9 Gifts of Christmas is a festive online slot from Aurum Signature Studios that captures the joy and excitement of the holiday season. The game is set against a snowy backdrop with Santa's cabin in the distance, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere for players to enjoy.
The slot features a standard 5x3 layout with 20 fixed paylines, offering players plenty of chances to win on every spin. The betting range is suitable for both casual and more experienced players, with a minimum stake of 0.16 GBP and a maximum stake of 47.14 GBP per spin 1.
Theme and Design
9 Gifts of Christmas embraces the holiday theme wholeheartedly, with symbols that include mistletoe, a letter, a bell, chocolate coin sweets, and various combinations of Lucky 7s. The high-paying symbols are the single, double, and triple Lucky 7s, which can award up to 37.5x the stake for a full line of five 1.
The game's design is both festive and engaging, with a golden star Wild symbol that can substitute for all regular symbols to create winning combinations. The Wild also offers its own payouts, with a top prize of 125x the stake for landing five on a payline 1.
Key Features
One of the standout features in 9 Gifts of Christmas is the Epic Strike bonus, which is triggered by landing Gift Box Scatter symbols. Players can win instant scatter prizes ranging from 1x to 2,000x their stake, depending on the number of Gift Box Scatters that appear on the reels 1.
Another exciting feature is the Free Spins bonus, which is activated by landing three Santa Scatter symbols on the middle three reels. This bonus awards a spin on the Free Spins Wheel, which can grant players between 10 and 30 free spins with a 2x or 3x win multiplier attached 1.
During the free spins round, the win multiplier applies to all regular line wins, giving players the chance to significantly boost their payouts. The Free Spins feature can also be retriggered by landing three more Santa Scatters, awarding the same number of spins as initially won on the Free Spins Wheel 1.
RTP and Volatility
9 Gifts of Christmas boasts a competitive RTP of 96.24%, which is slightly higher than the original 9 Masks of Fire slot 1. This increased RTP gives players a better chance of seeing returns on their bets over an extended gaming session.
The slot is classified as a medium volatility game, which means that players can expect a balanced mix of smaller, more frequent wins and occasional larger payouts. This volatility level makes 9 Gifts of Christmas appealing to a wide range of players, from casual spinners to those seeking more substantial prizes.
With its engaging theme, exciting bonus features, and potential for sizeable wins, 9 Gifts of Christmas is a welcome addition to the world of online slots. Whether you're a fan of the original 9 Masks of Fire or simply looking for a festive game to enjoy during the holidays, this Aurum Signature Studios release is sure to provide plenty of entertainment and winning opportunities.
Gameplay Mechanics
Reels and Paylines
9 Gifts of Christmas is a 5-reel, 3-row slot game with 20 fixed paylines. The game has a standard layout, allowing players to form winning combinations from left to right across the reels 1. The minimum stake is £0.16, while the maximum bet is £47.14 per spin, catering to both casual and experienced players 1.
Symbols and Payouts
The symbols in 9 Gifts of Christmas include festive items such as mistletoe, a letter, a bell, chocolate coin sweets, and various combinations of Lucky 7s. The high-paying symbols are the single, double, and triple Lucky 7s, which can award up to 37.5x the stake for a full line of five 1.
The golden star Wild symbol can substitute for all regular symbols to create winning combinations. It also offers its own payouts, with a top prize of 125x the stake for landing five on a payline 1.
The payout system in 9 Gifts of Christmas is based on winlines, meaning that players receive a payout depending on their wager and the symbols that land on the active paylines.
Special Features
9 Gifts of Christmas comes with two exciting bonus features: the Epic Strike bonus and the Free Spins bonus.
The Epic Strike feature is triggered by landing Gift Box Scatter symbols anywhere on the reels. Players can win instant scatter prizes ranging from 1x to 2,000x their stake, depending on the number of Gift Box Scatters that appear 1. This feature adds an element of surprise and the potential for substantial wins.
The Free Spins bonus is activated by landing three Santa Scatter symbols on the middle three reels. This bonus awards a spin on the Free Spins Wheel, which can grant players between 10 and 30 free spins with a 2x or 3x win multiplier attached 1. During the free spins round, the win multiplier applies to all regular line wins, giving players the chance to significantly boost their payouts.
The Free Spins feature can also be retriggered by landing three more Santa Scatters, awarding the same number of spins as initially won on the Free Spins Wheel 1. This adds an extra layer of excitement and the potential for even more wins.
9 Gifts of Christmas has a medium volatility, which means that players can expect a balanced mix of smaller, more frequent wins and occasional larger payouts. The game's RTP (Return to Player) is 96.24%, which is slightly higher than the original 9 Masks of Fire slot 1.
The max win in 9 Gifts of Christmas is 2,000x the player's stake, which can be achieved through the Epic Strike feature by landing 9 Gift Box Scatters on the reels 1.
