Play Epic Ape for Free

This vast reel set is a rich emerald green with brightly colored symbols. Appealing artwork depicts a luscious jungle backdrop, hazy with steam. You can feel the humidity of the tropical setting and a vibrant drum beat energizes the gameplay. The Epic Ape is a well-designed, atmospheric slot. The bar for visuals has been set high of late. We've seen more stunning graphics and animation in some of the most recent releases on the market. But this is a minor detail, because the glossy, hi-definition images here serve the theme well.

With 4096 payways in play, a gambler might be anxious that stakes are insanely high. However, Playtech have opted for a reasonable fixed multiplier value of 40 to calculate total bets. Coin values may vary at different online casinos, but the game we played offered a range of 0.01 to 2.00. When multiplied by 40 to achieve your total bet, this means stakes range from 0.40 to 80.00. This is certainly not a game for low-limits players. However, regardless of your preferred stake range, the Epic Ape video slot is really only for players who love and can afford a high-volatility ride.

Take a glance at the paytable's payout potential, and suddenly things aren't looking so super-sized. Top prizes reach just 300x your coin for matching six apes on the reels. However, get the reels spinning, and those huge 4096 payways will mean multiple winning combinations at a time. Plus, all the symbols appear stacked on the reels for an even greater chance at multiples. The five high-paying animal symbols also reward a prize of 10x your coin for landing just two of a kind.

You can achieve some big wins in the base game with multiple apes on the reels. Then you're treated to a special display of gorillas beating their chest in ferocious glee, as gold coins shower the screen. The high volatility means these moments can be rare. However, the bonus is the real challenge to trigger. We found the base game generous enough to keep the play ticking over, but holding out for the bonus round is hard work. If ever a slot needed a patient player, it's this one.

All the biggest wins seem possible from the massive 100 free spins you can win in the bonus round. However, it's still not that easy. You are most likely to land three free games scatter symbols which gets you 8 free spins. To achieve the hallowed 100 free spins, you will need six scatter symbols across the reels.

At last, the bonus starts and the game's multiplier feature kicks in. Diamond wilds will now randomly offer 2x, 3x and 5x multipliers when they form a winning combo. Two to five wilds anywhere will also award extra free spins, so the bonus can just build indefinitely. Of course, the bonus is just as volatile as the rest of the game, and playing it is no guarantee of a big win. For gamblers who love the thrill of the chase, though, this game will really offer you a good run for your money.

Playtech's games are all provided on the developer's innovative One Casino software. This just means that all their games play on all devices using a single account. To the player, it offers great versatility as well as secure peace of mind. Whether you are a smartphone player or a desktop user, you can access the free Epic Ape slot through many of the best online casinos. Ultimately, gamblers may well choose to play for real money. However, we would recommend that players first test the volatility of the gameplay in the play-for-free demos available.

The seasoned slots player will know that the Epic Ape video slot is not the first game to introduce 4096 ways to win. The large-scale Raging Rhino by WMS has more than a passing resemblance to Epic Ape with its 4096 winways, multiplier diamond wilds and animal theme. There are significant differences, though. The rhino only offers 50 free spins, compared to the gorilla's 100 (plus retriggers). Prize payouts are higher for the ape's slot and, being newer, the graphics are much stronger.

However, why not enjoy both? These games are worthy competition for each other, and gamblers certainly don't have to choose one over the other. If you can handle these reels on a giant scale, then Playtech have also produced Buffalo Blitz and Dragon Champions in the same format. If, however, Epic Ape's volatility is just too steep, then check out our top recommendations page for more animal-themed slots games.

The Epic Ape video slot offers players a glossy, appealing game on a mammoth scale, with plenty of high-volatility action. For players who love Raging Rhino or Buffalo Blitz, there's plenty more of the same on offer here. Rather than break the mould, Playtech have played it a little safe and opted to recreate what already works. It's a little disappointing from such an industry leader. However, it does work – and well.

If you like your slots on a titanic scale and you love the thrill of chasing down a big win, then you can't go wrong with this mighty beast. The game has enormous potential for some big prizes. Multipliers and free spins on large reels with so many payways means that some lucky gambler somewhere will hit fantastic real cash prizes. That gambler could only possibly be you if you load up for real money and get spinning those epic reels.