Cygnus 4

Diving into the cosmic realm of the Cygnus series once again, ELK Studios presents the much-anticipated Cygnus 4, the latest instalment in this celestial-inspired slot saga. Staying true to the cosmic vibe that has defined the series, Cygnus 4 unfolds its 6-reel grid, framed by pillars set against a mesmerizing cityscape featuring a colossal observatory and the Tower of London. Mechanically, this game is played on a six-reel, four-row gameboard with 4,096 pay lines. The RTP is well under the industry average at 94%, and the volatility rating is in the high range. The maximum win on one spin here is 50,000x the stake. Cygnus 4 is available on mobile, tablet and desktop platforms.

Cygnus 4 Overview

Cygnus 4 offers an exciting array of bonus features, including the Avalanche Wins feature, where cascading symbols create a dynamic environment. The Multiplier Pillar introduces a mechanism that transforms into a wild symbol after upgrading the win multiplier. With three levels of multiplier ranges, Level 3 presents a chance for a 50,000x max win. The Level Up feature lets players ascend through multiplier levels, and Free Spins are triggered by a single scatter symbol, offering seven free spins with potential extras. The Bonus Buy option provides various choices, such as starting at Level 3 and turning multiplier symbols into wilds, ensuring a diverse and strategic gaming experience for players. All bonus features will be explained in more detail later in the review.

Cygnus 4 Theme and Symbols

Cygnus 4 maintains the celestial theme of its predecessors, with the iconic Cygnus constellation gracing the backdrop, providing a serene and contemplative ambience. The game captures a tranquil zen vibe with an empty, nocturnal London setting, inviting players to immerse themselves in a gaming experience designed for contemplation and meditation. Against this calming backdrop, the gravity tumbles unfold with the same satisfying allure as in previous instalments, adding a layer of relaxation to the celestial journey of the Cygnus series.

The background image for this game is a nocturnal view of some of London's most famous architecture. Under the cloak of night, London transforms into a magical spectacle, and at its heart lies the iconic Tower of London. The cityscape is bathed in the soft glow of streetlights, casting a warm luminescence upon cobbled streets and historic architecture. The River Thames, shimmering under the moonlight, reflects the silhouette of the Tower Bridge in the distance. The Tower of London, standing as a silent sentinel, is adorned with subtle illumination, revealing the intricate details of its medieval structure. The playing board for this game is a large cascading reel matrix erected between two great black marble obelisks.

The symbols are split into low-paying, high-paying and special symbols. The low-paying symbols are the blue, green and red gem icons. The more valuable symbols comprise the serpent, unicorn, rampant lion and the all-seeing eye in the pyramid. The specials in this game comprise the wild icons, free drop icons, multipliers and the level-up symbol.

Game Play

Cygnus 4 is played on a 6-reel, 4-row machine with 4,096 fixed pay lines. To win combinations, players must land three or more matching symbols on pay lines moving from left to right, starting from the leftmost reel. The betting range for Cygnus 4 is 20p to £100 per spin. To adjust their bet levels, players can toggle their stakes up and down using the tool located at the bottom left-hand side of the screen.

Further information, including a short tutorial and a display of the paytable, can be found via the menu button in the right-hand corner of the screen. The spin and auto spin buttons are located in the centre of the screen. Volatility for this slot is rated in the high range. The return to player percentage for Cygnus 4 is 94%, which is below average. The biggest payout that players can win on one spin is 50,000x the stake.

Cygnus 4 Features

Cygnus 4 boasts an array of captivating bonus features, each contributing to an exhilarating gaming experience. The Avalanche Wins feature triggers a cascading effect, removing winning symbols and allowing others to tumble down, filling the gaps and expanding the grid. This process continues as long as consecutive wins occur, with additional rows reaching up to 8 rows. The number of ways to win escalates with each added row, offering players diverse winning possibilities, from 4,096 ways with 4 rows to an impressive 262,144 ways with 8 rows.

The leftmost column houses the Multiplier Pillar, where multiplier symbols ascend to increase the win multiplier for the ongoing avalanche sequence. Notably, the multiplier symbol transforms into a wild symbol after upgrading the win multiplier. The Multiplier Pillar features three levels, each presenting an ascending multiplier range. Players can reach the top of Level 3, cracking the game's win cap.

The Level Up feature introduces the opportunity to progress through multiplier levels by landing level-up symbols. Starting at Level 1, players can reach up to Level 3, where the multiplier pillar displays the achieved level. It's worth noting that the multiplier pillar is prioritized for leveling up first if both a multiplier symbol and a level-up symbol hit simultaneously. The resetting of these features occurs between base game rounds.

Cygnus 4 Free Spins are triggered when a single scatter symbol reaches the leftmost pillar, awarding players 7 free spins. Scatter symbols that hit the bottom of reels 2 to 6 reappear at the top of the reel to the immediate left, enhancing the potential for extended sequences. During the Free Spins round, the current multiplier and multiplier level are carried over, and the multiplier does not reset between free drops. Players can earn extra free spins when the bonus symbol reaches the leftmost pillar.

For those seeking an expedited thrill, Cygnus 4 offers a Bonus Buy option in select jurisdictions, presenting five distinct choices. The Bonus Hunt allows players to pay 3x the stake for increased bonus round chances. Alternatively, the Multiplier Pillar on Level 3 option enables players to start at multiplier pillar Level 3 for 10x the stake. With the Multiplier Wilds choice, players pay 25x for a spin featuring multiplier symbols that also act as wilds, transforming into regular wilds upon hitting the leftmost pillar or the bottom of the grid. The Bonus option, available for 100x the stake, provides instant access to the bonus round. Lastly, the Super Bonus, costing 500x the stake, delivers a bonus round where the multiplier symbols turn wild, offering diverse and strategic avenues for players to enhance their Cygnus 4 experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cygnus 4 emerges as a captivating addition to the renowned free slot games with bonus spins, successfully blending cosmic and Egyptian themes to create a visually stunning and thematically rich gaming experience. While the game retains some similarities to its predecessors, the introduction of the Multiplier Pillar, Level Up feature, and diverse Bonus Buy options adds a layer of strategic depth, catering to both seasoned players and newcomers.