In summary, 9 Gifts of Christmas offers engaging gameplay mechanics with its 5-reel, 20-payline setup, festive symbols, and exciting bonus features. The Epic Strike feature provides instant scatter jackpots, while the Free Spins Wheel awards free spins with win multipliers. With its medium volatility and a max win of 2,000x the stake, 9 Gifts of Christmas promises an entertaining and potentially rewarding gaming experience for slot enthusiasts.
Bonus Features
9 Gifts of Christmas is packed with exciting bonus features that can lead to substantial wins. The main attractions are the Epic Strike bonus and the Free Spins bonus, both offering the potential for generous payouts.
Free Spins
The Free Spins bonus in 9 Gifts of Christmas is triggered by landing three Santa Scatter symbols on the middle three reels. When activated, players are awarded a spin on the Free Spins Wheel, which can grant between 10 and 30 free spins with a 2x or 3x win multiplier attached 1. During the free spins round, the win multiplier applies to all regular line wins, significantly boosting the potential for big payouts.
The Free Spins feature can be retriggered by landing three more Santa Scatters during the bonus round, awarding the same number of spins as initially won on the Free Spins Wheel 1. This adds an extra layer of excitement and the chance for even more wins.
Multipliers
The win multipliers in 9 Gifts of Christmas play a crucial role in enhancing the potential payouts during the Free Spins bonus. When the Free Spins Wheel is spun, players can be awarded either a 2x or 3x win multiplier that applies to all regular line wins throughout the free spins round 1.
These multipliers can significantly increase the value of any wins achieved during the bonus feature, making it an exciting and potentially lucrative part of the game. The combination of free spins and multipliers creates an thrilling experience for players as they watch their winnings grow with each spin.
Scatter Prizes
In addition to triggering the Free Spins bonus, the Gift Box Scatter symbols in 9 Gifts of Christmas also offer the chance to win instant scatter prizes through the Epic Strike bonus. This feature is activated by landing Gift Box Scatter symbols anywhere on the reels, with the potential to award instant scatter jackpots ranging from 1x to an impressive 2,000x the player's stake, depending on the number of Gift Box Scatters that appear 1.
The Epic Strike bonus adds an element of surprise and the potential for substantial wins, as players never know when the Gift Box Scatters will appear and what prizes they might reveal. This feature keeps the gameplay engaging and rewarding, offering the chance for instant gratification alongside the excitement of the Free Spins bonus.
The bonus features in 9 Gifts of Christmas, including the Free Spins, multipliers, and scatter prizes, work together to create a dynamic and entertaining gaming experience. With the potential for retriggered free spins, enhanced payouts through multipliers, and the chance for instant wins with the Epic Strike bonus, this festive slot offers plenty of opportunities for players to celebrate with big wins.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
9 Gifts of Christmas offers players an engaging and festive gaming experience with its Christmas-themed symbols, cosy atmosphere, and exciting bonus features. The game's medium volatility strikes a balance between the frequency and size of wins, making it appealing to a wide range of players.
One of the standout features of 9 Gifts of Christmas is the Epic Strike bonus, which can award instant scatter prizes ranging from 1x to an impressive 2,000x the player's stake, depending on the number of Gift Box Scatters that appear on the reels 1. This feature adds an element of surprise and the potential for substantial wins, keeping players engaged and excited throughout their gaming session.
The Free Spins bonus is another highlight of the game, activated by landing three Santa Scatter symbols on the middle three reels. Players are awarded a spin on the Free Spins Wheel, which can grant between 10 and 30 free spins with a 2x or 3x win multiplier attached 1. During the free spins round, the win multiplier applies to all regular line wins, significantly boosting the potential for big payouts.
Additionally, the Free Spins feature can be retriggered by landing three more Santa Scatters, awarding the same number of spins as initially won on the Free Spins Wheel 1. This adds an extra layer of excitement and the chance for even more wins.
The game's RTP of 96.24% is slightly higher than the original 9 Masks of Fire slot 1, giving players a better chance of seeing returns on their bets over an extended gaming session. The min stake of £0.16 and max stake of £47.14 per spin 1 caters to both casual and more experienced players, making the game accessible to a broad audience.
The wild symbol, represented by a golden star, can substitute for all regular symbols to create winning combinations and offers its own payouts, with a top prize of 125x the stake for landing five on a payline 1. This feature helps players form more winning combinations and increases their chances of landing big wins.
Overall, 9 Gifts of Christmas provides an entertaining and potentially rewarding gaming experience with its engaging theme, exciting bonus features, and the chance for substantial wins through the Epic Strike bonus and Free Spins feature.
Drawbacks
While 9 Gifts of Christmas offers an enjoyable gaming experience, there are a few drawbacks to consider. One potential issue is that the game is essentially a reskin of the popular 9 Masks of Fire slot, with only minor differences in the theme and RTP. This lack of originality may disappoint some players who are looking for a more unique gaming experience.
