Loading...Global score: 4.29
Ji Xiang Ba Slot
Ji Xiang Ba, or as it as more commonly known as Ji Xiang 8, is a fast-paced video slot from Playtech which has 3 reels and 8 pay lines. The unusual structure of the slot makes the gameplay quite interesting – although the 3 reels suggest lack of any special symbols and bonus features, the game has a wonderful Scatter. And the fixed 9 lines mean that all 9 of them are active all the time, giving players plenty of winning opportunities.
This slot is centers on China and Chinese culture and traditions and along with the themed symbols like the golden egg or the Chinese coin, there is gentle music in the background that completes the atmosphere. The reels grid is shaped like a Chinese temple with red lanterns hanging from it and golden dragons on both sides, while right of the reels we can see a golden statue of a Chinese emperor. Playtech’s game is full of luck charms and even its title translates as “Lucky 8”. The number 8, or Ba, is considered to be lucky in China and in other Asian countries, too. This is the reason why the Scatter in Ji Xiang Ba is the 8 symbol and literally all of the payouts are numbers ending in 8 – 18, 28, 38, etc.
Players can change the size of their bet at any time from 0.01 to 100 credits per line. This gives wagering limits of 0.08 to 800 credits per spin.
As Ji Xiang Ba has only three reels, the presence of special symbols or bonus features would be quite a surprise. There are no Wilds, but the game features a Scatter symbol which comes in the form of a golden 8. Whenever 4 or more Scatters fall anywhere on the reels, the player receives a certain payout. If the entire grid becomes covered with Scatters (this means a total of 9 Scatter symbols need to appear in one spin), the payout will be equal to 8,888 times the size of the total bet. Unlike most video slots, here the Scatter does not trigger any bonus features or free rounds.
All other symbols in the game follow the Oriental theme and we can see red ribboned lucky charms, Chinese characters, golden eggs, red paper lanterns, and golden coins. There are also four symbols which offer higher payouts and these are a golden lion head, a lion statue, fish, and a golden frog. If three lion heads land on a pay line, they give the jackpot payout of 8,888 credits multiplied by the size of the bet.
| Symbol | Three on a payline |
|---|---|
| Red Kite | 18 |
| Chineese Symbol | 28 |
| Golden Hat | 38 |
| Red Lantern | 68 |
| Ribbon Lucky Charm | 88 |
| Gold Coins | 288 |
| Koi Carp | 688 |
| Lion Statue | 888 |
| Dragons | 8888 |
Bonus games and features
Unfortunately, Playtech’s Ji Xiang Ba does not offer any bonus games and features. However, this is to be expected with 3-reel slots, which often resemble the old slot machines that were spread across land-based casinos and gaming rooms several decades ago. But this game features much better graphics and a modern design. It is fast-paced and there is even a Turbo Mode which makes the action even faster. For more ease and convenience, the game also offers an Auto Spin button.
Conclusion
The Oriental theme is beautifully explored – the entire screen is a combination of red and gold, there are easily recognizable Chinese images, while the soundtrack is appropriate and surprisingly pleasant. One of the best features in Ji Xiang Ba, however, is the wide betting range, which makes it suitable for both budget players and high-rollers. The game is a nice addition to the Asian and Chinese-inspired slots in Playtech’s gaming portfolio. Compared to other titles, it is significantly simpler and easier to play, so it is a great option even for players who are making their first steps in online gambling.
In conclusion, Ji Xiang Ben is a nicely designed, fairly entertaining, and quite rewarding video slot. It comes with the impressive Return to Player percentage of 95.99%, which is relatively high for a slot game.
