechanic can result in 2 pay ways per symbol, increasing the chances of landing a big win.
Bonus Game and Free Spins
Landing 3 scatter symbols activates the bonus game, where players are awarded 8 free spins. For each additional scatter symbol, 2 more free spins are granted, up to a maximum of 44 spins. The bonus game introduces an exciting twist: Matching Mystery symbols that match a scatter symbol on the leftmost reel become double scatter symbols, which can trigger even bigger rewards. Furthermore, players can fill a meter with Matching Mystery symbol orbs, unlocking even more ways to win and increasing payways with every fill.
BET+ Ante Bets
For players seeking an extra level of excitement, the BET+ ante bets offer additional chances for bonus features. There are three BET+ choices:
- Bonus Boost: Doubles the likelihood of triggering the bonus game at the cost of 1.3x the bet per spin.
- Bonus Boost Plus: Increases the chances 5 times more at the cost of 2.2x the bet per spin.
- Flames of Athena: Guarantees at least one Matching Mystery symbol per spin, costing 5x the bet per spin.
These options provide an extra layer of thrill for those who want to maximize their chances.
Feature Buy Option
If players prefer not to wait for the bonus round to trigger naturally, they can use the Feature Buy option to directly access the free spins round. This feature costs 100x the bet but can be worth it for players eager to jump straight into the action.
Gameplay Verdict: Simple Yet Rewarding
Ways of Athena may not push the boundaries of innovation in terms of gameplay complexity, but it more than makes up for it with its rewarding features and attractive visuals. The combination of the Matching Mystery symbol mechanic, the progressive free spins round, and the BET+ ante bets creates a dynamic experience that can be both fun and lucrative. Players seeking an easy-to-understand game with a mythological theme will likely find Ways of Athena a perfect choice.
LuckyCola: A Refreshing Bonus to Your Play
For those looking to make their gameplay even more exciting, incorporating platforms like LuckyCola could bring an extra layer of entertainment. Enjoying a refreshing drink while spinning the reels can make the experience even more immersive. Plus, those who play Ways of Athena with platforms like LuckyCola might even find themselves enjoying some extra rewards or promotions to boost their gameplay further.
Final Thoughts
With its clean design, accessible features, and mythology-driven gameplay, Ways of Athena is a solid choice for both casual and experienced players. Whether you’re looking for an escape into Ancient Greece or just a fun slot game to pass the time, it offers plenty of excitement and potential rewards. The simplicity of the base game allows players to relax and enjoy the experience, but the various features, especially the Matching Mystery symbol mechanic and progressive bonus game, ensure that the gameplay never feels stale. Plus, with a bit of luck from LuckyCola, you might find even greater fortune on your journey through Athena’s world.
