In Monsters Unchained, Red Tiger Gaming invokes Greek mythology, building the game around three pivotal figures: the Minotaur, Medusa and Cerberus. These horrific creatures are chained up in a dungeon. But for anyone brave enough to free them, a potential payout of 19,000x awaits.
Learn more about these foul beasts, plus the slot’s various multipliers and modifiers, in this Monsters Unchained review.
Introduction to Monsters Unchained
Monsters Unchained takes a somewhat unorthodox approach, in that spins are grouped into batches of ten. Whatever modifiers are collected during the first nine spins roll over until the tenth, at which point they come into play.
The titular monsters that may be unchained are drawn from Greek mythology. Each one plays a vital role in building the biggest wins. Collect Chain Breaker symbols to free them from their shackles and they reward you with their own individual game modifiers. These include multipliers, wilds and increased ways to win, up to a maximum of 15,625.
Limits and Layout
The action takes place in the dimly-lit and clammy dungeon where these three creatures are held captive. Bet limits are tailored towards the more casual gamer, ranging from $0.10 and $10. The reel grid can expand, which we’ll explain later in our Monsters Unchained review. But the game begins with five reels, three rows and 243 paylines.
Monsters Unchained is highly volatile, with a top prize of 19,000x your stake. Casino operators typically offer the default RTP value of 95.59%. Take care though, as you can find versions with an RTP as low as 90.71%.
On the aesthetic front, the slot offers as much visual appeal as it does entertainment. The graphical representation of the monster characters really leans into the grotesque theme. What’s more, the dramatic soundtrack adds to the overall tension and excitement.
Gameplay and Features
Unlike most online slots, which offer an unlimited number of base spins, Monsters Unchained is played in a continuous cycle of 10. During the first nine spins, red, green or blue hammer-like Chain Breaker symbols may appear. When they do, they each break one of the three chains binding the Minotaur, Medusa and Cerberus to the reels.
With each chain break, the meter attached to the respective monster moves up a step. Only one Chain Breaker can land per spin, with up to three monster-specific Chain Breakers appearing throughout a 10-spin cycle. The final spin of each cycle activates the corresponding feature of the monster as outlined below.
- Minotaur: The reels expand to 5x4 with 1,024 paylines, 5x5 with 3,125 paylines or 6x5 with 15,625 paylines.
- Medusa: Between two and seven wilds are added to the reels, increasing with each broken chain. These wilds do not appear on the first or last reels.
- Cerberus: One, two or three broken chains adds a multiplier of 2x to 3x, 4x to 5x, or 6x to 7x, respectively.
Monster Spins
Trigger this bonus feature by landing three monster scatters on the first, third and fifth reels. In return, you’re awarded 10 free spins. If a Chain Breaker symbol lands in the free spins bonus game, the corresponding monster feature activates for the next free spins. Should you manage to break all of the chains, you’ll earn three extra spins.
When the free spins round ends, the game restores to wherever you left off during the base game’s 10-spin cycle.
Regular Symbols
Similar to most casino games, Monsters Unchained features the 10 through A playing card icons. A treasure chest, a lantern, an axe and a shackle form the higher paying symbols here.
Scatter Symbols
The scatter symbol has an inscription with the text “Monster Spins”. You cannot land a scatter symbol during the 10th spin of the base game or during free spins.
Wild Symbols
Only Medusa can cause wild symbols to appear on the reels. If she does, the wild symbols substitute for other regular symbols to create winning combinations.
Expert Opinion on Monsters Unchained
Red Tiger Gaming deviates from the norm of unlimited base spins, opting for a slightly more predictable system. And to be honest, it works well. The feature builds anticipation and excitement, making the slot thoroughly enjoyable to play.
Greek mythology is a well-worn theme in the slots world, but the developer manages to pull off something interesting here. The animations complement the central idea perfectly and, generally speaking, the graphics and sounds are expertly executed. While the RTP could certainly be higher, a maximum win potential of 19,000x makes it hard to complain.
Slots Similar to Monsters Unchained
Below are two more real money slots with similar themes or gameplay elements to Monsters Unchained that you may enjoy.
- Treasures of Kilauea: This colorful Pear Fiction Studios slot also features a 10-spin cycle. However, the potential maximum payout is just 5,000x.
- Beat the Beast Cerberus’ Inferno: Developed by Thunderkick, this slot is another Greek mythology-themed release. It also has a default 5x3 slot grid with 243 paylines.
