Ariana is a slot machine based upon an underwater theme by Microgaming. The slot's visuals show a glowing ocean world, and there is a mermaid character that represents the theme. Although not as sophisticated as other Microgaming releases, Ariana is still a fun release due to the number of features that will generate interest throughout your session. Specifically, the slot has 5 reels, 25 paylines, wilds, scatters, and free spins.
In general, the slot was made for players who enjoy simpler types of video slots with a defined theme and easy-to-use interfaces. Unlike many of the other more recent slots that are released today, Ariana does not contain a variety of bonus elements such as buy-ins, a progressive jackpot or a bonus map. Rather, it is a simple slot that contains paylines, wilds, and expanding symbols in addition to the underwater visuals. With respect to the actual content of the review below, we discuss both the theme and symbols used within the game, the RTP (Return to Player) percentage, the betting options offered by the slot, the free spins and expanding symbols offered by the game, mobile compatibility of the game, demo mode, and the overall pros and cons of Ariana.
Ariana is an underwater fantasy theme. The reels are placed in a blue underwater setting filled with sea plants and animals such as coral, seaweed, starfish and glows. The mermaid is Ariana and she is the central figure of this slot. While there are several slots with an underwater theme, the underwater design of Ariana is clean and very easy to navigate. The ocean surrounding the reels creates the illusion of floating in a magical underwater kingdom. The reels themselves appear to be moving slowly back-and-forth which helps to enhance the underwater environment without making the screen too cluttered. After winning combinations, symbols glow, adding a great visual element to what could otherwise have been just a plain layout.
Graphics are certainly not as impressive as those found in modern cinematic slots, however, the simple yet charming design may remind players of earlier Microgaming slots. Additionally, because of the soft color scheme and easily-readable symbols players that prefer older Microgaming visuals will likely appreciate these aspects of the slot. As stated above, the slot does not intend to overwhelm the player with constant effects and therefore allows for extended gaming sessions.
The music/soundtrack used in the slot supports the underwater theme. The music is calming and wave-like with occasional gentle sounds effects. Overall, the atmosphere created by the soundtrack is relaxing and non-intense or exciting. There are no loud or obnoxious sound effects during base game spins. Magical sound effects are triggered when winning combinations occur and are intended to make winning combinations more apparent without being too loud. Therefore, the soundtrack/ambient sound is ideal for players that prefer slower paced slots with less action. Ariana is a slot that appears to focus primarily on providing a relaxing and calm atmosphere to allow players to become immersed in the underwater world rather than focusing on fast-paced noise or dramatic actions.
| Software | Microgaming |
|---|---|
| Slot Types | Video Slots |
| Reels | 5 |
| Paylines | 25 |
| Slot Game Features | Bonus Rounds Wild Symbol Multipliers Scatters Free Spins |
| Min. Bet | 0.25 |
| Max. Bet | 125 |
| Slot Themet | Ocean |
| Slot RTP | 95.48% |
Ariana is a standard 5-reel by 3-row format with 25 paylines. Matching symbols that fall on active pay lines form a winning combination from left to right. The gameplay itself is extremely easy to comprehend allowing new players to quickly grasp the basics of the slot. To begin playing simply select your desired bet amount, click "Spin" and watch for matching symbols including wilds, scatters and free spins triggers. Due to traditional pay line formats players don't need to learn complicated cluster formats or ways-to-win formats. The majority of excitement occurs when players get 3+ purple starfish scatters resulting in free spins or when expanding symbols completely fill out the reels. As previously noted, this type of format provides an appealing rhythmic pattern: basic base game spins followed by features that can provide larger payouts.
Ariana incorporates various symbols representing low paying cards (the standard 10-J-Q-K-A), mid-paying symbols (coral, seaweed, etc.) and high-paying symbols (mermaids). Mermaid's represent the most valuable of all the high-paying symbols. The two special symbols in this slot are wild and scatter. Wild is represented by the Ariana logo while scatter is represented by a purple starfish. Both of these special symbols are key components to generating bonuses. It is always good practice to check the in-game pay table prior to starting play for real money as payout values can differ slightly based on casino version and wagering limits.
Ariana's wild symbol is her logo. The logo replaces almost all standard symbols to assist in forming winning combinations. However, it cannot substitute for scatter symbols. The wild symbol assists in converting near misses into actual winning combinations in base game spins. During free spins, wilds can stack atop each other covering multiple positions per reel creating additional opportunities for winning combinations.
In conclusion, this type of wild symbol complements the game nicely. As previously stated, this is not an overly complex slot; it utilizes common slot mechanics in a clean manner.
Purple starfish is Ariana's scatter symbol. Three or more purple starfish scatter anywhere on reels activates Ariana's free spins feature. Upon activation, you receive 15 free spins. The free spins feature is Ariana's primary bonus function. During free spins stacked wilds can emerge increasing your ability to obtain wild assisted wins. Unfortunately, free spins do not contain multipliers so your winnings will be determined by symbol combinations, placement of wilds and presence of expanding symbols.
Due to simplicity of free spins feature new players should be able to understand how it functions fairly quickly. No additional knowledge regarding bonus requirements is necessary; you activate it via a scatter combination, receive 15 spins and wait for stacked wilds to appear along with combinations that produce strong payouts.
