Densho

Our Densho review takes a deep dive into this 5×4 slot that focuses heavily on Japanese culture. With an RTP of 96.40%, this artsy game also features wild multiplier reels, a bonus buy and a maximum win of 10,000x. 

In Japan, the term “Densho” actually refers to the concept of leaving a legacy. Read on to discover if that’s what Hacksaw Gaming has achieved with this September 2023 release.

Densho Details, RTP and Volatility

Densho features a 5×4 grid of reels with 10 paylines. Following fairly standard slot mechanics, you must land at least three identical symbols across any of these paylines to form a win. Combinations read from left to right. 

In terms of betting options, Densho permits wagers from $0.10 to $100 per spin. This is unsurprising, as you’ll find this exact range in all slots produced by Hacksaw Gaming. The game’s maximum win is 10,000x, which is reasonable considering the relatively high volatility. The game is rated 4/5 on the developer’s own variance scale. 

The game’s optimal RTP is pegged at 96.40%. However, there are lower versions available at some online casinos, with values of 94.38%, 92.33% and 88.34%. Therefore, it’s always wise to check the slot’s RTP using the game information screen before you start to play. 

Theme & Graphics in Densho

Densho features gorgeous Japanese watercolor designs surrounding the reel grid, which appear and disappear during gameplay. This constantly-changing imagery offers a rare visual experience and Hacksaw Gaming should take a lot of credit for this unique idea.

This stunning artwork also continues onto the game’s reels. Along with a number of Kanji symbols, expect to see a hand-painted samurai warrior and a beautiful young lady. Nature plays a big part too, with sunsets, mountains, owls, cranes and fish all to be found on the reels.

The inclusion of a calm, traditional Japanese soundtrack is another real highlight. Coupled with the beautiful artwork, spinning the reels becomes a serene and tranquil experience.

Densho Slot Features

Hacksaw Gaming has gone the extra mile with the game’s design, notably the visually-appealing artwork. But in terms of gameplay and features, things are fairly standard, as you’ll discover in the next section of our Densho slot review.

Regular Symbols

Densho’s regular symbols are four Japanese Kanji characters. Their payouts are all the same, with 0.1x for three matching symbols, 0.5x for four and 2x for five on a payline.

The higher symbols are a bridge with a sunset, a crane, an owl, a woman and a samurai. Each symbol pays between 1x and 3x for matching three and 2x to 10x for four. Five of a kind payouts range from 10x to 20x, with the samurai being the highest-paying symbol.

Wilds

Densho also features a mountaintop wild icon that substitutes for other regular symbols. Land five of a kind for a 20x payout. 

Scatters

The scatter symbol in this slot depicts two circling Koi carp. Land three of these symbols in the base game to trigger 10 free spins. 

Wild Multiplier Reels

There are three Densho symbols in the game, dubbed common, rare and legendary. If one of these lands, it will expand to cover the entire reel as long as it creates a winning combination. As it expands, it also reveals a multiplier value.

Multipliers range from 2x to 10x for common Densho symbols, 5x to 50x for rare and 10x to 100x for legendary symbols. If a payline has more than one multiplier reel, the values of the multipliers are added before they are applied. 

Free Spins

Landing three scatter symbols in the base game triggers ten free spins. During the bonus game, landing two or three more of these awards two and four additional free spins, respectively. 

Upgrade

Unlike most online slots, Densho offers an upgrade symbol that resembles a plus sign. These become active during the free spins game. For each symbol you land, a progression tracker above the reel will increase by one. As these increase, so does the quality of symbol available on that reel.

Super Free Spins

Trigger the free spins bonus with four scatters to play an enhanced version of the game. You’ll still start with ten spins, but the progression trackers all begin at two, rather than one. This means a selection of higher-paying symbols on the reels.

Buy Bonus

The buy bonus feature provides immediate access to several free spin options for a fee. If you go this route, the options are Bonushunt Featurespins, Densho Featurespins, Free Spins and Super Free Spins. The cost for each option is 3x, 50x, 100x and 250x.

How to Play Densho Online

Set your bet amount using the up or down buttons below the reels and press the circular arrow to spin. The game also offers an autoplay option for up to 1,000 hands-free spins. 

To win, at least 3 symbols must land on a payline, starting from the leftmost reel. Like most online slots, Densho’s free spins round is the key to unlocking the biggest wins in the game. Fortunately, you can buy directly into this feature if you don’t want to wait for scatters.

Try the Densho Demo for Free before playing for real money

Eager to try the game without spending any money? Then play the free Densho demo right here on this page. You can learn the rules of the game in a risk-free setting before heading to your favorite casino. 

Densho Review – Our Final Verdict

Once in a while, something comes along that really surprises us. With its original artwork and design, Densho immediately stands out from other casino games. In truth, it’s a breath of fresh air. However, the slot’s strong first impression doesn’t quite continue throughout the game.

It largely employs similar mechanics to those of other Hacksaw Gaming slots, like expanding wilds and multipliers. The addition of a Super Free Spins variant and progression trackers do help to elevate the gameplay slightly. But there’s nothing massively original to be found in the game engine.

The 96.40% RTP is certainly generous enough, as is the 10,000x top prize, considering the slot’s fairly high volatility level. Its betting limits are well suited to most players, too. But Densho is really all about the stunning look-and-feel and the resulting serene vibes.

Similar Slot Games

Here are some other Japanese-themed slots from our extensive slotpedia.

• Koi Princess: This 5×3 slot features Japanese characters and 20 paylines, with a max win of 1,000x.
• Bushido Ways: A Japanese warrior-themed slot with dramatic action and imagery, coupled with beautiful geisha and a historical storyline. 
• Ronin Stackways: Also produced by Hacksaw Gaming, this slot is similar to Densho in terms of mechanics.