Detailed Overview of Microgaming’s Avalon and Avalon II Online Slot
The legend of King Arthur is immortal, so it’s only natural that it would make an appearance in the colourful world of online gambling. Years ago, industry pioneers Microgaming introduced the first Avalon, and it quickly earned many fans with its stylish art and innovative features. Slot players know that such games rarely get a sequel, but Avalon’s popularity ensured a revamped version some years later. Avalon II is the go-to choice for fans of more modern graphics and 3D designs, and the large number of bonus features makes it surprisingly interactive. However, its predecessor offers a slightly higher RTP, and a cosy retro feel. You can compare both versions at our recommended casino, Royal Panda, where new players can also take advantage from the constant stream of promotions.
- Majestic Arthurian Imagery
- Interactive Gameplay
Avalon and Avalon II offer a totally different gameplay – don’t think that Microgaming have simply improved the graphics and called it a day! For starters, the older Avalon is a 20 payline slot, while the sequel is a 243 ways to win variant. Slot fans know full well that this this is very important for the gameplay. In the rest of our review, you can find all the details about both titles, and their lucrative bonus features. Of course, don’t forget to check the demo version we have provided!
But First, Try Avalon II for Free!
Before you make an attempt to find the Holy Grail for real, you should give a few spins to our demo version. This would allow you to start betting with a clear idea what you can expect from the game. We’ve put the sequel first by design, because there are more features to get used to. Also – we like the soundtrack better.
- Interactive Bonus Games
- 243 Ways to Win
- Superb Graphics and Effects
As you see, the production values in Avalon II are superb. The game rode heavily on the first Avalon’s huge success, and Microgaming splashed the budget a little bit. The sound is top-notch, and we strongly advise you to leave it running. The only drawback is that the epic music could make you wish to leave the comfort of your home and go on a quest of your own!
Now Take a Look at the Slot that Began It All
The original title holds a special charm for this reviewer. There is an eerie beauty in the colder renditions of the Lady of the Lake and the mystic Isle that you will find in it – especially if you play it during a snowy night. Just as the previous demo, you can spin this one as much as you like completely free of charge.
- RTP over 96%
- Free Spins
- Gamble Feature
As you see, Avalon has a more familiar format than its sequel. Still, at the time it came out it was considered one of the more innovative titles on the market, and remains highly popular to this day. The main drawback is the much weaker soundtrack – Avalon II simply offers a much better quality in this department.
Graphics Aren’t Everything – What About the Gameplay?
As we already mentioned, the two games are quite different from each other. The classic Avalon offers 5 reels with 3 rows and 20 selectable paylines. The Isle of Avalon is naturally the best symbol, as it gives you the highest payout and is also a wild – this means that it substitutes for every other symbol except for the Lady of the Lake. The Lady is also important, because she is the scatter; if 3 or more appear anywhere on your reels, then you will be awarded 12 free spins. During these spins, additional wild symbols in the form of high-paying treasure chests will be added to your reels. Furthermore, after each win you get the chance to use a gamble feature; this allows you to double or even quadruple your winnings. All the bonus features bring the expected RTP of the slot to over 96%.
Avalon II, meanwhile, is a totally different beast from its predecessor. The first Avalon was very innovative for its time, but Microgaming tried to elevate the sequel to even further heights. You will meet many well-familiar characters like the brave King Arthur, the beautiful Guinevere, the enchanting Morgan, and, of course, the wizard Merlin, though he is much younger than expected. You are on a quest to restore the Holy Grail, so naturally, it is the highest-paying symbol. Most importantly though, Avalon II is a 243-ways-to-win slot. This means that you are not required to select paylines. The winning symbols simply need to appear somewhere on the 5 reels. In addition to that, Merlin can appear on his own at any time, granting you random multipliers to either your initial bet or your winnings. All this increases your chances of making a win drastically, so the maximum bet is severely limited.
The Avalon II Bonuses Explained
Avalon II wouldn’t be an Arthurian game if it didn’t take us on a wild adventure! There are enough bonus features to make your head spin. You have two wild symbols, the Isle of Avalon and the Lady of the Lake, and they can replace everything except for the Grail. The Grail serves as a scatter. Two Grails are enough to award you an additional win, while three or more trigger the bonus game feature.
There are eight bonus games in total – Lake of Legend, Misty Vale, Whispering Woods, Forest Falls, Dusky Moors, Morgan’s Keep, Hall of Shadows and Isle of Avalon. If you enter The Misty Vale, Forest Falls or Morgan’s Keep, you will be awarded free spins, with different side rules affecting your winnings. In the Lake of Legend, your task is to reforge Excalibur, and you must do that with ten dice rolls. Each die roll awards you with a bet multiplier; in addition, if the roll matches the value of one of the six sword fragments, you move the fragment to the forge and receive further multipliers.
If you set foot in the Whispering Woods, you will be faced with five shields, and you will need to pick one and receive the prize hidden behind. In the Dusky Moors you are faced with a similar situation, but this time to earn a prize you must find matching helms by choosing from a set of twelve cards. The most beautiful side game is the Hall of Shadows, where you need to fight the sinister Black Knight by choosing lucrative battle sequences. At the end of your journey, you reach the fabled Isle of Avalon, where you get the chance to spin not one, but four lucky wheels.
As you can see, the side games are actually all part of your hero’s journey. Some players prefer to try them all, while others find the one that they like best, and stick to it. How you play the game is entirely your choice – but don’t forget that the fate of Britain lies in your hands.
So, Do You Want to Find the Holy Grail and Win Some Money?
Avalon and Avalon II are titles that a slot fan should try at least once. Both games are great for casual players, with the retro art of the first and the modern graphics of the second forming a winning combination. The games are not ideal for high-rollers, especially Avalon II – however, the diverse side features in both titles offer you the chance to boost your winnings significantly. Avalon and Avalon II can be found at Royal Panda Casino, along with a rich collection of other slots provided by many of iGaming’s leading software companies.