Pearls of Aphrodite Slot Game was Created by Kalamba Games
Pearls of Aphrodite is powered by Oryx Gaming but has been developed and distributed by Kalamba Games. Launched in August 2021, the game takes on Greek mythology, specifically the legends dealing with Aphrodite. The slot takes its name from its pearl collection mechanic, which we will take a closer look at shortly.
Pearls of Aphrodite isn’t the most visually stunning slot ever to be devised, but unlike the Greek goddess the game is themed after, this slot isn’t relying on beauty to capture your imagination. Instead, Pearls of Aphrodite uses its extraordinarily high hit rate of 50.6%, its moderate 96% RTP rate, and its medium to high volatility gameplay to win you over. There’s something to be said of the wagering range in this game, coupled with its jackpot, but we’ll explore these in turn as we look closer at the game in our Pearls of Aphrodite slot review.
Bets, HyperBets & HyperBonuses
For a game that only offers forty paylines spread over six reels (with four rows), we find that the minimum stake of 0.50 a spin is a little pricey. The developers will no doubt point to the high hit rate as a reason why they believe a spin is worth 0.10 more than it “should” cost, but we aren’t quite sure we’re on board with that argument.
Pearls of Aphrodite also comes with a HyperBet mode. Opt to play with Level 1, and you’ll get the conventional bonus round. Double your stakes to reach Level 2, which increases the RTP to 96.54%, and offers marginally more free spins and multipliers.
There is also a HyperBonus mode. This lets you buy the bonus round directly but can be ruinously expensive. You can choose from six spins with 6x multipliers (96.81% RTP) for 40x your bet, eight spins with 8x multipliers (96.72% RTP) for 98x your bet or cough up 227x your bet to play with ten free spins, 10x multipliers and an RTP of 96.61%. Personally, we wouldn’t opt to play HyperBonus bets.
Wilds, Multipliers, Re–Spins and Oyster Collections
Among the array of high playing card symbols on the reels, you will note a few special symbols in this slot. There is an Aphrodite wild that can substitute for all standard paying symbols. Keep your eyes out for a similar symbol (with red hair), as she can boost your winnings. She is a Multiplier Wild but is only available if you wager with HyperBet Level 2 active.
You’ll notice a pearl trail above the reels. This is a part of the Oyster Collection system. Every oyster you land will have its pearl captured and showcased on the trail. Along the way, there are three portraits of the Greek goddess. Highlight as many of these as you can to boost your Ocean Re-Spin round.
Silver or gold coins (with doves) trigger the Ocean Re-Spin feature. Depending on the number of pearls on your trail, the Ocean Re-Spin round offers you either one or two re-spins. This will determine whether you get one, two or three expanding (or multiplier if you’re on HyperBet 2) wilds.
Greek Goodies & Multiplier Meters
As you might imagine, scatters are needed to trigger the main bonus feature. Here, wilds can expand to cover entire reels. They also take on multiplier properties and will remain that way for the duration of the bonus. Ordinarily, you will start with six free spins and a 6x multiplier. While the bonus is in play, you can land additional free spins and boost your multiplier meter (above the reels). Of course, if you bet with the HyperBet mode, you’ll start this bonus round with a high number of spins and multipliers.
As mentioned, you do have the option of buying this round outright, but we don’t recommend you do that. It is incredibly costly, and triggering the free spins bonus isn’t that hard from the base game in the first place.
Pearls of Aphrodite – Our Verdict
Pearls of Aphrodite offers a decent non-progressive jackpot worth 5,200x a bet, but we’re not entirely sure that its gameplay is worth 0.50 a spin (and that’s the minimum bet). If you want the best features (such as multiplier wilds and extra spins), you’re going to need to cough up additional funds. There are plenty of Greek mythology themed slots out there offering you relatively the same features, and they come part and parcel of conventional bets, not as add-ons.
