Game ThemeSavannah |
ProviderPlayson |
VolatilityMedium-high |
RTP95.55% |
Max Multiplier |
Min Bet0.20 CHF |
Max Bet30.00 CHF |
Lion Gems: Hold and Win belongs to the animal-themed slots category with an African savannah backdrop and a core mechanic centered around the Hold and Win feature. Developed by Playson, the game was released on 17.03.2022 and follows a clear formula: a 5x4 grid, 30 paylines, and winning combinations that form from left to right starting from the first reel. The design emphasizes readability and relies on immediately recognizable symbols — from iconic savannah wildlife to card values — complemented by special icons (Wild, Scatter, Bonus) that structure the key moments.
The rhythm is driven by two complementary modules. On one hand, Free Spins (triggered by Scatters) introduce x2 Wilds capable of doubling the wins of the combinations they participate in, with re-triggers possible through additional Scatters. On the other, the Hold and Win feature is based on Respins with sticky Diamond symbols, resetting the counter with each new appearance, and a value scale from 1x to 16x the stake for standard Diamonds. Three fixed jackpots — Mini (20x), Minor (50x), and Major (150x) — can appear via dedicated Diamonds, while a fully filled 5x4 grid awards the Grand Jackpot of 3,000x. Mystery Diamonds converted into jackpots at the end of the session add a controlled element of uncertainty.
A random mechanism, Diamond Peak, acts as a subtle trigger: at any time in the base game or during Free Spins, it can instantly activate the Hold and Win feature. This link between the base game, free spins, and respins creates smooth transitions between key moments without overloading the player with modules.
Visually, the art direction emphasizes warm tones and stylized animal silhouettes in a polished render, faithful to the premium cartoon style characteristic of several studio productions. The result is a classic animal slot: 5x4 readable structure, 30 fixed paylines well utilized, and a triptych of tools — Wild, Scatter, Bonus — whose synergy fuels the decisive sequences.
The savanna opens onto a golden sky, grassy plains, and low sunlight that bathes the scene in warm glow. The aesthetic choice is clearly modern with a cartoon touch: sharp outlines, generous volumes, vibrant palettes. The lion — the visual protagonist — sports a bright mane that immediately draws attention. The animations, subtle yet clean, punctuate spins, line formations, and bonus modules without slowing the pace. The interface favors clear framing: symbols are instantly recognizable, and the reading of combinations remains clear even during cascades.
This graphic approach avoids overuse of effects, focusing on visual coherence: the savanna remains a constant backdrop, animals appear with their characteristic colors, and the blue Bonus gems stand out sharply. Overall, it references popular “wildlife” aesthetics while keeping a clean style: clean outlines, strong contrasts, and optimal readability of game states (base game, free spins, respins).
The symbol set is divided between classic icons and African wildlife, with gradual value reading. The amounts below are multiples of the bet per line for combinations of 3, 4, or 5 symbols:
The soundtrack combines African rhythms with contemporary sound design: percussion, subtle choirs, ambient layers, and animal sounds provide thematic grounding, while crystal-clear effects accompany gem appearances. Free Spins feature more intense tracks, highlighting Wilds x2, and the Hold and Win session emphasizes diamond clinks and increasing intensity during Respins. Overall, the sound offers clear guidance: it helps identify the game state and track milestones quickly (remaining respins, grid filling, Mystery conversions to jackpots).
The gameplay design is based on a simple and clear foundation. The 30 paylines pay left to right, and three types of features orchestrate the action: Wild substitution (with x2 multiplier in Free Spins), Scatter-triggered Free Spins, and Hold and Win controlled by Diamonds with fixed jackpots and Mystery symbols. A random Diamond Peak event can initiate Respins without warning, both in the base game and during bonus spins, acting as a “shortcut” to the gem grid.
Wild in the base game, the Lion substitutes for all paying symbols (except Scatter and Bonus) and can pay up to 8x for five aligned. During Free Spins, it becomes a x2 Wild and doubles every combination it contributes to, becoming a key pivot in high-intensity sequences.
The Scatter symbol (Tree on the horizon) pays 2x, 10x, 100x for 3, 4, or 5 visible and triggers 8 Free Spins starting from 3 Scatters. Re-triggers award an additional 8 spins per set of 3+ Scatters during the session.
The presence of 6 or more Bonus Diamonds launches the Respin grid: 3 starting respins, reset to 3 for each new Diamond, sticky Diamonds keeping their value from 1x to 16x. Fixed jackpots are triggered via dedicated Diamonds, while Mystery Diamonds convert into jackpots at the end of the session. Filling all 20 tiles awards the Grand Jackpot of 3,000x.
The jackpot range is as follows: Mini 20x, Minor 50x, Major 150x. The Grand Jackpot 3,000x is awarded when the grid is fully filled during Respins. These tiers naturally integrate with standard Diamond values, forming a clear and hierarchical progression.
