The world of online slots is vast and diverse, with thousands of games available to players. One popular genre within this category is gem-themed slots, which often feature stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and lucrative rewards. Among these, Tiger Gems stands out as a notable example. This article will delve into the specifics of Tiger Gems compared to other games in its genre.
Background and Overview
Released by NextGen Gaming in 2015, Tiger Gems is an online slot machine that transports players to the depths of Tiger Gems the jungle in search of hidden treasures. The game features vibrant colors, dynamic animation, and a progressive jackpot that can be won with every spin. The primary objective is to line up matching symbols on adjacent reels to create winning combinations.
One reason why Tiger Gems has gained popularity among gamers is its relatively high RTP (Return-to-Player) rate of 95.15%, which is impressive considering the average for most online slots ranges between 85% and 90%. Furthermore, this game boasts an attractive maximum payout potential of 3,000x the initial bet, making it a thrilling option for high-risk players.
Gameplay Features
To fully appreciate the Tiger Gems experience, let’s examine its gameplay features in more detail:
- Reels: The game consists of 5 reels with 4 rows of symbols.
- Paylines: There are 243 ways to win due to NextGen Gaming’s proprietary 243-ways-to-win system.
- Symbols: As the name suggests, the majority of the high-paying symbols feature gemstones (diamonds, rubies, and sapphires) alongside other jungle creatures like tigers and monkeys. Lower-value symbols include standard playing cards.
- Wild Symbol: The tiger is represented by a wild symbol that can substitute for all others to create winning combinations.
- Scatter Symbols: The game’s scatter symbol, featuring a treasure chest, triggers the free spins feature when three or more appear anywhere on the reels.
Comparing Tiger Gems with Similar Games
While Tiger Gems stands out in its own right, it is also worth comparing it with other popular gem-themed slots. One such example is Dragon & Phoenix from Microgaming, released in 2011. This game boasts a higher RTP rate of 96% and a slightly more generous maximum payout potential of 5,000x the initial bet.
However, when it comes to graphics and overall presentation, Tiger Gems has the edge due to NextGen Gaming’s advanced graphics engine. Dragon & Phoenix’s visuals are somewhat dated by comparison, although this game does offer a more complex free spins feature with four different bonus options: Wilds, Multipliers, Free Spins, and Mystery Symbols.
Another contender in the gem-themed market is Reel Gems from Playtech, released in 2011. This game features a more conventional 5-reel setup but with 20 fixed paylines rather than NextGen’s 243-ways system. While it boasts an impressive RTP rate of 97%, its maximum payout potential of 2,500x the initial bet is lower than both Tiger Gems and Dragon & Phoenix.
Free Spins Feature
A significant aspect of any gem-themed slot worth its salt is the free spins feature. In the case of Tiger Gems, this is triggered by landing three or more treasure chest scatter symbols anywhere on the reels. Players can then earn a generous 15 free spins with all wins multiplied by 3x.
Compared to Dragon & Phoenix’s multiple bonus options and Reel Gems’ standard free spins feature, Tiger Gems takes a more straightforward approach. However, this simplicity also makes it easier for players to understand what they’re getting into – something that is not always the case in games with overly complex bonus features.
Volatility and RTP
A critical consideration when evaluating any online slot is its volatility level. In the case of Tiger Gems, NextGen Gaming classifies it as a medium-high volatility game. This means players can expect both larger wins and longer losing streaks due to the game’s relatively high variance.
As mentioned earlier, Tiger Gems boasts an impressive RTP rate of 95.15%, which is respectable considering most online slots fall in the 85-90% range. While it may not be as generous as some other games in its genre (such as Dragon & Phoenix), it still offers a fair return to players and provides ample opportunities for winning big.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tiger Gems stands out among other gem-themed slots due to NextGen Gaming’s advanced graphics engine and engaging gameplay features. While it may not be the most generous game in terms of maximum payout potential or RTP rate, its relatively high variance ensures that both wins and losses can occur frequently.
Comparing it with similar games like Dragon & Phoenix and Reel Gems highlights Tiger Gems’ strengths and weaknesses. Each has its unique selling points and players should carefully evaluate these factors before making an informed decision about which game is best suited to their preferences.
Ultimately, whether or not Tiger Gems is the perfect fit for you depends on your individual gaming style and preferences. If you enjoy games with high RTP rates, attractive graphics, and generous payouts, this may be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer more straightforward gameplay with higher variance, Dragon & Phoenix might be a better option.
Regardless of which game you choose, it’s essential to gamble responsibly and only play with money that you can afford to lose. With so many options available in the world of online slots, there has never been a better time to get involved and start exploring these exciting games for yourself.