Lord Merlin and the Lady of the Lake Slot Review
Introduction
Lord Merlin and the Lady of the Lake is a Medium-High volatility video slot from Play'n GO with a 96.2% RTP, featuring a 5x3 layout and a maximum win of 10,000x the bet, available to play at Chips.gg. This Arthurian-themed game continues the adventures of Merlin, focusing on the mystical Lady of the Lake and her powers.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Provider | Play'n GO |
| Theme | Arthurian Legend, Magic |
| Layout | 5x3 |
| Paylines | 10 |
| RTP | 96.2% (as deployed at Chips.gg) |
| Volatility | Medium-High |
| Max Win | 10,000x |
| Hit Frequency | 31.88% |
| Min Bet | 0.10 |
| Max Bet | 100 |
| Release Date | January 2021 |
Facts verified July 2026 against the live Chips.gg game configuration.
Game Features and Bonuses
Layout: The game uses a classic 5-reel, 3-row grid with 10 fixed paylines, providing a familiar structure for players.
Special Symbols: The Lady of the Lake acts as a Wild symbol, substituting for other symbols to form winning combinations. Excalibur serves as the Scatter symbol, triggering free spins.
Free Spins: Landing 3 or more Excalibur Scatters awards 8 free spins. During this round, a random paying symbol is chosen to become an expanding symbol on each spin.
Excalibur Spins: Within the free spins feature, landing 2 or more Wild Scatters triggers Excalibur Spins, where the expanding symbol from the triggering spin becomes locked.
Gamble Feature: After any win, players have the option to gamble their prize by predicting the color or suit of a card, potentially doubling or quadrupling their winnings up to a certain limit.
Gameplay Mechanics and Strategies
Unique Mechanics: The game's core mechanic revolves around the expanding symbols during free spins, which can cover entire reels and pay on all 10 lines regardless of adjacency. The twist of a randomly selected expanding symbol on each free spin adds variability.
In-Game Dynamics: The Excalibur Spins feature enhances the free spins by locking the expanding symbol, offering increased potential for larger consecutive wins. The game's medium-high volatility suggests that wins may be less frequent but potentially more substantial.
Player Strategy: While no strategy can alter the game's inherent RTP, understanding the expanding symbol mechanic and the potential for retriggers in the free spins round can help players manage their expectations. The gamble feature offers an optional risk-reward element for those looking to increase smaller wins.
Comparison with Similar Slots
Lord Merlin and the Lady of the Lake shares thematic and mechanical similarities with other "Book of" style slots, particularly Play'n GO's own Rise of Merlin. Both games feature expanding symbols in their free spins rounds and an Arthurian theme. Another comparable title is Book of Dead, which established the expanding symbol mechanic as a popular feature. While Book of Dead offers a classic experience with a single expanding symbol, Lord Merlin and the Lady of the Lake introduces the dynamic of a new expanding symbol on each free spin, along with the Excalibur Spins, providing a fresh take on the familiar formula.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum win potential in Lord Merlin and the Lady of the Lake?
The game offers a maximum win potential of 10,000 times the player's bet, achievable through its bonus features.
How do the expanding symbols work in this slot?
During free spins, a random paying symbol is selected to expand. If enough instances of this symbol land, it will cover entire reels and pay out on all 10 lines, even if not adjacent.
Can I retrigger the free spins feature?
Yes, landing additional Scatter symbols during the free spins round can retrigger the feature, granting more free spins and potentially leading to Excalibur Spins.
What is the RTP of Lord Merlin and the Lady of the Lake at Chips.gg?
The Return to Player (RTP) for this specific build of Lord Merlin and the Lady of the Lake at Chips.gg is 96.2%. It's important to note that RTP configurations can vary between different casino operators.
Does the game include a gamble feature?
Yes, after any win, players have the option to gamble their winnings by predicting the color or suit of a card for a chance to multiply their payout.
Conclusion
Lord Merlin and the Lady of the Lake is a well-crafted slot that successfully blends a popular theme with engaging mechanics. Its strengths lie in the dynamic free spins round with randomly expanding symbols and the added layer of Excalibur Spins, which can lead to significant payouts. The medium-high volatility caters to players seeking larger, albeit less frequent, wins. While the core gameplay might feel familiar to fans of "Book of" style slots, the subtle twists keep it fresh. This game is particularly suited for players who enjoy Arthurian legends and appreciate slots with a strong bonus game focus and high win potential.
