China River Slot Review
Symbols are quite standard in the slot, as they incorporate common playing card values from 9 to Aces with some theme-inspired icons such as a green frog, a bronze cauldron, an elegant lotus flower and a Chinese hieroglyph. As is typically the case, themed symbols pay out more than card symbols when landing on one of thirty active paylines.
China River is not different from the norm of Bally slots but it manages to incorporate a couple of surprises into the gameplay, for example, lucrative mystery stacked symbols, say nothing of familiar features like free spins and wild pictures. In the context of payouts, they are basically small and moderate but happen frequently. Playing card icons award up to $750 at max. The top three prizes are $5000 (five hieroglyphs), $2500 (five flowers) and $1250 (five cauldrons). Bet sizes vary from $0.3 at the minimum up to $150. The only adjustable option is a bet per line that falls within the range from one cent to $5.
Wild symbol
A wild is represented by a parrot and it has slightly limited abilities. It does substitute for other symbols except for scatters but it lands on reels 2, 3, 4 and 5 only, which narrows down potential winnings. However, wild symbols are often part of multiple paylines and this allows one wild participate in numerous combinations at a time. Another limitation to the wild is its failing to complete combos by itself. One way or the other, wild substitutes can be very useful in the game filling up gaps in a row of regular symbols.
Stacked Mystery Symbols
This is perhaps the most useful feature in the slot. Each of the five reels contains stacked symbols chosen randomly before every spin. The beauty of the feature is that the stacked symbols are harmonized so that all stacks contain the same symbol, whether a low-paying or an expensive one, for example, hieroglyphs. Therefore, every round can end up in lots of identical symbols across the screen, which increases the likelihood of hitting a profitable combination.
Scatter and free spins
Red coins with a golden pattern serve as scatters meaning they count towards a combination even if they do not stop directly on a payline. Two to five of them give away up to $500, while three or greater activate 8, 10 or 15 free spins. During free spins all wins are doubled. Besides, additional free spins can be awarded if 3+ coins land again during the feature.
Summary
If you like 5-reel slots with stacked symbols, you are going to appreciate China River. Low-variance slot fans and gamblers on a budget will also find the game appealing. The first jackpot is x33 times a total spin bet (or $5000 at max).