In October 2020, Yggdrasil announced that it had signed up the emerging mobile-first game developer Jelly through its YGS Masters Programme. Nearly a year later, Jelly’s first slot, Savanna Roar, rolled off the production line. The YGS Masters Programme has produced a wide range of slots in various styles, themes, and levels of quality, making it a mixed bag. With Savanna Roar, it seems Jelly aimed for a middle ground, creating a safe game that doesn’t break new ground but also avoids major missteps.
With YGS, predicting the next release can be challenging due to the variety of studios involved. However, the title Savanna Roar provides some clues. The game transports players to the heated lands of Africa, featuring a sun rising over a lush savanna filled with wild animals, mountains, acacia trees, and flocks of birds. Experienced players will recognize the familiar scene, which Jelly has executed adequately. However, the color palette is somewhat muted, lacking the vibrant hues of some other African-themed slots, though it becomes more vivid during free spins. The soundtrack is uplifting and choral, adding a pleasant auditory experience.
Game Mechanics
To appeal to its target audience, Savanna Roar features a medium/high volatility math model with a theoretical return to player (RTP) value of 96.5%. The potential for high payouts is supported by free spins and several animal-based modifiers. The game is set on a 5×4 grid with 1,024 ways to win, and players can bet between 25 p/c and $/€100 per spin.
Symbols and Payouts
Winning combinations occur approximately once every three spins when three or more matching symbols land on adjacent reels starting from reel 1. Jelly keeps it straightforward by filling the grid with eight regular pay symbols, including Q-A card ranks and four premium beast symbols. These premium symbols—buffalo, rhinos, leopards, and elephants—offer payouts ranging from 0.8 to 8x the bet for five of a kind. The king of the jungle, the lion, appears as the wild symbol, substituting for any paying symbol to help complete winning combinations.
Verdict
Savanna Roar offers a familiar yet solid gaming experience. While it may not stand out with groundbreaking features or vibrant visuals, it delivers a reliable and enjoyable gameplay experience. The medium/high volatility and respectable RTP make it a compelling choice for players who enjoy African-themed slots with decent payout potential.
Overall, Savanna Roar may not push the boundaries of innovation, but it provides a well-executed, engaging slot experience that should satisfy fans of the genre.