Saga Slots
The name Saga here doesn’t refer to a fleet of cruise liners for the over 60s (although that might make for quite a fun theme too). Saga means “story” which is pretty vague as titles go and doesn’t really give you much to go on in terms of what you might expect when playing. However, once you do start to play, you’ll find a world of rich imagery, apparitions, mystery and magic. This game has been created by Finnish developers PAF who specialise in creating online slots for the Scandinavian market and they’ve really put in some effort here.
Saga has 5 reels, 15 paylines, free spins, a bonus round and can be played on mobile or desktop devices (PAF make games that are optimised for mobile use, although it’s worth going for a big screen to really enjoy the immersive world they have created here - the bigger the better). The paylines can be reduced down to 1 if you’re not a big spender and wanting to keep things simple and inexpensive - or you could just play for free. The most valuable symbol on the reels is an old secret garden style key: 5 of these appearing on a payline will win you 50,000 coins if you’ve got the max bet in place.
Sights and Sounds
One of the first things that jump out at you when you load up this game is the lack of the usual playing card symbols. Playing card symbols aren’t a bad thing and provide familiarity, but they would be out of place in a fantasy theme like this. Instead the screen is full of enchanting objects like maps, toadstools, jewellery and flickering candles all tangled in weeds - the plethora of gorgeous graphics featured in Saga make for a charming visual experience.
It’s not just a feast for the eyes either: the soundtrack is a joy, doesn’t get dull and adds to the overall ambience perfectly. Given how many slots have annoying repetitive sound effects this is one of the many features that make Saga by PAF a game to cherish.
The Saga Continues
Free spins can be won by landing three, four or five of the Saga symbol on the reels giving you anything between 8 and 30 spins. Access to the bonus game is via the rolled up map symbol: land 2 of these on the board and a map-themed feature will be activated. This gives you the opportunity to pick creatures to hunt and then charm with a flute, a challenging and exciting adventure of which you won’t tire easily.
The max bet might be relatively low at 7.50, but with a game this intriguing and fantastic, it’s one you can keep playing over and over. It’s all about the magic and the reveal style effects really help evoke this atmosphere of dark mystery and Nordic adventure. As the symbols float on the screen, the backdrop of a moss-covered stone crypt is visible through them. It gives a realistic feel - well as realistic as something with its basis in fantasy can be - and a sense of actually looking into the scene, rather than an animated, cartoon styling.
Online Slots to Try
The design of this game is pretty unique, but there some are slots with similar characteristics that you might want to try. Reel Party by Rival also has 15 paylines and up to 100 free spins and Wall Street Fever by Playtech has a 5 x 3 layout with less paylines, but plenty of free spins on offer.
If you really love the forest vibe though and you can’t get enough of enchanted bits and bobs and magic, then try Forest of Wonders also by Playtech. You might find yourself to be pretty disappointed by the cartoon style graphics of this after the epic and dramatic visual experience of Saga, but in terms of spec it can offer low volatility, 25 paylines and 5+ free spins.
Saga’s an Engrossing Slot
If you’re a high bettor (the max on this is 7.50, with the minimum being 0.15) then the free Saga slot might not have enough thrills for you, but really, as the name would suggest, this game is much more about story. The theme is engrossing and it’s easy to while away time and get lost in this magic kingdom reminiscent of childhood stories. The design is beautiful and seems to take inspiration from the dark winters and romantic folklore of Finland and Scandinavia in general. Like the creatures in the game, it’s definitely worth hunting down this slot. As you charm them one by one, this game will inexorably charm you.