Diamond Peak can activate randomly in the base game or Free Spins and instantly triggers Hold and Win. This opportunistic trigger functions as a direct shortcut to the gem grid, accelerating access to Respins without the prerequisite of 6 visible Diamonds.
| Feature | Trigger | Mechanic | Key Values |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild (Lion) | Appears in base game |
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| x2 Wild (Free Spins) | Active during Free Spins |
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| Scatter (Tree/Horizon) | 3+ visible anywhere |
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| Hold and Win | 6+ Bonus Diamonds |
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| Fixed Jackpots | Mini/Minor/Major Diamonds or full grid |
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| Mystery Diamonds | During Hold and Win |
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| Diamond Peak | Random trigger (base game & Free Spins) |
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This title assembles proven elements within a clear structure: 5x4 grid, 30 paylines, substitute Wilds that evolve into Wilds x2 during Free Spins, and a Hold and Win combining fixed values, Respins, Mini/Minor/Major jackpots, and a full grid target of 3,000x. The inclusion of Diamond Peak provides a transversal trigger that can bypass the 6-Diamond requirement, naturally linking the game phases.
The overall focus is on coherence: the savanna remains the constant visual backdrop, animals structure the paytable, and cobalt blue gems clearly segment Hold and Win sequences. African sound accents guide the listening experience, strengthen phase transitions, and complement overall readability. Clarity is hard to improve on: the slot embraces its “classic wildlife + Hold and Win” nature while avoiding overload from parallel modules.
Regarding related titles in the same family, several Playson releases share a comparable DNA, helping to identify similarities and differences. Buffalo Power: Hold and Win features a North American wilderness atmosphere and pairs Hold and Win mechanics with stacked Wilds and multipliers. The same logic of fixed jackpot scales is present, but with different iconography and power surges linked to reel stacks. Eagle Power: Hold and Win emphasizes a Strike Respin and growing multipliers, in a rhythm that can enhance intensity during features. Finally, Wolf Power: Hold and Win combines stacked Wilds, Free Spins, and Hold and Win mechanics, set in a wooded night environment with lupine symbolism, contrasting with the golden savanna sun.
In comparison, Lion Gems: Hold and Win prioritizes “readability + smooth transitions” thanks to Diamond Peak. The visual signature favors warm colors, immediate symbol recognition, and clean animations. Gameplay-wise, the Wild/Wild x2 coherence between base game and free spins forms an effective duo, while the Diamond Respins grid structures the experience with clear steps: appearance, fixation, counter reset, and resolution via accumulated values or the full grid target (3,000x).
For players seeking a clear savanna theme, a familiar 5x4, 30-payline layout, and a well-defined Hold and Win with fixed jackpots, this title exemplifies a “polished classic” approach. The other releases in the same lineage offer their own variations — Wild stacks, progressive multipliers, or ambiance — but Lion Gems: Hold and Win retains a distinctive feature: a random trigger (Diamond Peak) that bridges the game phases seamlessly.
In summary, the proposition focuses on several key points: a 5x4 structure for readability, 30 active paylines, payouts for 3–5 aligned symbols, a Wild that becomes x2 during Free Spins, a Hold and Win with Respins and fixed jackpots targeting 3,000x, and the Diamond Peak bridge that can shift the game at the right moment. A rigorous construction that embraces its style and values each module for its place in the whole.
| 5 x100 | 4 x10 | 3 x2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 x8 | 4 x2 | 3 x0.6 |
| 5 x8 | 4 x2 | 3 x0.6 |
| 5 x6.4 | 4 x1.6 | 3 x0.4 |
| 5 x5.6 | 4 x1.2 | 3 x0.4 |
| 5 x4.8 | 4 x1 | 3 x0.4 |
| 5 x4 | 4 x0.8 | 3 x0.4 |
| 5 x1.6 | 4 x0.4 | 3 x0.2 |
| 5 x1.6 | 4 x0.4 | 3 x0.2 |
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What is the grid and paylines configuration?
5x4 grid with 30 fixed paylines; wins from left to right starting from the first reel.
How are Free Spins triggered and what do Wilds do during them?
3+ Scatters award 8 spins (re-triggerable). Wilds become x2 and double the combinations they are part of.
How does the Hold and Win feature work?
6+ Diamonds trigger 3 Respins, counter reset to 3 for each new Diamond; sticky Diamonds (1x–16x) and final cumulative values.
Which jackpots can be won?
Mini 20x, Minor 50x, Major 150x via Diamonds; full grid (20 tiles) awards the Grand Jackpot 3,000x.
What is Diamond Peak?
Random trigger in base game and free spins that instantly activates Hold and Win without requiring 6 visible Diamonds.
OL-AGG-20221103-153
