Released: 29 Jul 2021

★★★★★

Playtech’s favourite ape is back for a second reel adventure in the Epic Ape 2 slot. Playing on 6 reels with 4,096 paylines, this title introduces the Free Games feature, where you can start with 100 free spins. Apart from this, you’ll have a shot at winning Progressive Jackpots and claiming some massive prizes.

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After three years since the original Epic Ape slot was released, Playtech is returning the giant monkey on the scene in the Epic Ape 2 slot game. This sequel also plays on 6 reels and 4,096 paylines, but it’s boosted with Free Spins and Progressive Jackpots. Is the second game better than the original? Find out in our Epic Ape 2 Slot Review.

About Epic Ape 2 Slot

Epic Ape 2 is a new online slot from Playtech. It’s a follow-up to the original Epic Ape slot released a couple of years ago. As its title suggests, the game has a jungle theme and is inspired by the ape.

Just like the original, the Epic Ape 2 slot plays on 6 reels, 4 rows, and 4,096 active paylines. You can start your jungle adventure at stake levels that range from £0.20 to £200 per spin. Just click on the coin button located on the right side of the screen and adjust your preferred bet size.

To win when playing the Epic Ape 2 slot, you need to land 3 or more matching symbols on a payline, starting from the leftmost reel. The maximum payout available through the bonus features is 10,000x the stake. Moreover, the game is part of the Jackpot Blitz network and delivers 4 progressive jackpots, so you can win a bigger prize.

Design, Symbols and Graphics

If you’ve ever played the first Epic Ape slot before, you’ll be familiar with the design and symbols of the Epic Ape 2 slot too. Here, the design is very similar to the original and has a jungle theme. The reels are set inside the jungle, and there’s a rhythmic soundtrack playing in the background while you spin. Overall, it’s a well-designed slot with quality graphics.

On the reels, you’ll play with low-paying 9, 10, J, Q, K and A Royal symbols. On the other hand, the high-paying symbols are designed as animals and include frogs, lizards, panthers, leopards, and the ape. The ape is the top-paying regular symbol that awards up to 7.5x the stake for 6 on a payline.

In addition, the Epic Ape 2 slot has 2 special symbols. The diamond is the wild symbol that substitutes for all regular symbols to help you complete a winning line. The symbol with the name ‘Free Spins’ on it is the scatter symbol that triggers the bonus round.

RTP, Variance and Payouts for Epic Ape 2 Slot

The theoretical Return to Player (RTP) of the Epic Ape 2 slot is 95.97%, and 0.99% of that goes to the progressive jackpots. It’s a little below-average RTP, but it’s typical for a progressive jackpot slot. Plus, the variance is high, so the maximum payouts will come from the bonus features.

Apart from the progressive jackpots, the maximum payouts in the Epic Ape 2 slot can reach up to 10,000x your bet. If you want to learn more about RTP and variance models, read our detailed Variance, Volatility and RTP guide and see which one suits you best.

Gameplay and Features on Epic Ape 2 Slot

Epic Ape 2 provides an exciting gameplay experience thanks to the bonus features it offers. Here we have the random Epic Trigger Mode feature that helps you trigger the main feature, which is Free Spins. Of course, if you get lucky, you can also win one of the progressive jackpots available in the game.

Epic Trigger Mode Feature

The Epic Trigger Mode feature can randomly trigger on any spin in the base game. When triggered, it’ll add 2 scatter symbols on the reels, increasing your chances of landing a third scatter and trigger the Free Games.

Epic Free Games Feature

To trigger the Epic Free Games Feature, you have to land 3 or more scatter symbols on the reels. 3, 4, 5, or 6 scatters will give you 8, 15, 20, or 100 free spins, respectively.

During the Free Spins, a golden ape symbol can appear. Every time it lands, it’ll be added to the animal meters above the reels. When you fill some of the meters, different animal symbols will be upgraded into the top-paying ape symbol for the rest of the feature. Here’s what you can win:

3 golden ape symbols - upgrade the frog symbol;
7 golden ape symbols - upgrade the lizard symbol;
12 golden ape symbols - upgrade the panther symbol;
18 golden ape symbols - upgrade the leopard symbol.

Every time a symbol is upgraded, you’ll win extra 2 free spins. In the meantime, you can retrigger the feature in the standard manner by landing 2 or more extra scatters during your free spins. There’s no limit to how many times you can retrigger the feature.

Is There a Jackpot on Epic Ape 2 Slot?

As previously mentioned, the Epic Ape 2 slot is part of Playtech’s Jackpot Blitz Network, which offers you to win one of the 4 progressive jackpots. The Jackpot Blitz feature can randomly trigger on any spin. You’ll then be taken to another screen where you have to pick from 20 diamonds.

Every diamond hides a symbol for the Mini, Minor, Major, or Blitz Jackpot. When you pick 3 matching symbols, you’ll win the respective jackpot. The value of each jackpot is shown above the reels. Here’s what you can win:

Mini Jackpot - starts at £50;
Minor Jackpot - starts at £500;
Major Jackpot - starts at £5,000;
Blitz Jackpot - starts at £100,000.

Other Playtech Slots

Playtech is one of the largest software providers of online slots. The company produces a variety of slot machines, with different themes and in-game mechanics. Here are some of Playtech’s latest releases: Eye of Anubis, Rhino Blitz, and Sahara Riches: Cash Collect.

SlotsWise Verdict

Epic Ape 2 is a great upgrade to the original Epic Ape slot. Visually, both games are very similar, and both offer 6 reels with 4,096 paylines. The main differences in this second release are the symbol upgrades during the free spins and the addition of progressive jackpots. All in all, the game delivers an exciting reel experience.