Once Again Upon a Time Slot Review
Introduction
Once Again Upon a Time is a High volatility video slot from Betsoft with a 96.11% RTP, featuring a 5x3 layout and a maximum win potential of 12,500x the bet, available to play at Chips.gg. This fairy tale-themed game is a sequel that brings back knights, princesses, and dragons with refined design and updated gameplay mechanics.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Provider | Betsoft |
| Release Date | January 2026 |
| RTP | 96.11% (as deployed at Chips.gg) |
| Volatility | High |
| Paylines | 25 |
| Layout | 5x3 |
| Max Win | 12,500x |
| Min Bet | 0.25 |
| Max Bet | 30 |
| Hit Frequency | 23.67% |
| Theme | Fantasy, Fairy Tale |
Facts verified August 2026 against the live Chips.gg game configuration.
Game Features and Bonuses
Layout: The game is played on a standard 5-reel, 3-row grid with 25 fixed paylines.
Special Symbols: The Wild Symbol (shield) substitutes for most other symbols, while the Scatter Symbol (castle) triggers Free Spins. The Bonus Symbol (golden coin) and Boost Symbol (dragon) are key to the Hold Win feature.
Free Spins: Landing 3 Scatter Symbols on reels 2, 3, and 4 awards 8 Free Spins and a 2x payout. During Free Spins, only higher-paying symbols appear on the reels, increasing win potential.
Hold Win: Triggered by 6 or more Bonus Symbols, or 5 Bonus Symbols and 1 Boost Symbol, this feature awards 3 respins. Bonus, Mystery Bonus, and Boost symbols lock in place, resetting respins, with Bonus Symbols carrying values up to 15x or Mini, Minor, Major, and Mega Prizes.
Unique Features: The game includes a Feature Buy option to directly activate the Hold Win feature for 65x the bet. A Mystery Bonus Symbol (man playing flute) can appear during Hold Win, transforming into various prizes or a Boost Symbol.
Gameplay Mechanics and Strategies
Unique Mechanics: Once Again Upon a Time combines traditional payline wins with a Hold Win respin mechanic, where special symbols can significantly boost payouts. The Boost Symbol specifically enhances the values of other Bonus Symbols during the Hold Win feature.
In-Game Dynamics: Winning combinations are formed by landing 3 or more matching symbols on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel. The game's high volatility suggests that wins may be less frequent but potentially larger.
Player Strategy: As with all slot games, outcomes are determined by random number generators, so no strategy can guarantee wins. Players can manage their bankroll by adjusting bet sizes according to their risk tolerance, especially given the high volatility.
Comparison with Similar Slots
Once Again Upon a Time shares thematic and mechanical similarities with other Betsoft titles and fairy tale slots. For instance, Betsoft's own Once Upon a Time is its predecessor, offering a similar theme but with updated graphics and features in this newer version. Another comparable game is Dragon's Domain, which also features a knight and dragon narrative, often incorporating respin mechanics or bonus rounds centered around collecting special symbols. The Knight King by Pragmatic Play is another slot with a medieval fantasy theme, typically focusing on free spins and multiplier features, providing a different approach to the heroic quest genre compared to Betsoft's Hold Win focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum win potential in Once Again Upon a Time?
The game offers a maximum win potential of 12,500 times your bet, which can be achieved through its various bonus features, particularly the Hold Win round.
How do I trigger the Free Spins feature?
The Free Spins feature is activated by landing three Scatter Symbols, represented by the castle icon, on reels 2, 3, and 4 during the base game.
What is the RTP of Once Again Upon a Time at Chips.gg?
The Return to Player (RTP) for Once Again Upon a Time at Chips.gg is configured at 96.11%. It's important to note that RTP can vary between different casino builds.
Can I buy access to the bonus round?
Yes, Once Again Upon a Time includes a Feature Buy option that allows players to directly activate the Hold Win feature for a cost of 65 times their current bet.
What is the purpose of the Boost Symbol?
The Boost Symbol, depicted as a dragon, enhances the values of all Bonus Symbols present on the reels during the Hold Win feature, excluding the Mega Prize.
Conclusion
Once Again Upon a Time delivers a charming fairy tale adventure with a classic theme and a robust set of features. Its high volatility and 12,500x max win potential appeal to players seeking significant payouts, while the Hold Win mechanic with its various special symbols adds depth to the gameplay. While not the most innovative in its genre, the game offers solid entertainment for those who enjoy fantasy themes and engaging bonus rounds, making it suitable for players who appreciate a blend of traditional slots and modern mechanics.
