Introduction to China Shores
China Shores is a popular online video slot machine developed by WMS (Williams Interactive) software, released in 2012. This game has become a staple among modern slots enthusiasts due to its engaging gameplay and lucrative bonus features. The China Shores theme revolves around the mysteries of ancient Chinese culture, complete with intricately designed reels and atmospheric sound effects.
Gameplay Mechanics
The China Shores slot machine is set on five fixed paylines across three rows, featuring a standard 5×3 grid layout. Players can select their preferred stake from $0.01 to $125 per spin using the standard WMS control panel. The coin size ranges between $1 and $50, giving players considerable flexibility in managing their wagers.
One notable aspect of this game is its moderate volatility rating. According to theoretical payout models, China Shores has an RTP (Return To Player) percentage set at 95%, indicating a return rate slightly above the industry average for most slots.
Symbols, Animations & Sound Design
The slot’s visual design is distinctly Asian-inspired with vibrant colors and stylized depictions of Chinese architecture. The game features traditional symbols such as golden dragon coins, lanterns, pagodas, and fans alongside higher-value icons like wild pandas, cranes, and a mysterious lady.
During gameplay, players can expect engaging animations to accompany each winning combination on the reels. For example, when landing three or more identical high-paying combinations (excluding scatters), China Shores triggers an animated explosion of gold coins surrounding the symbols involved in the win.
Wild Symbols & Scatter Icons
A key aspect of many slots is their use of wild and scatter icons to create unique winning opportunities for players. In China Shores, these features are both integral components that drive gameplay towards engaging bonus rounds.
The panda icon acts as a standard wild symbol but does not replace scatters when appearing on the reels simultaneously. Players should be aware that while the pandas can contribute significantly to any base game wins through multiple appearances (up to 15x multiplier), it is relatively rare for five pandas to land together due to its mid- to high-paying status.
On the other hand, the scatter icon – typically displayed with four Mandarin characters around a red background – does not pay according to standard paytable values but triggers an essential free spins feature when three or more are obtained in any position across the reels (non-consecutive).
Free Spins Bonus
Obtaining scatters is crucial for accessing China Shores’ most lucrative bonus rounds, including its innovative Free Spines with Expanding Symbols feature. After collecting at least two scatter icons anywhere on the reels during base game play, players initiate a free spins round. The award includes an initial 10 or more free games along with multipliers ranging from x2 to x15, depending upon how many scatters were collected initially.
During this round, it is worth noting that expanding symbols are randomly selected from all icons except the scatter symbol itself and can potentially create significant combinations by covering entire reels or rows when substituting for missing icons during a winning spin.