Ariana - NZ Review, Demo Play, Payout, Free Spins & Bonuses

Introduction to Ariana

Ariana is a mermaid princess who rules an ocean kingdom, including hidden treasure. While underwater online slots are nothing new, this brings a fresh approach and some innovative features which help it to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

While those looking for progressive jackpots or mega wins might be disappointed, this game does offer some genuinely good chances to win, and this is true for both the base game and bonus game elements. Plus, depending on your total bet, 240 times this amount is not to be sniffed at!

First impressions of Ariana

There might be other ocean themed games on the market, but this one quite literally blows them out of the water with its graphics. It is an actual joy to go swimming beneath the surface of the waves to experience the blue depths of the water, complete with colourful fish, coral reefs and of course, Ariana herself.

If gameplay experience is what you’re after, then you will not be disappointed. Microgaming slot games often up the stakes when it comes to graphics, and this game is no exception.

It’s not just about the graphics, though. This is a really enjoyable game to play, with enough clever bonus features to keep it interesting, and wins generally spread nicely throughout the game, which is always a welcome aspect.

Both the base game and the bonus free spins games (which is triggered with good consistency) are entertaining and immersive, but not so complicated as to make them a turn off for newer players. Overall, this is definitely one to recommend to all levels of player, although there is a chance that it won’t offer enough of a high level payout draw to the really hardened, experienced players who love to chase those elusive progressive jackpots.

Payout Ratio (or RTP) of Ariana Slot

This game has a return to player (RTP) ratio of 95%. For those newer to gaming, it is worth pointing out that this sadly doesn’t mean you are guaranteed to win 95% of the time. However, it does give a good indication of how often a game plays out.

It is also worth mentioning that this is a medium volatility game, which basically means that although you are unlikely to win a massive jackpot, you are more likely to enjoy a series of smaller wins. For those who don’t want to take big risks, this is ideal. And who is to say those little wins won’t add up to something fairly sizable?

Ariana Slot Graphics

As mentioned above, the graphics on this game are superb. Tropical fish dart among colourful corals in the opening scenes, which then reveal a set of reels against a deep sea backdrop, where you can see rays of sunlight catching on the water.

This theme continues, with symbols including starfish, a seadragon, a treasure chest and coral throughout the game. And of course, there is the beautiful Ariana herself in all her majestic mermaid glory. Even the more traditional symbols of A, K, Q and J have been given the underwater treatment. The overall effect is really enjoyable.

Ariana Game Theme

As is probably clear by now, this game has an underwater mermaid theme. This is a topic that has fascinated and intrigued for centuries. From legends of the underwater city of Atlantis to sailors claiming to see mermaids on their travels, the idea of a realm of sea-dwelling creatures guarding treasures beneath the waves has permeated through many stories over the years.

This game continues in that theme, although in this case, the mermaid actually can offer you some of her treasure!

Max-win 2,500x

Volatility Medium

Top RTP 95%

How to play Ariana Slots

This is a fairly straightforward and intuitive game, which makes it ideal for those just dipping their toes into the online slot world. When you start to play, you are met with five reels.

Below these are a variety of options, including the amount of coins you wish to stake per line, which ranges from 1 - 10 and the size of each coin, which ranges from 0.01 - 0.50. Adjust these according to your budget and appetite for risk. It is always a good idea to start off lower, until you are more familiar with the game. You can then place your bet, ranging from 0.25 - 125. Your amount of credit, bet and amount won are all clearly laid out at the bottom of the screen.

Now, you simply hit the spin button and look to match a range of symbols, with winnings coming from matching between two and five of a certain type. The amount won depends partly on your bet size, but of course, also on the value of the symbol, with the J, Q, K and A being the least valuable, and Ariana being the most lucrative. There is also a starfish scatter which can trigger bonus features to look out for, as well as the Ariana wild card. More about these later.

Ariana Game Volatility

This is a medium volatility game. What this means in practice is that while it may not offer huge one-off chances to win a large jackpot, it is more likely that you will win smaller amounts over a longer period of time.

While you may not win big on this game, you hopefully shouldn’t lose big either, although, of course, a lot depends on both luck and how much you bet. For beginner players especially, this type of game offers a good entry point, as it gives some excitement without the potentially big losses of higher volatility games.

How to win at Ariana Slots

The premise here is pretty simple - match symbols and win! Three 10s will see you get 1.50, four 4.00, and five 12.50. For Js it is 2.00 for three, 5.00 for four and 15 for five. Three Qs will get you 2.50, four 6.00 and five 20.00. For Ks, three is 3.00, four 7.50 and five 25. Three As is 3.50, four is 10.00 and five is 30.

Moving on to the bigger symbols, three corals will get you 7.50, four will see 15 and five awards 62.50. For the treasure chest, three is 10, four is 20 and five is 75. Moving on to the sea dragon, three is 12.50, four is 25 and five is 87.50. Ariana’s face will see you get 15 for three, 30 for four and 100 for five.

The two biggest earning symbols are the wild and the scatter. The wild is Ariana written out and it’s worth 25 for three, 37.50 for four and 125 for five. The starfish scatter is 12.50 for two, 25.00 for three, 125 for four and 1,250 for five. Matching between three and five of the scatter symbols also triggers the free spins game.

Matching these symbols is not the only way to win though, as the game also has a range of bonus features.

Ariana Bonus Features

There are two key bonus features here. First up is the expanding wilds. Interestingly, these can be triggered in both the base game and the free spins game, which is a nice touch. All the symbols are stacked on the first reel, with the exception of Ariana herself who is stacked on all the reels.

This means that if you match any full amount of one symbol on the first reel (or on any reel for Ariana), it will expand to match all the high paying symbols across all the reels. This can obviously significantly add to your winnings.

Another bonus feature here is free spins. Match three, four or five of the scatter symbol, and fifteen free spins are automatically triggered in a new bonus game. This is where things get really interesting, as the expanding symbols feature also carries on here, with an added twist. By stacking the full amount of symbols on the first reel in the bonus game, you not only expand them across the reels, you also get to expand the wilds too, to add even more.

Ariana Strategy and Tips

As with any slot, there is a certain element of luck involved and strategy can only take you so far. However, it is always a good idea to play a game for free first, to familiarise yourself with it and to have an idea of its RTP and volatility before betting any real money.

Ariana Slot Biggest Possible Win

The maximum amount you can win on this game is 240 times your stake, which while it is no match for some of the giant progressive jackpots, is still not to be sniffed at! Plus, the chances of you being able to win this much are actually pretty good in this game.

Free Spins on Ariana Slot

You can trigger up to fifteen free spins in this game by matching at least three of the starfish scatter symbol. Then, once in the free spin bonus games, you can further add to your winnings with the expanding feature.

Ariana Slot on Mobile - Android, iPhones and Tablets

This game has been optimised to play across all mobile devices and offers a good experience on them all, making it great to enjoy on the go or from remote locations.

Games you might enjoy if you like Ariana

If you love the underwater theme of Ariana, then there are some other great water based slots you should try out. Great Blue is one of these and Mermaid’s Millions is another. However, the graphics on Ariana are definitely better than either of the two mentioned above. It is also worth checking out Siberian Siren Slot. And of course, there are many other excellent Microgaming slots to try out, if you like the style and feel of this one.

Disclaimer: Ariana trademark / license is owned by Games Global. This site is not endorsed by Games Global.