| Updated: GONG Gaming Technologies, an innovative software provider, ventures into the fantasy realm with Empire Shields. The slot takes casino enthusiasts on an exhilarating journey through a fictional medieval kingdom, where the top reward can reach 12,150x the stake.
The action unfolds across 5 reels and 3 rows, producing 243 ways to win. An additional horizontal reel above the main grid is reserved exclusively for shield icons. Once activated, the reels expand to a 5×6 configuration, yielding a total of 7,776 paylines.
With several engaging mechanics, this slot offers a varied gaming experience. The stakes range from 0.20 to 20.00, catering to different gaming budgets.
Empire Shields Theme, Graphics, and Sounds
GONG Gaming Technologies has already demonstrated its design expertise, and Empire Shields is no exception. The release belongs to the fantasy gaming genre, so players who enjoy epic medieval adventures are likely to appreciate it. Beyond the standard 5×3 grid lies a bleak, mist-clad castle with large warrior statues guarding the gate. The animated sky, streaked with lightning, further enhances the gloomy atmosphere.
The slot’s playing symbols are crisp and expertly rendered, complementing the overall epic atmosphere. The 12 regular symbols can be divided into three categories: 6 royals, 2 richly adorned pieces of jewelry, and 4 charismatic characters.
The soundtrack also captures the dramatic mood and contributes to an immersive gaming experience.
Empire Shields Symbols and Payouts
Players must align at least three adjacent matching images starting from the leftmost reel to receive a reward.
The lowest-paying symbols in Empire Shields are the royals, ranging from 9s to Aces. The 9s, 10s, and Jacks pay 5x, 15x, and 30x for matching combinations of 3, 4, and 5 symbols, respectively. Queens, Kings, and Aces multiply players’ bets by 5x, 20x, and 40x when they land combinations of 3, 4, or 5 identical adjacent symbols on a payline.
The middle tier of Empire Shields’ paytable includes two richly adorned pieces of jewelry. The first is a golden pendant decorated with a green emerald, awarding 10x, 40x, and 80x the stake for aligning 3, 4, or 5 identical symbols. A gorgeous amethyst ring delivers payouts ranging from 15x to 90x the stake when players form combinations of 3, 4, or 5 matching symbols.
The highest-paying character symbols are all depicted wearing detailed, close-fitting armor. The first two characters resemble an angel and a demon, while the others represent the magnificent Empress and Emperor of the fantasy realm. The angel-like female warrior awards prizes ranging from 15x to 100x the stake for 3-, 4-, and 5-of-a-kind combinations. The devilish male warrior offers higher returns of 20x, 70x, and 150x the stake for 3, 4, and 5 matching symbols. Three, four, or five images of the beautiful blonde Empress produce payouts of 20x, 80x, and 200x. The Emperor is the most generous symbol, offering winnings of up to 300x the bet value.
The Wild symbol in Empire Shields is represented by the letter W. In addition to substituting for all other symbols except the Scatter, five adjacent Wilds can also produce a payout.
The Scatter symbol is represented by a lion. Matching Scatter symbols can form winning combinations regardless of their positions on the reels.
Empire Shields Bonus Mechanics
GONG Gaming Technologies has incorporated several creative elements into the slot’s features.
The most distinctive bonus mechanic in Empire Shields is the set of so-called Toppers, or reel modifiers. Five toppers are located directly above the main grid, where they can modify the reels and increase the number of potential paylines. They shift one position to the left with each spin and randomly accumulate energy. When enough energy has been collected, one of four features becomes available: Double Reel, Multiplier, Wild, or Expanding Wild. Each feature activates once its required energy threshold is reached.
The Double Reel feature requires 4 energy charges. Once the feature is triggered, the number of symbols appearing on the reel beneath it increases to 6, raising the number of paylines to 7,776.
The Multiplier feature requires 5 energy charges and can award multipliers ranging from 2x to 10x. When a Multiplier shield shifts one position to the left, its value also changes.
The Wild feature requires 6 energy charges and, once activated, places a Wild symbol on the reel beneath the shield.
The final feature, the Expanding Wild, requires 7 energy charges and transforms the entire reel below it into a Wild reel.
To initiate the Free Spins feature, players must land at least three Lion Scatter symbols anywhere on the reels during the base game. The free spins are preceded by a mini bonus game. Players are presented with 20 shields, each of which reveals the Double Reel, Multiplier, Wild, or Expanding Wild feature. After 5 shields have been selected, the chosen modifiers remain active until the end of the feature, which begins with 10 free spins. Landing 3 or more Scatters anywhere on the reels during the bonus game awards 10 additional spins.
Closing Thoughts
Empire Shields is the result of a collaboration between GONG Gaming Technologies and Microgaming, a pioneer of online slots. The game has plenty to offer both visually and mechanically. Players who enjoy the fantasy genre will likely appreciate the stunning artwork, while the variety of game mechanics and grid expansions creates an engaging experience. Available for play on mobile and desktop devices, this slot can be found in the lobbies of various online casinos.