9 Masks of Fire is an African tribal-themed video slot developed by Gameburger Studios in partnership with Microgaming. Released in October 2019, this 5-reel, 20-payline slot combines classic fruit machine symbols with exotic mask scatter mechanics and multiplier-boosted free spins.
When Gameburger Studios partnered with Microgaming to release 9 Masks of Fire in October 2019, they created a slot that bridges classic fruit machine aesthetics with modern African tribal theming. This medium volatility game has maintained popularity among players seeking balanced gameplay with substantial win potential. The slot's 96.24% RTP sits comfortably above industry average, while its unique scatter pay system and multiplier-enhanced free spins provide engaging mechanics that differentiate it from standard video slots.
The game's visual design deliberately evokes physical slot machines, using bright colors against a burgundy background framed in gold. This nostalgic approach works surprisingly well with the tribal soundtrack and mask imagery, creating what developers describe as a soulful gaming experience. With stakes ranging from 0.20 to 240 credits and maximum wins reaching 480,000 credits at top bet, the game accommodates both casual players and high rollers.
9 Masks of Fire operates on a standard 5-reel, 3-row configuration with 20 fixed paylines. The game was released on October 16, 2019, and is available across desktop and mobile platforms. Understanding the technical specifications helps players make informed decisions about bankroll management and gameplay strategy.
The slot features a 96.24% return to player rate, which exceeds the industry standard of approximately 96%. This RTP represents the theoretical return over millions of spins and indicates favorable long-term player odds. However, the actual RTP can vary between casinos, as operators may select different configurations. Always check the game's information screen at your chosen casino to verify the active RTP setting.
Medium volatility means the game strikes a balance between hit frequency and payout size. Players can expect regular small to medium wins interspersed with occasional larger payouts, particularly during the free spins feature. This volatility level suits players who want consistent action without the extreme swings associated with high volatility slots.
The minimum bet of 0.20 credits makes 9 Masks of Fire accessible to penny slot enthusiasts, while the maximum bet of 240 credits per spin accommodates high-stakes players. The betting interface allows quick adjustments, though some mobile users report that control buttons appear smaller than ideal on phone screens. The game includes a turbo spin feature accessed via the lightning icon, enabling faster gameplay for those who prefer rapid session pacing.
The paytable in 9 Masks of Fire combines eight base game symbols with special symbols that trigger features and scatter pays. Understanding symbol values is essential for recognizing profitable spins and managing expectations during gameplay.
Lower-paying symbols include classic fruit machine icons: cherries, bars, bells, and dollar signs. These symbols pay modest amounts but appear frequently to maintain gameplay momentum. Higher-paying symbols consist of four different lucky seven variations, each decorated with tribal pattern strips at their base. The triple 7 symbol delivers the best base game return at 37.5x your stake for landing five across a payline.
The diamond symbol serves dual purposes as both the wild and the highest-paying regular symbol. Five diamonds on a payline award 125x your stake, while the wild functionality allows it to substitute for all symbols except the free spins scatter and mask scatter. This substitution capability significantly increases winning combination frequency.
The shield and spears symbol acts as the free spins scatter. Landing three or more anywhere on the reels triggers the bonus wheel feature, which determines your free spin allocation and multiplier value. This symbol does not need to appear on a payline and is not substituted by wilds.
The glowing-eyed mask symbol represents the game's signature feature. These masks can land individually or stacked on any reel position. When three or more masks appear anywhere on the screen during a spin, they trigger instant cash prizes according to a fixed paytable displayed to the left of the reels. The prize scales dramatically with both the number of masks and your bet size.
The mask scatter pay system distinguishes 9 Masks of Fire from conventional slots. This feature operates independently of paylines, awarding prizes based solely on the total number of mask symbols visible after a spin completes.
A helpful indicator panel positioned to the left of the reels displays potential mask prizes, which illuminate with flames when masks land. At minimum bet, three masks award 0.20 credits, while nine masks pay 400 credits. The prizes scale proportionally with bet size, meaning maximum bet players receive 240 credits for three masks and an impressive 480,000 credits for nine masks covering all reel positions.
Masks can appear stacked on reels, increasing the probability of landing multiple masks in a single spin. This stacking mechanism creates anticipation as reels stop sequentially, with each additional mask increasing the prize tier. The system rewards patience, as mask symbols appear regularly enough to provide frequent smaller scatter wins while maintaining the possibility of landing the maximum nine-mask combination.
The game operates on a 5x3 grid with 20 fixed paylines, combining traditional slot symbols with innovative scatter mechanics. Players select their bet size and spin to match symbols across paylines while collecting mask scatters for instant cash prizes. The diamond wild substitutes for all symbols except scatters and free spin triggers.
Winning combinations form left to right on active paylines, with the triple 7s offering the highest base game payout at 37.5x stake for five of a kind. The mask scatter system operates independently, awarding prizes based on the total number of masks visible anywhere on the reels, regardless of position or payline.