Although the game's medium volatility appeals to a wide range of players, it may not satisfy those seeking frequent small wins or massive, life-changing payouts. High rollers might find the max win of 2,000x the stake somewhat limiting compared to other slots that offer much higher potential rewards.
The game's bonus features, while exciting, are relatively standard in the world of online slots. The Epic Strike bonus and Free Spins feature are common mechanics found in many other games, which may not provide a particularly novel experience for seasoned slot enthusiasts.
Another potential drawback is that the game's RTP can vary depending on the online casino, as Aurum Signature Studios offers customizable RTP ranges. This means that players might not always be playing with the highest possible RTP of 96.24%, which could impact their long-term returns.
Lastly, while the Christmas theme is charming and festive, it may not appeal to all players, particularly those who prefer a different aesthetic or who are looking for a game they can enjoy year-round. The seasonal nature of the game might limit its long-term appeal for some players.
Despite these drawbacks, 9 Gifts of Christmas remains a solid choice for players who enjoy medium-volatility slots with a festive theme and the potential for decent wins. The game's pros, such as the engaging bonus features and the chance for instant scatter jackpots, make it worth considering for those who appreciate the Christmas spirit and are looking for a fun and potentially rewarding gaming experience.
Comparison to Similar Slots
9 Masks of Fire
The 9 Gifts of Christmas slot shares many similarities with the popular 9 Masks of Fire game by Gameburger Studios. Both slots feature a 5x3 layout with 20 paylines and offer instant scatter jackpots through the Epic Strike feature. However, 9 Gifts of Christmas has a slightly higher RTP of 96.24% compared to 9 Masks of Fire's 96.24% 1.
While both games offer free spins with win multipliers, 9 Gifts of Christmas allows players to spin the Free Spins Wheel to determine the number of spins and multiplier value. In contrast, 9 Masks of Fire awards a fixed number of free spins with a predetermined multiplier.
The main difference between the two slots lies in their themes, with 9 Gifts of Christmas embracing the festive season and 9 Masks of Fire drawing inspiration from African tribal masks. Despite the thematic differences, the core gameplay and features remain largely the same, making 9 Gifts of Christmas an appealing option for fans of the original 9 Masks of Fire slot.
Other Christmas-themed Slots
9 Gifts of Christmas joins a growing list of festive-themed online slots that aim to capture the joy and excitement of the holiday season. Other popular Christmas slots include:
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Secrets of Christmas by NetEnt: This 5-reel, 25-payline slot features a cosy Christmas setting, free spins, and wild substitutions. The game's RTP stands at 96.72%, slightly higher than 9 Gifts of Christmas 2.
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Santa's Wonder Wheel by Microgaming: Boasting a unique 3-3-3-3-1 reel layout, this slot offers a max win of 1,900x the bet, free spins, and a bonus wheel feature. The game has an RTP of 96.06% 3.
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Fat Santa by Push Gaming: This humorous take on the Christmas theme features a 5x5 grid with cluster pays, free spins, and a max win of 6,405x the bet. The RTP is 96.45% .
While these Christmas-themed slots share a similar festive atmosphere, 9 Gifts of Christmas stands out with its Epic Strike feature, offering instant scatter jackpots of up to 2,000x the bet. The game's Free Spins Wheel also adds an element of excitement, as players can potentially win up to 30 free spins with a 3x win multiplier.
In terms of volatility, 9 Gifts of Christmas is classified as a medium volatility slot, striking a balance between the frequency and size of wins. This positions the game as an appealing choice for players who enjoy a mix of smaller, more frequent payouts and occasional larger wins.
Overall, 9 Gifts of Christmas offers a familiar yet entertaining gaming experience for those who enjoy Christmas-themed slots. With its engaging bonus features, decent max win potential, and festive visuals, this Aurum Signature Studios release is sure to get players into the holiday spirit while providing plenty of opportunities to land winning combinations on its 20 paylines.
Conclusion
9 Gifts of Christmas is a festive slot that brings joy and excitement to players during the holiday season. With its engaging theme, exciting bonus features, and potential for substantial wins, this game has a strong appeal to a wide range of slot enthusiasts. The Epic Strike bonus and Free Spins feature offer plenty of chances to land winning combinations, while the game's medium volatility ensures a balanced mix of smaller, more frequent wins and occasional larger payouts.
To sum up, 9 Gifts of Christmas delivers an entertaining gaming experience that captures the spirit of the holidays. While it may not revolutionise the world of online slots, its solid gameplay mechanics, attractive visuals, and the chance to win up to 2,000x the stake make it a worthy addition to any player's festive gaming lineup. Whether you're a fan of Christmas-themed slots or simply looking for a fun and potentially rewarding game to enjoy during the holiday season, 9 Gifts of Christmas is definitely worth a spin.
References
[1] - https://slotsjudge.com/9-gifts-of-christmas/
[2] - https://casino.guru/9-gifts-of-christmas-slot-play-free
[3] - https://slotgods.co.uk/online-slots/9-gifts-of-christmas