IX Legio

The team at software developer Capecod Gaming consists of noted Italian patriots, and they are at their most passionate when exploring uniquely Italian themes. In this case, the topic is one of history’s greatest mysteries: the disappearance of the 9th Roman Legion, last seen in northern Britain in the first century. This lovely, dark slot features two bonus features and double win multipliers in base play.

Theme

The majesty of the Roman legions are in full display in this slot, raising the question that has obsessed historians and hobbyists for centuries: what could have happened to make this combat-hardened fighting force disappear? The reels are set against an ancient map, and capes and jewels of crimson are everywhere. Gaming symbols include a sword and shield, a helmet, a wooden shield with a skull at its center, a signet ring, a gold coin, the legion’s bronze eagle standard, and the playing card values ace through queen. A two-part IX Legio symbol opens the way to the Mystery Bonus feature; a warped, dead tree acts as scatter; and the joker temple and double skull symbols act as wild, with the latter adding a double win multiplier to all wins in which it is involved. An ominous soundtrack, complete with rolling drums and falling rain, lends this otherwise majestic slot a sense of impending doom.

Betting Options and Functions

While one of history’s great mysteries is at the core of this slot, the excellent Capered Gaming design team has ensured that there be no mystery as to the game’s inner workings. There are 25 adjustable paylines, each paying from left to right, with bet per line variable from 0.01–1.00. This yields an overall per-spin bet range of 0.01–25.00 times the betting currency. Autospins are available for up to 1,000 spins at a time, though players should use caution before stepping away from the game, as there are no protections in place for loss limits. Payable information and detailed game rules are available on separate screens. The overall theoretical return to player ratio is slightly above the industry average at 95.37%.

Features

Capecod Gaming includes a pair of bonus games to make this title more enjoyable. The Mystery Bonus game occurs whenever the two adjacent IX Legio symbols appear together on the reels. This simple feature awards a random cash prize, on a scale proportional to the bet level at which it is triggered.

The Legio Bonus game is more complex. Its first phase gives players three chances to choose among five legionnaires – each time one pulls out a sword and shield wearing armor, a prize is awarded. If the “next level” message is found, players advance to the game’s second phase. Players choose one of five pots, which will explode to reveal the number of free spins awarded. As such, both cash prizes and free spins can be won in the same bonus feature.

Our Take

A truly compelling theme elevates what is otherwise an unremarkable, if respectable slot. Two separate bonus features do help the cause, but even so, IX Legio is not among Capecod Gaming’s best offerings.