The Tiger Gems slot machine is a visually stunning and engaging game developed by NextGen Gaming. Released in 2013, it has since become a fan favorite among players due to its unique blend of ancient Asian-inspired design elements and modern gaming features.

Theme and Design

At first glance, the Tiger Gems slot appears to be set against the backdrop of an ancient Chinese temple, complete with intricately carved stone columns, lanterns, and intricate patterns. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that this game is a mashup of various Asian-inspired elements, blending page seamlessly into its unique theme.

The design of the game is certainly one of its strongest aspects. Every detail has been meticulously crafted to transport players to an exotic land filled with mystery and intrigue. The colors used are predominantly shades of gold, red, and blue, which give off a regal yet mystical aura.

Symbols

Tiger Gems features a wide range of symbols that contribute significantly to the game’s overall theme. These include:

  • High-paying symbols:
    • Tiger: 5x, 20x, or 50x bet
    • Dragon: 10x, 30x, or 100x bet
    • Phoenix: 8x, 25x, or 80x bet
    • Golden Tiger: 5x, 15x, or 40x bet
  • Low-paying symbols:
    • Standard poker cards (A, K, Q, J, and 10)

The high-paying tiger symbol is the most lucrative, offering a staggering payout of up to 50 times your total stake for five on an active payline.

Payouts

As with any slot machine game, payouts play a crucial role in determining whether or not players will continue playing. Tiger Gems offers competitive payouts compared to other slots on the market.

Here’s a breakdown of the standard winning combinations:

  • 2-5 identical symbols: Awarded a payout ranging from 1x to 50x your total stake
  • 3, 4, or 5 Golden Tigers (scatter symbol): Trigger free spins and multipliers up to x32

Wilds

The tiger is also the game’s wild symbol. While it doesn’t award payouts like the high-paying symbols, its main purpose is to substitute for standard poker cards and help create winning combinations.

Scatters

In addition to serving as a multiplier in the bonus feature, the Golden Tiger scatter can appear anywhere on the 5×3 grid and offers several benefits:

  • Free spins: Triggered when three or more scatters are displayed
  • Multipliers: Applied up to x32 during free spin rounds

Bonus Features

The main attraction of Tiger Gems is its bonus round. Activated by landing at least two Golden Tiger scatter symbols, the feature rewards players with 20 complimentary rounds.

During this time:

  • All wins are multiplied by x2 and can climb as high as x32
  • A mystery wild replaces a symbol randomly on each reel

The free spins round offers generous opportunities to land massive payouts due to its multiplier potential. Combine that with the regular game’s potential for stacked tiger symbols, and it becomes clear why this slot has gained such popularity.

RTP (Return to Player)

As per NextGen Gaming standards, Tiger Gems comes with a theoretical Return to Player percentage of 95%. This indicates an average payout rate of £94 in winnings for every £100 wagered. While not exceptionally high, the game’s volatility and frequent payouts make it appealing even at this figure.

Volatility

Tiger Gems can be classified as a medium-to-high variance slot machine due to its balance between regular wins, significant hits, and substantial base-game features like wilds and scatters. Regular gameplay encourages steady sessions, but big wins come infrequently enough to keep players hooked without overwhelming them with losses.

Betting Range

The betting range in Tiger Gems is wide and flexible:

  • Minimum bet: £0.01 per line (up to 25 lines)
  • Maximum bet: £12.50 per spin
  • Adjustable coin value: Ranging from £0.01 to £2.00
  • Active paylines can be set between 1-20

This feature allows both low-stakes and high-stakes players to join in the fun.

Max Win

The maximum win amount for Tiger Gems is 50 times your total bet, achieved by landing five tiger symbols on an active line or obtaining a single line with five Golden Tigers. However, if you get lucky during a free spins round, wins can be significantly higher due to the up-to-x32 multiplier.

Gameplay and Features

When examining gameplay in Tiger Gems, it becomes apparent that several modern features have been integrated seamlessly into this relatively old game:

  • 20 paylines
  • Multiple winning combinations (stacked wilds)
  • Free spin bonuses with potential multipliers of x2, x4, or even up to x32
  • Stacked wild and scatter symbols on the reels

The user experience is also worth mentioning. Given NextGen Gaming’s advanced software development capabilities at the time of its release in 2013, Tiger Gems runs smoothly across a range of platforms.

Mobile Play and Player Experience

In terms of mobile playability, Tiger Gems performs admirably:

  • Compatible with most web-enabled devices (Android, iOS, tablets)
  • Same payout structure as desktop version
  • Touch-friendly controls make navigating the interface intuitive even on smaller screens

Tiger Gems delivers an exceptional mobile gaming experience. With its unique design and feature-packed gameplay, it caters to both experienced players seeking challenging rewards and beginners interested in exploring various slot machine concepts.

Overall Analysis

The Tiger Gems slot showcases why NextGen Gaming has maintained such a strong reputation within the online casino industry:

  • Consistency: Its well-structured game engine contributes to steady session enjoyment
  • Attraction potential: A captivating theme with frequent, high-value payouts keeps players engaged
  • Player control: Adjustable coin values and payline choices make it inclusive for all skill levels

The absence of certain innovative features typical in modern slots is somewhat mitigated by the slot’s timeless design elements that complement its classic gameplay.

Overall, Tiger Gems remains a solid addition to online casinos due to its engaging blend of graphics, rewarding game mechanics, and diverse feature set.