One of the unique features about Ariana is expanding symbols. Expanding symbols work as follows: whenever a full set of matching symbols occupy first reel(s) that same set of matching symbols will expand across subsequent reels. This process can produce bigger winning combinations. The expanding symbol feature seems particularly beneficial when involving higher-value symbols. For example, if Ariana herself or other high-value premium symbols expand across all five reels your potential for increased payouts significantly increases. Since expanding symbols work outside of bonus rounds, they add movement and excitement to the reels without requiring an added layer of complexity.
As stated in our research section, Ariana has an RTP of approximately 95%. RTP stands for Return to Player and represents a theoretical average return rate over time when utilizing a particular slot. Therefore, it is essential to note that an RTP of 95% does NOT guarantee you will win 95% of every time you play (it does not imply that you have a 95% chance of winning each spin). Similarly, it does not indicate that you will recoup 95% of your wagered funds during any given session. Slot results are truly random and can vary greatly from session to session. Based on our research we would categorize Ariana as having medium level volatility (although we recommend checking your specific version of Ariana at your preferred casino for exact details). Essentially, you will experience typical base game performance however larger payouts typically result from successful free spins rounds featuring stacked wilds and/or expanding symbols.
Ariana has relatively low entry points with a lowest possible bet value at .01 and a highest possible bet value at .50. Bet values may differ depending on your chosen casino platform/currency/etc... In addition to having multiple bet value options Ariana has 25 pay lines. Therefore we highly suggest reviewing your total bet amount prior to placing your next spin regardless of how low your individual coin value is. Betting more obviously increases your potential for greater payouts; however it does not affect your opportunity to hit either free spins or expanding symbols/wilds.
Ariana can be played on mobile devices provided that they support compatible Microgaming casinos. The 5-reel layout will fit perfectly onto smartphone/tablet screens since it utilizes clear symbols and simple controls. The majority of current versions can be accessed directly from your web-browser eliminating any necessity for downloads. On mobile platforms you can adjust bet amounts/spin reels/paytables accordingly from your smaller screens without sacrificing the core experience of the slot. Mobile compatibility will depend on which casino you register at; please ensure this functionality exists prior to registration.
Trial play/demo mode provides an excellent method for testing Ariana prior to playing it for real money. Trial mode enables you to assess/review how well the pay lines/symbols operate in conjunction with the wild/scatter/feature mechanisms using virtual credits. This trial model is particularly advantageous for inexperienced players as it permits you to gain an understanding of the flow of the game and how frequently feature modes will appear. Results generated during demo trials do not correlate to future real money outcomes; however they aid in determining if the slot aligns with your personal preferences.
Although Microgaming is a well-established name brand in the industry it is crucial that players identify a reputable casino site in order to avoid any scams/frauds/etc... Considerations when choosing a casino include secure banking options/laws/gambling regulations/responsible gaming tools/etc... Also referenced in the initial article were encryption/account protection concerns; however it is ultimately dependent on the casino supporting the game that determines security concerns. Prior to depositing verify if your selected casino displays https (secure protocol), clearly states their license(s), and possesses reliable customer service options.
Comparatively speaking, Ariana appears as a more traditional slot when compared to newer underwater slots as it lacks elaborate bonus rounds/expanding grid/bonus buy capabilities etc... Rather than utilizing these advanced features it operates similarly to classic slots with regards to paylines/free spins/expanding symbols. Comparably speaking with more traditional fruit-based slots Ariana has stronger thematic visuals and more prominent characters i.e., mermaid/coral/seaweed/star fish etc... Players who favor traditional classic Microgaming slots will likely appreciate Ariana's simplistic nature. Conversely, players seeking newer titles with layered bonus elements may perceive this title as too simplistic.
Ariana is suited towards players who desire tranquil themes/simple controls/easy-to-learn feature sets. While the underwater visuals are aesthetically pleasing and provide adequate frequency for sufficient free spins rounds; this slot's greatest strength lies in its accessibility towards novice slot players - enabling new players to rapidly comprehend gameplay fundamentals.
Pros: Offers a visually appealing underwater theme/a five reel setup/25 paylines/wild & scatter/slots offer 15 free spins/expandable symbols/stacks wilds during free spins/minimal bet options/demo/trial version/mobility compatible
Cons: Has an approximate RTP of 95%/no progressive/jackpot/no buy-in/no multiplier/bet options limited/vizuals potentially outdated for some players.
Ariana is a standard Microgaming mermaid-themed slot machine. The underwater theme is nice, however, the simplicity of this slot machine's gameplay may be too much for some players. However, there are some good bonus features in this game which will add some fun to your playing experience. The free spins and the expanding symbol are both very important to how enjoyable this slot machine will be. These two features make sure the game moves along and keeps you interested. While the RTP is average (around 95%), players will find it best to view this slot machine as a way to entertain themselves rather than trying to get their money back through higher returns. Therefore, before deciding if you want to bet real money, we recommend you try out Ariana in demo mode. Then you can review the pay table to see what each possible winning combination will bring you. Once you decide on a wager amount that is right for your bankroll, then you can begin playing Ariana.
A slot machine based on an underwater mermaid theme created by Microgaming with five reels, twenty-five pay lines, free spins and expanding symbols.
They generally quote around 95%.
Landing three or more of the purple starfish scatters will reward you with fifteen free spins.
The Ariana logo is the Wild Symbol.
The purple starfish is the Scatter Symbol.
No. This game uses no multiplier function.
Yes. All Microgaming games, including Ariana, are mobile friendly provided your casino supports mobile gambling.
Yes, a "Demo Mode" version of the game is often available at most online casino websites.
Your guide to the best pokie games. Latest Pokie Tournaments, Jackpots and Promotions.