Spartacus: Gladiator of Rome

Review of Spartacus: Gladiator of Rome Slot by WMS

With Spartacus: Gladiator of Rome, WMS ended up starting a small series, as this 2014 slot machine got a sequel in 2017, called Call to Arms. Both are inspired by Spartacus, the famous gladiator that led a revolt against the Roman Empire. This warrior has been seen in games from other companies as well, it’s not something that WMS focused on alone, but they did give this topic more attention than others, and the game they came up with is quite interesting and different than most.

One of the main things that I’ve noticed about it, is its use of two sets of reels, a type of experience that you can get in other WMS titles as well, not just in this one. The first, or Main set, has 5×4 reels. The second one is called the Colossal Set, and it offers 5×12 reels. In total, there are 100 paylines active each round, on the two sets.

It takes more than just a unique layout to make a game good though, and so WMS has incorporated several features inside, without going overboard with the available options:

• Wild Symbols
• Transferring Wilds
• Free Spins

Theme & Graphics

The story of Spartacus, the famous gladiator and champion that fought in the Coliseum of Ancient Rome, and of the rebellion that he has led against the empire, is one that most people will be familiar with. This game doesn’t need much of an introduction story-wise then, but it should be noted that the mix of symbols used is an expected one.

You have the game logo, the Coliseum, Spartacus, a female gladiator, another fighter with a helmet, a lion, the helmet of Spartacus, a sword and shield, along with four low-value card suits.

WMS is not a developer that I would associate with great design, and they don’t do anything to change my opinion in this slot. To be fair though, this is an older game of theirs, from 2014.

Special Features

Some of the things that were implemented in Spartacus: Gladiator of Rome will feel special, and different, but then again once you check out just how many features are available, it doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. There is the option to transfer wilds, as well as the presence of two sets of reels, but other than that these are very basic features that you’re getting from this slot. Still, the ones that are unique to it and to WMS games in general, should be enough to get you to have some fun with it. At the very least, it’s a different game than most that you find right now.

Also, it is worth mentioning that the game relies heavily on stacked symbols, which will both add to the volatility, and make it a bit more likely that some rounds will be impressive payout wise.

Wild Symbols: With the game’s own logo representing it, the wild symbol is easy enough to spot, once you know what to look for. These are substitutes, which you get to use in the various winning combinations formed on the slot’s 100 lines, but only if it lands on one where there are the required matching symbols alongside it. Both sets of reels can get these wild symbols, in smaller or bigger stacks.

5x the stake, that’s the game’s top prize, and the wild is one of two symbols capable of paying that much when it takes over a line with all 5 positions occupied.

Transferring Wilds: One extra feature, quite interesting and potentially very profitable, will rely on the appearance of a stacked wild symbol on the main set of reels, which ends up covering a full reel. When that happens, the game triggers the Transferring Wild feature, which will send the wild to the corresponding reel from the Colossal Set. On that reel, which is 12 symbols high, the wild expands and takes it over completely.

The result, is that wild symbols are present on all 100 paylines that the game has to offer since it’s covering full reels on both sets.

Free Spins: Only one other feature symbol was implemented, a scatter that takes the form of the Coliseum.  This one may land anywhere on the reels 1, 3 or 5, on both sets of reels, and it can do it only once per column. A total of 6 scatter symbols can show up in a single spin, combined from the two sets of reels.

The game will look at all the Coliseum scatters visible on all reels, and will reward you based on the number of times they are visible there. 3 scatters will get you 8 free spins and a prize worth 2x the stake. 4 scatters will pay 5x the stake, and deliver 12 free spins. With 5 or 6 scatters, the reward consists of 20x the stake, along with 20 free spins.

Betting & Jackpots

Just like in all the other games which incorporate this particular setup, Spartacus: Gladiator of Rome will also require the use of one coin for every 2 lines. You end up with 50 coins in your wagers if you want the full 100 active lines to be used. As you’re allowed to wager between $0.01 and $5 coins, the full bet goes from $0.50 to $250 per spin.

A good top jackpot will do a lot to make a player excited about the possibility of playing a slot machine, but sadly Spartacus: Gladiator of Rome is not that kind of game. Only 500x the stake is offered, when you manage to cover the game’s 100 lines with wilds or Spartacus symbols. The usual limitation, of $250,000 per spin, is announced by WMS in the paytable.

95.94% is not the world’s best RTP, not even close, but it’s close enough to the usual 96% average that a lot of newer and more modern-looking slots will be at, so it’s definitely not a reason to walk away from this game.

Verdict: Those that are tired of the usual slot machines with wilds, scatters and free spins, will still find all those common features in Spartacus: Gladiator of Rome, but there is also something extra inside, and that might be enough to convince you to give it a chance. I’m referring to the two sets of reels that you get to play on, along with the Transferring Wilds mechanic, which might just be enough to make the game interesting.

It feels like a game with medium volatility, below-average rewards, and only adequate average returns, so the numbers are not in its favour. Still, all things considered, the game doesn’t look bad in any one area, and it’s going to be a different experience playing with two sets of reels, so it could be worth exploring for that unique WMS mechanic.

15 May. 2018, by Ari Waknine