Empress Dowager Cixi Slot: Demo Play, Review, Casinos List

Empress Dowager Cixi has been produced by Augustgaming (published on Dec. 1, 2016), which is a Medium-high volatility, 243 paylines (fixed) game. The top available win equivalents x3500 and the RTP is 94.0 %. It includes Free spins, Wild, Scatter, Multiplier special features.

Step Into The Forbidden Palace

I belive many slot enthusiasts might find Empress Dowager Cixi appealing, because it captures that Asian imperial vibe. The background might look a bit dated, but it still sets an atmosphere of aristocratic splendor. This title arrived on December 1, 2016, courtesy of Augustgaming. You’ll notice the game using 5 reels with 3 rows, and everything seems straightforward in terms of gameplay. It’s not a typical payline-based slot, though, as it has 243 Ways to form wins. Essentially, any combo from left to right across adjacent reels can produce a payout.

The visuals are decent, although I’m not sure I’d call them modern. Symbols like the ship and the palace have a cartoonish vibe but also contain enough detail to remain recognizable. If you plan to spin on a phone, I guess the mobile version runs smoothly enough. For wagering, you can stake as low as 0.25 EUR or push it up to 100 EUR, which should suit different risk preferences. In my mind, the top highlight is the x3,500 maximum win. That’s quite a decent figure if fortune smiles upon you.

Unpacking Symbols And Bets

The bet mechanics are user-friendly, letting you toggle between smaller or bigger bets so you can find a comfortable level. I’d personally advise going with a moderate stake if you’re testing the waters. That said, if you like to aim for more intense payouts, the upper range of 100 EUR per spin can deliver stronger hits (or bigger losses, obviously). I think it’s a flexible slot for both timid and bolder approaches.

While you play, you’ll encounter some thematically fitting icons. The ship is the top symbol, awarding up to x3,500 for five in a winning combination, so it’s clearly the star if you’re chasing bigger prizes. The palace stands just behind it in the paytable, and I find it quite nice visually. Cixi herself functions as the Wild, while the fan appears as the Scatter. Overall, the slot’s plot revolves around the famed empress, reflecting her commanding presence and the grandeur of imperial times. There’s also some music, though I wouldn’t claim it’s epic. It does add a subtle oriental vibe if you happen to enjoy gentle background tunes.

RTP And Volatility Observations

I think the RTP of 94% is on the lower side if we compare it with many other modern releases. In the long run, that 6% house edge is fairly steep for players who want more value on each spin. You might see your balance dwindling a bit faster than you’d like, so keep that in mind. On the other hand, there is no mention that Augustgaming offers adjustable or floating RTP in this slot, so at least you likely don’t have to worry about multiple versions with different payback rates.

When I talk about volatility, Empress Dowager Cixi sits at a medium-high level, which I personally appreciate. In my view, bigger swings make the slot more thrilling, though you’ll need a decent bankroll of at least 300 bets to fully enjoy it. Expect fewer frequent hits compared to a medium slot, but keep your eyes open for some occasional stronger wins that might show up in a hot streak. If you prefer more steady payouts, you might find it slightly risky, but I do like that sense of unpredictability.

Delicate Fans Leading To Free Spins

In my opinion, the Free Spins round is the main attraction. To activate it, you need to land three or more fan Scatter icons in a single spin. Once triggered, you’ll be presented with two possible paths:

• Option A: 10 free spins featuring more number (lower-tier) symbols but Multiplier values of x5, x8, or x15
• Option B: 5 free spins featuring more picture (higher-tier) symbols with a smaller multiplier selection of x2, x3, or x5

Whenever your winning combo involves at least one Wild, the displayed multiplier in the top-right corner will apply. I find it nice that the slot grants you some control, letting you pick between extra spins or better odds on each line hit. Another plus is that if you land more scatters during your free spins, the feature can get retriggered, which always feels like a pleasant suprise.

Other Features That Enhance Gameplay

• Scatter Symbol: As I’ve mentioned, it is the fan icon. It can land anywhere and still help you unlock the free round if three or more appear.

• Wild Symbol: The Empress herself stands as the wild, stepping in for all regular icons except the scatter. It only appears on reels two, three, and four, but I find it frequent enough to create decent combinations.

• Multiplier: During the free round, you’ll see multipliers from x2 up to x15, triggered whenever a win includes at least one wild. That can definitely give your final tally a nice boost.

• 243 Ways To Win: Instead of standard paylines, you’ll gather wins on any left-to-right symbol cluster spanning the reels. I think it feels simpler than messing with betting lines, though keep an eye on your balance to see how often it yields results.

Likes And Dislikes

Pros:

• Potential top prize can reach x3,500
• Nice selection of free spins choices with multipliers
• Betting range from 0.25 EUR to 100 EUR is flexible
• Medium-high volatility might bring exciting spins
• 243 ways to form wins

Cons:

• 94% RTP is on the lower side
• Visual style feels slightly outdated at times
• No dedicated Bonus Game on the side

Empress Dowager Cixi FAQ

Is Empress Dowager Cixi Available On Mobile? I have tried it on my phone and it run pretty smooth, so yes, you can spin on the go.

What Is The Biggest Win On Empress Dowager Cixi? The highest possible win stands at x3,500 your bet, which I consider quite decent for a medium-high slot.

Does Empress Dowager Cixi Offer Free Spins? Yes, you can trigger free spins by landing three or more fan scatter symbols, leading to two different free game modes.