Ways of Athena: A Mythological Journey
Thunderkick, a software provider known for its captivating mythological and fantasy-themed slots, brings another gem with Ways of Athena. This latest creation transports players to the world of Ancient Greece, a land steeped in wisdom, war, and mysticism. Ways of Athena draws inspiration from the goddess Athena, offering an immersive experience with its Matching Mystery symbol mechanic and a Hawkplay progressive free spins feature. For those who appreciate a beautiful mythological setting, this slot offers the perfect escape.
A Glimpse into Ancient Greece
The first thing that strikes players when they launch Ways of Athena is its stunning visuals. Set against the backdrop of a sun-drenched, idyllic landscape, the game evokes the spirit of Ancient Greece, a time filled with beauty, reason, and philosophy. Whether you’re longing for a break from modern-day concerns or simply a lover of myth and legend, the peaceful setting of Ways of Hawkplay Athena offers the perfect retreat.
Game Layout and Paylines
Ways of Athena features a 5-reel, 3-row matrix with an impressive 243 ways to win, though the game’s splitting symbols mechanic can expand this number to a whopping 43,923 ways. This flexibility in paylines means that the potential for big wins is significantly enhanced. Players can adjust their stakes from as low as 10 c to as high as $/€100, giving everyone the opportunity to engage with the game, regardless of budget. Additionally, two RTP variants are available, with the maximum RTP coming in at 94.21%. It’s a highly volatile slot, which means you can expect some thrilling, high-risk spins.
Symbols and Payouts
In the base game, Ways of Athena presents a mix of low and high-paying symbols. The low pays are represented by the 10-A card royals, with 5 of a kind paying between 0.7x to 1x the bet. The high pays include items like vases, shields, helmets, and the goddess Athena herself, rewarding between 2x to 5x the bet for a 5-of-a-kind. Wild symbols appear on all reels and can Hawkplay substitute for any pay symbol to complete winning combinations, offering a 5x payout for 5 wilds across the reels.
Matching Mystery Symbol: A Game-Changer
One of the most intriguing features of Ways of Athena is the Matching Mystery symbol. On each spin, mystery symbols may appear on reels 2 to 5. Up to two mystery symbols can land on each reel, and when they do, they match the symbol on the leftmost reel. These symbols then transform into double symbols, giving you double the potential ways to win. This mechanic adds an element of surprise and excitement to every spin.
Progressive Free Spins Feature
The free spins bonus game in Ways of Athena is another highlight. Landing 3 scatter symbols triggers 8 free spins, with an additional 2 free spins awarded for every scatter beyond the initial three, up to a maximum of 44 free spins. During this bonus round, Matching Mystery symbols that align with the scatter symbol on the leftmost reel become double scatter symbols, increasing the chances of big wins. The game also features a progress meter for the Matching Mystery symbols, which fills up as orbs are collected, increasing the multiplier for the mystery symbols to 3x and 5x, along with additional free spins.
BET+ Options: Enhancing the Experience
To further increase the excitement, Ways of Athena offers BET+ options. These allow players to enhance their chances of triggering the bonus game or ensure the presence of Matching Mystery symbols on each spin. Players can choose from three BET+ options:
- Bonus Boost: Makes the bonus game twice as likely to trigger, costing 1.3x the bet per spin.
- Bonus Boost Plus: Increases the likelihood of triggering the bonus game by five times, costing 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 BET+ features offer a more customized and tailored experience for those looking to increase their chances of big wins.
Feature Buy: Skip to the Fun
For those eager to jump straight into the action, Ways of Athena offers a Feature Buy option. For 100 times the bet, players can bypass the base game entirely and go straight into the free spins round. This provides instant access to the heart of the game, giving players the chance to experience the progressive free spins feature and Matching Mystery symbols right away.
Hawkplay’s Contribution to the Mythological Theme
Players seeking a touch of excitement in their gameplay will find the Ways of Athena slot even more enticing when played through platforms like Hawkplay. Known for offering high-quality casino experiences, Hawkplay enhances the immersive feel of this slot, allowing players to enjoy seamless gameplay, whether at home or on the go. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to mythological slots, Hawkplay ensures that Ways of Athena is an adventure worth embarking on.
A Classic Thunderkick Slot
In conclusion, Ways of Athena is quintessentially Thunderkick: visually stunning, easy to understand, and brimming with mythological intrigue. With its unique features, including the Matching Mystery symbol mechanic and the progressive free spins round, this game offers a simple yet thrilling experience. While the base game can sometimes feel repetitive, the potential for big wins with the ways pay system and the bonus features more than makes up for it. Players who enjoy slots with high volatility and an engaging theme will find much to love in Ways of Athena. Whether you’re in it for the payout potential or the rich mythological world, Ways of Athena delivers on all fronts.
