Slot Wars - Gates of Olympus 1000 VS Blade & Fangs

As one of the most productive slot providers, Pragmatic Play has a year full of smashing hits behind it, ending it with an amazing Gates of Olympus 1000 slot. Still number one on the list of player’s favorites, the provider is continuing strong into the new 2024 year with the release of another great game, Blade & Fangs slot. 

While seemingly quite different at first glance, these slots have more in common that beats the eye. And you know what that means - the epic slot battle is upon us! 

In this episode of slot wars Greek gods have come together against the forces of evil. Is their divine power enough to conquer the terrifying creatures of our nightmares? 

Let’s find out - start the battle!

Gates of Olympus 1000 is a remake of the same-titled game that is one of Pragmatic Play's most successful slots. While visually and game-wise quite similar to the original, this version comes with a boosted winning potential of up to 15,000x the stake!

The highly volatile gameplay takes place on a 6x5 grid with a scatter pays mechanism, pumping out a 96.5% RTP. Add to that tumbling feature that removes the winning symbols from the grid allowing new ones to drop and potentially form winning combos, and chances for nice wins are quite high. 

On the flip side, Blade & Fangs enters the ring with its own arsenal of thrilling features. Starting with unusual gameplay which includes two 5x3 grids that spin at the same time in the base game, creating up to 243 ways to win. 

However, while impressive and original, its winning potential is on the lower side compared to its rival. This highly volatile release has a maximum prize of 5,000x the bet and an RTP of 96.05%. In this round, creatures of the night aren’t a match for the Greek gods, but maybe the next one will even score. 

As the battle intensifies, Round 2 takes us into the world of bonus features. Gates of Olympus 1000 slot starts big with Multiplier Symbols. Taking a random value from 2x to 1,000x when they hit, these symbols can land anywhere on the grid in all phases of play. Values of any multiplier symbols in view are added together when a tumbling sequence ends and applied to the total win of the tumble. 

Players can enter the bonus round with 15 free spins by landing 4 or more Scatters at the same time. During free spins, when a multiplier appears on a winning spin, its value is added to the total multiplier. Appearance of at least 3 Scatters together on reels awards 5 additional free spins. 

Blades & Fangs slot also features Multiplier Symbols, but there are two types of them:

• +1x multiplier that can land on the first reel of the top grid 
• 2x multiplier that appears only on the fifth reel of the bottom grid

When both of these symbols land on their positions simultaneously, the real fun begins - two grids merge into one 6x5 sized playground, awarding one respin. The general multiplier is also introduced, increasing by +1 if a +1x multiplier symbol hits on the respin or is multiplied by 2x in case a 2x multiplier lands. At the end of the respin the game splits back to two 5x3 screens but not before all wins from the respin are multiplied by the general multiplier and awarded. 

The bonus round with 8 free spins is activated when 3, 4, 5, or 6 Scatters land together, additionally awarding 2x, 15x, 100x or 500x the bet respectively. Free spins mode is always played on a merged 6x5 grid with a general multiplier with a starting value of 1x. Every time a multiplier hits, the general multiplier increases according to the type of the multiplier symbol. Four additional free spins are awarded if three or more Scatters land during the bonus round. 

As you can see, slots have very similar bonus features. Both lack the Wild symbol, rely greatly on multipliers and have the option to purchase free spins. While Gates of Olympus does offer more free spins, Blade & Fangs have two types of multiplier symbols as well as an option of triggering a respin. This gives it a slight advantage, making it a winner of this round. 

When it comes to the theme, both slots can’t brag with their originality. Still, Greek mythology is one of the most overused themes in the slot industry. So much so that the vampire one seems innovative and fresh. 

Also, the visuals of the deities-inspired slot are almost exactly the same as in the original release. Sure, the design is a bit more detailed and polished, Zeus is in a golden toga, but nothing new to see here. Not to take it the wrong way, this is a beautiful-looking slot that is a joy to play, it's just seen before. 

On the other hand, Blades & Fangs represent the edgier side of the provider’s work. The storyline is a bit blurry, depicting an abandoned church with a floor covered with human skulls where all unholy things gather. Vampires, werewolves, zombies, deathly cobras - they are all lurking in the shadows. 

Yes, it is inspired by a not-so-original idea, but its execution makes it stand out from similar slots. It belongs in the horror genre, but it doesn’t cross the line of good taste. Meaning you can play it without being sick to your stomach with too graphic images. 

Blade & Fangs boost over the respin feature that Gates of Olympus 1000 doesn’t have and also present more original visuals and theme. However, its winning potential is significantly lower than its rival’s and this is the main reason why the Greek-inspired game is the winner in this episode of slot wars. Pragmatic Play really did an amazing job with both of these slots and you’ll be missing out if you don’t try them both.