Divine 9 Demo and Review

Divine 9 Slot Review

Divine 9, a recent release from Playtech’s Rarestone Gaming studio (May 9th, 2023), isn’t your average slot. It cleverly blends the familiar excitement of online slots with the unpredictable charm of a dice game, specifically drawing inspiration from the ancient Chinese game Yu Ha Hai. This results in a unique playing experience that sets it apart from the crowd. Instead of relying on traditional paylines, Divine 9 introduces a captivating “Pay Anywhere” mechanic on a 3×3 grid, offering a refreshing approach to slot gameplay. You can explore this innovative approach yourself by trying the demo version available on this page.

A Tale of Two Themes: Ancient Egypt Meets Yu Ha Hai

One of Divine 9’s most striking features is its dual aesthetic. Players can seamlessly switch between two visually distinct themes: the classic Yu Ha Hai theme, rich with imagery drawn from traditional Chinese culture, and a captivating Ancient Egyptian theme, replete with hieroglyphics and iconic symbols. This option doesn’t affect the core mechanics or odds; it merely alters the visual presentation, allowing players to tailor their experience to their preference.

The Yu Ha Hai theme boasts symbols including Koi fish, prawns, crabs, roosters, gourds, and fortune coins, each meticulously rendered with vibrant colours and intricate detail. Shifting to the Egyptian theme replaces these with equally evocative imagery: scarab beetles, Horus falcons, the Eye of Horus, Sekhmet, ankhs, and stylized reeds. The background subtly changes to match, transitioning from a serene, bluish maritime scene to a warm, sun-drenched desert landscape. The soundtrack, however, maintains a consistently ethereal quality, providing a constant sonic backdrop to the contrasting visuals.

Mechanics and Math: Understanding Divine 9’s Engine

Divine 9’s 3×3 grid features nine independent reels, deviating from the typical slot machine format. Winning combinations are formed by landing at least four matching symbols adjacent to one another, either horizontally or vertically. This “Pay Anywhere” system eliminates traditional paylines, increasing the potential for winning combinations on each spin. The payout amount depends on the number of matching symbols and their specific value. Six matching low-value symbols could result in a 20x multiplier, while a cluster of nine high-value symbols can potentially award a hefty 100x multiplier. The RTP (Return to Player) is generally advertised as 95.9%, although variations exist, with some versions boasting a lower 91.9% RTP. It’s crucial to verify the RTP of the specific version before playing. The game boasts medium volatility, indicating a balance between frequent smaller wins and the possibility of occasional larger payouts. The betting range accommodates both casual players and high-rollers, with minimum bets starting at £0.20 and a maximum bet of £90.

Bonus Features: Respins and the Wager Game

Divine 9’s special features significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Flanking the main reels is a large “Big Dice,” which spins synchronously with the main game. This dice plays a crucial role in triggering the game’s bonus rounds.

The Respin feature is activated when the Big Dice reveals a symbol matching a winning cluster on the main grid. The winning symbols lock into place, while the remaining reels respin. Landing additional matching symbols triggers further respins, continuing until the entire grid is filled with matching symbols or no new matches appear.

Following a successful Respin round, players are presented with the option to participate in the Wager feature. This is a gamble, where players can risk their Respin winnings for the chance to increase their payout by up to 6x. Players choose 1-5 symbols, then the Big Dice spins. If the Big Dice lands on one of the selected symbols, the player wins a multiplier of their initial winnings – a 6x multiplier being the highest possible prize. The potential multipliers are: 1.2x, 1.5x, 2x, 3x, or 6x.

Conclusion: A Unique and Rewarding Slot Experience

Divine 9 represents a bold departure from traditional slot mechanics, offering a refreshing take on the genre. Its dual themes, innovative “Pay Anywhere” system, and engaging bonus features provide a unique and rewarding experience. While the absence of wild symbols or free spins might seem unusual, the game compensates with its high potential for payouts and exciting bonus rounds. Divine 9 is an intriguing option for players looking for a fresh perspective within the world of online slots. Its unique blend of dice game mechanics and slot features, combined with its polished visuals and engaging audio design, create a memorable gaming experience.

• Title: Divine 9
• Release date: May 9th, 2023
• Type: Video Slots
• Developer: Playtech (Rarestone Gaming studio)
• Theme: Ancient China, Dice Game (Yu Ha Hai), Ancient Egypt
• Reels: 9
• Layout: 3×3
• Paylines: Pay Anywhere (no traditional paylines)
• Number of Symbols: 6 (per theme)
• Volatility: Medium
• RTP: 95.9% (some versions 91.9%)
• Bonus Feature: Respin, Wager
• Respins: Yes
• Multiplier: Up to 6x (Wager Feature)
• Min / Max Bet: £0.20 / £90