Lanterns & Lions is another Hold & Win-style slot machine set to debut in 2021, joining a slew of others. It appears that a sizable number of those games were produced by iSoftBet, as they already have a sizable collection. This time, they’re launching a Chinese New Year-themed one, so while they’re not doing anything differently, they’re at least filling new niches.

Lanterns & Lions, a slot machine with 25 paylines, will feature 5×3 reels. There should be a solid range of significant features in this one, from wilds, scatters, and free spins to the popular Hold & Win respins. It can also pay out handsomely, with a top jackpot of 8,888x and an RTP of 96 percent.

Betting and Prizes

To spin the reels, at least $0.25 must be wagered. They allow it to be far more expensive for those who desire it, allowing you to spend up to $100 per round.

It’s no wonder that they chose a top jackpot that represents good fortune in China for a slot machine with a Chinese theme. After just one extremely lucky round, Lanterns & Lions can pay out 8,888x the whole bet.

It’s even more impressive considering the game’s medium volatility, which means there’s not as much risk as you might think. With an RTP of 96 percent, the game appears to be in good shape.

Lanterns & Lions: Hold & Win Slot Features

The game’s major draw is the Hold & Win feature, which is a streak respin function. For the respins to start, you’ll need at least 5 distributed Lantern emblems. You start with three Lantern symbols and aim to gather more, in addition to the ones that activate the game. After each new symbol, the respins will be reset. The feature ends when you run out of respins, and each Lantern sign pays a prize.

Regular rewards and set jackpots can be won from the Lanterns, as well as an additional Grand Prize if you fill all 15 positions on the reels.

There are a few other aspects that may trigger you before you get to the greatest section of the game. One of these takes the form of a growing savannah. The Cai Shen Wilds are restricted to the last four reels, allowing them to assist on all active lines but preventing them from forming their own combinations. These are only used to replace ordinary symbols.

Some rounds may bring you the random Lucky Envelope feature when you’re spinning those reels. It’ll simply open to reveal a prize worth 8 to 8,888 times the stake (top jackpot).

Another interesting element is the Dancing Lions. You’ll need to see the Lion scatter on all three reels to win (1st, 3rd, 5th). Between the Hold & Win respins and the free spins, choosing one of the two lions activates a feature.

If you get the free spins, you’ll get anywhere from 8 to 12 rounds, as well as 25 to 100 extra wilds on the reels. The wilds are much more plentiful, and there’s even a potential that the free spins will be retriggered if another set of Lions lands dispersed.

Design and Theme

Slot machines aimed at a Chinese audience are easy to detect since they incorporate elements of Chinese culture, folklore, and customs. Lanterns & Lions also represent China’s traditional aspect. The Forbidden City appears to be the same as the one behind the reels, and many of the symbols on the reels should be recognized.

The low-paying 9 to K Royals are followed by images of gold coins, firecrackers, turtles, and the lucky cat in that order. Cai Shen Wilds, Lanterns, and Lion Masks are among its features.

Conclusion

Lanterns & Lions offers just the proper amount of special features, as well as fantastic rewards and a look that should appeal to Chinese players. The 8,888x jackpot is given through a random feature, not during free spins or respins, which is something I didn’t like about it.