The free spins feature activates when three or more shield and spears scatter symbols land anywhere on the reels. Unlike the mask scatter system, this feature requires exactly three or more scatters in a single spin to trigger.
Upon triggering free spins, a bonus wheel appears on screen. Players spin this wheel to determine both the number of free spins awarded and the multiplier applied to all wins during the feature. The wheel offers three possible outcomes: 10 spins with a 2x multiplier, 20 spins with a 2x multiplier, or 30 spins with a 3x multiplier. The wheel result is determined randomly, with no player influence on the outcome.
During free spins, all winning combinations receive the multiplier boost, significantly increasing payout potential. The mask scatter pay system remains active during free spins, and mask prizes also receive the multiplier enhancement. Free spins cannot be retriggered from within the feature, meaning the initial wheel spin determines the total number of bonus spins for that feature activation.
The multiplier application to all wins, including mask scatter pays, makes the free spins feature the primary source of substantial payouts in 9 Masks of Fire. Landing the 30-spin, 3x multiplier result provides optimal winning potential, particularly if multiple high-value mask combinations occur during the feature. The medium volatility ensures free spins trigger with reasonable frequency, though players should expect variance in both trigger rate and wheel outcomes across sessions.
Gameburger Studios designed 9 Masks of Fire to recreate the physical slot machine experience in digital format. The graphics maintain intentional simplicity, using bright colors and clear symbol designs that prioritize functionality over elaborate animations. The burgundy background with gold framing creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that complements the tribal theme without overwhelming the reels.
The soundtrack features throbbing tribal drums and rhythmic beats that establish the African theme effectively. Sound effects accompany wins and feature triggers with appropriate intensity, though the audio never becomes intrusive. Players can adjust or mute sound through the settings menu accessed via the burger icon below the reels.
The game functions across desktop and mobile devices, though some players report that control buttons appear smaller than optimal on phone screens. The interface remains functional on mobile, but the reduced button size may impact user comfort during extended sessions. Tablet play offers a better balance between portability and control accessibility. The game loads quickly on modern devices and maintains smooth reel spin animations across platforms.
Gameburger Studios released a variant called 9 Masks of Fire HyperSpins, which adds a respin mechanic to the base game formula. In the HyperSpins version, players can respin individual reels after any spin for an additional cost, providing more control over potential winning combinations. The original 9 Masks of Fire reviewed here offers a more traditional experience without the respin option, appealing to players who prefer standard slot mechanics without additional decision points during gameplay.
9 Masks of Fire is available at online casinos that feature Microgaming and Games Global content. Reputable operators offering this slot include established brands with proper licensing and player protection measures. Before playing for real money, verify that your chosen casino displays the 96.24% RTP version by checking the game's information screen. Many casinos offer a free demo mode, allowing players to experience the game mechanics and features without financial risk before committing to real money play.
9 Masks of Fire delivers a solid medium volatility experience that successfully blends classic slot aesthetics with innovative scatter mechanics. The 96.24% RTP and balanced hit frequency make it suitable for extended sessions, while the mask scatter system and multiplier-enhanced free spins provide sufficient feature variety to maintain engagement. The game's maximum win potential of 480,000 credits at top bet offers substantial upside, though the medium volatility means mega-wins remain relatively rare compared to high volatility alternatives.
The slot's strengths lie in its straightforward gameplay, frequent mask scatter pays, and the anticipation created by the stacking mask symbols. The free spins bonus wheel adds an element of chance that can significantly impact feature profitability. However, the game's simplicity may not satisfy players seeking complex bonus rounds or progressive mechanics. The mobile interface could benefit from larger control buttons, though this represents a minor inconvenience rather than a critical flaw.
For players who appreciate classic slot symbols with a thematic twist and prefer medium volatility gameplay with regular feature triggers, 9 Masks of Fire represents a worthwhile option. The game's longevity since its 2019 release demonstrates sustained player interest, suggesting that Gameburger Studios successfully achieved their goal of creating a digital slot with physical machine appeal.
The default RTP is 96.24%, which is above the industry average. However, some casinos may offer different RTP configurations, so always check the game information screen at your chosen operator to verify the active return to player percentage.
Mask symbols pay when three or more appear anywhere on the reels, regardless of paylines. Prizes scale based on the number of masks landed and your bet size, with nine masks at maximum bet paying 480,000 credits. A table to the left of the reels shows current prize values.
No, free spins cannot be retriggered during the bonus feature. The bonus wheel spin that activates the feature determines the total number of spins and multiplier, which remain fixed for that entire bonus round.
The maximum win is 480,000 credits, achieved by landing nine mask symbols at the maximum bet of 240 credits per spin. This represents a 2,000x stake multiplier at top bet level.
Yes, the game is fully optimized for mobile play on both iOS and Android devices. However, some players report that control buttons appear smaller on phone screens compared to desktop, with tablet devices offering a better balance.
The HyperSpins variant adds a respin feature that allows players to respin individual reels for an additional cost after any spin. The original version reviewed here uses traditional slot mechanics without the respin option.
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