Game supplier:NetEnt
Release date:08/2013
RTP:96.6%
Volatility:Low
Max. win:bet x 500
Mobile version:Support all devices
Random wilds
Wilds
Freespins
RTP
Volatility
Magic & mystery
Nature & animals
Game design:
Gameplay:
Features:
Game sounds:
Mobile gaming:
Originality:
Slot tested
Magic Portals offers us the chance to use some good old-fashioned magic to get results in this classic and colourful slot.
Developed by NetEnt and released in 2013, Magic Portals has been somewhat of a fixture in the NetEnt game library. Sure, it’s been surpassed by other slots both in looks and popularity but I remember the game attracted some attention when it first came out.
At first sight, the slot does not have a lot to set it apart. It has a 5-reel, 3-row playing field with 25 paylines. The graphics are nice, especially considering its age, but there also isn’t too much to set it apart.
We’re placed in a rather innocuous location, with a view of the galaxy peaking at us from behind the reels and some odd spikes. It doesn’t really evoke a sense of where we are or how we got there, although I would wager the idea is that they have to do with the portals.
It’s a shame because the rest of the slot looks good. The characters have a realistic art style that I haven’t seen NetEnt use much. All the different symbols are unique. No card suits or King and Ace in this slot. I appreciate the creators went through the trouble of creating those since most slots still use the standard symbols, even if they don’t make sense in the context of the game.
The soundtrack is what you’d expect from a slot dealing with magic portals. It’s suitably mysterious and toned down, with the occasional jingle when there is a winning payline. It’s serviceable but nothing special.
Symbols
As I said before, all the symbols are uniquely made for this game. The lower-paying symbols are different elemental orbs, while the higher-paying symbols are different characters and animals. It kept things simple but clear.
Unfortunately, the symbols aren’t animated. Getting a winning payline draws a line across the winning symbols for clarity. When the portals are activated you can see lightning arch between the matching symbols which I thought looked cool.
The symbols are from highest to lowest:
I liked the vibes the different symbols give off and I wish they had put some more effort into the background of the game to tie it all together.
Features
There isn’t too much to look at when discussing Magic Portal’s features. They are mostly what you’d expect, but the magic portals feature was a lot of fun. It shows that it doesn’t always need to be excessive to get a good result.
The features are:
As you can see the portals are the core of the game, relating to both other features. The game still functions as a normal slot beside them though. You get winning paylines like normal and the Wilds substitute all symbols except the Free Spins symbol.
One big difference to keep in mind is that you only need 2 Free Spins symbols at the same time, instead of the usual 3. But since there are only 2 spots on the playing field that count, the portals, it’s actually not easier to get a Free Spins activation. Nonetheless, I had it trigger quite often so I don’t think it mattered too much.
In Conclusion
Magic Portals has been around for the better part of a decade but it has kept relevant over time. The graphics are still great although a little static. The features are simple but effective, adding a little colour to what is in most ways a classic slot.
If you’re looking for something that’s different but not too different, I’d recommend Magic Portals. I had a good time playing it and I remember why it stayed relevant all this time. NetEnt has a skill at creating slots that stay good for years.
Are you on the hunt for something similarly magical? Then I’d suggest Faerie Spells, created by Betsoft and a lot newer. It also puts the player in the middle of a magical surrounding as they spin their reels.
Magic Portals has a Low Volatility which I thought was fair, although the portals system can add quite a lot of Wilds to the playing field if a particular symbol is overrepresented. This can result in a substantial win. You can choose a bet between £0.25 and £250 per spin so you can decide whether to go big or small. The max. win of 500x your bet was a little low but coupled with the volatility means you might actually win it!
Browse casinos with Magic Portals and other slots from NetEnt. Create an account and try the game for free before making a deposit.
RTP (Return to Player):96.6%
Volatility:Low
Max. win:bet x 500
Min. bet:£0.25
Max. bet:£250
Progressive jackpot:
Reels:5
Rows:3
Non-standard layout:
Max. lines:25
Min. lines:25
Win both ways:
Multipliers:
Expanding reels:
Stacked symbols:
Colossal symbols
Auto play:
Turbo play:
Quick play:
Virtual reality:
Bonus game:
Random bonus:
Progressive bonus:
Buy bonus:
Free spins:
Scatter symbols:
Bonus game symbols:
Standard wilds:
Sticky wilds:
Walking wilds:
Stacked wilds:
Random wilds:
Multiplier wilds:
Re-spins:
Walking re-spins:
Sticky re-spins:
Cascading reels:
Sticky wins:
You can play Magic Portals in English, Finnish, Swedish, German and 20 other languages.
Magic Portals supports GBP, EUR, SEK, NOK and 33 other currencies.
Trystan Michielsen is a Dutch native who started his career as a content writer for various small businesses who were interested in creating an online presence.
When the opportunity arose to move to Malta and work in the iGaming sector, Trystan didn't hesitate to make the plunge. Here he worked as a Content and SEO specialist for different companies before moving back home.
Now acting as a freelancer he maintains his connection with the online slot community by playing and reviewing the wide variety of videoslots that are released.
Trystan enjoys playing the slots that offer a full experience, focusing on more than just the technical details but keeping an eye on its presentation. Graphics, music and style can create a game that's more than the sum of its parts.
A writer at heart, putting thoughts to paper is something he's done for as long as he remembers. In his free time, he enjoys writing fiction as well as watching and reviewing movies.
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