Planet of the Apes Slot | 3,000x Max Win | Free Demo & Review

Planet of the Apes Slot: Complete Review 2026

Planet of the Apes is a licensed slot from NetEnt, developed in collaboration with 20th Century Fox Studios and released on 23rd October 2017. It brings together two blockbuster films from the rebooted franchise -- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) -- into a single gaming experience. The slot has a 96.33% RTP, which is generous for a branded game, paired with medium volatility for a balanced mix of regular smaller wins and occasional bigger payouts. Max win potential sits at 3,000x your stake, meaning players can win up to £600,000 at the highest bet level. What really sets it apart is the dual-reel system: two independent 5x3 grids that spin simultaneously, effectively giving you two games for one spin. NetEnt has blended modern technology with a beloved franchise here, delivering authentic film footage, character imagery featuring Caesar and Koba, and an atmospheric soundtrack pulled straight from the movies.

Theme and Graphics

The visual presentation is seriously impressive. The dual-reel design cleverly represents the narrative jump from Rise to Dawn. The left side of the screen is dedicated to Rise of the Planet of the Apes, with a lighter, more hopeful colour palette that reflects the early stages of Caesar's journey. The right Dawn side takes a darker, grittier approach that matches the post-apocalyptic world where humanity struggles against the evolved apes. It's a smart design choice that fans will appreciate.

The symbol design uses real imagery from both films. High-value symbols feature iconic apes -- Caesar appears on both reel sets, showing his evolution across the films, while the scarred Koba dominates the Dawn reels. Human characters show up too: John Lithgow's Charles, James Franco's Will, Gary Oldman's Dreyfus, plus Caroline, Malcolm, Ellie, and Dodge. Lower-value symbols are standard playing card ranks from tens through aces, styled to match each reel set's colour scheme.

The animations are a real highlight. Actual video clips from both films play during big wins and bonus triggers, maintaining the immersive atmosphere and rewarding you with memorable movie moments. Even the intro sequence is worth watching -- it sets the dramatic tone right from the start.

The soundtrack draws from the original film scores, and it shows. Powerful orchestral music builds suspense during spins and erupts into triumphant crescendos when big wins land. Authentic ape vocalisations and sound effects make you feel like you've stepped into the films. Every audio element works together to create a cohesive, immersive experience that does the franchise justice.

Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay mechanics here are some of the most innovative NetEnt has ever put into a slot. At its core, you've got two independent 5x3 grids displayed side by side. The left grid represents Rise, the right represents Dawn. Each has its own set of 20 fixed paylines, totalling 40 across both grids. Both reel sets spin with every wager -- so you're effectively getting two games per spin.

The betting range caters to all budgets. Minimum stakes start at £0.20 per spin, keeping things accessible for casual players. High rollers can go up to £200 per spin for serious potential returns. That broad range means the game works for everyone from penny slot fans to high-stakes gamblers.

Winning combos follow traditional slot rules: at least three matching symbols from left to right across an active payline. The dual-reel system means wins can land independently on either or both grids per spin, effectively doubling your opportunities. Each reel set has its own unique character symbols tied to the corresponding film, though the pay structure stays consistent across both.

The paytable follows the films' narrative hierarchy. Caesar commands the highest regular payouts on both reel sets: 40 coins for three matches, 150 for four, and 600 for five on a payline. Other apes like Rocket (Rise side) and Koba (Dawn side) offer slightly lower but still solid rewards. Human characters fill the mid-tier, while playing card symbols provide frequent smaller wins that help keep your bankroll stable.

The base game stays engaging through steady smaller wins and randomly triggered features. Medium volatility means you won't endure long dry spells, and the dual-reel format naturally provides more winning chances than single-grid slots. Having both reels spinning at once creates an energetic feel that keeps things interesting over longer sessions.

Bonus Features

Planet of the Apes packs in a strong set of bonus features that show off NetEnt's creative side. The dual-reel system allows features that work independently within each grid and across both, creating multiple routes to big wins. Understanding each feature is key to getting the most from this slot.

Rise Wilds

The Rise Wild shows up exclusively on the left reel set, subbing for all regular symbols. Represented by the Rise logo, these wilds do their standard job during base play. But here's where it gets interesting: when Rise Wilds stack to cover an entire reel from top to bottom, they trigger the Stacked Wild Feature and transfer to the same reel position on the Dawn side. That cross-grid interaction is what makes this game so distinctive.

Dawn Wilds

Dawn Wilds work on the right reel set, serving the same substitution role. During Dawn Free Spins, human character symbols can transform into additional wilds through the collection meter system. This transformation can significantly boost wild coverage and lead to more frequent, larger wins during the bonus round.

Stacked Wilds

The Stacked Wild Feature creates a genuine connection between the two grids. When wilds stack to fill an entire reel on the Rise side, that full wild reel copies to the same position on the Dawn side. This doubles your wild coverage across both grids and dramatically increases potential for multiple simultaneous wins. Visually, watching wilds spread from one grid to the other is genuinely thrilling.

Dual Feature

The Dual Feature can trigger randomly on any base game spin, offering potential wins up to 1,000x your stake in a single activation. When it fires, the game picks one symbol type for each reel set (excluding wilds and scatters), then both grids run a synchronised respin featuring only blank positions and those two selected symbols. Any selected symbols that land become sticky and stay locked while the feature continues. This repeats until no new matches land, then wins are calculated across both grids. The anticipation as symbols gradually fill the reels is fantastic.

Rise Free Spins

Rise Free Spins activates when three or more Rise Scatters land on the Rise reel set. You get 10 free spins with only the Rise grid active. The key mechanic here is the Wild Meter: every wild that lands gets collected into the meter instead of providing immediate substitution. On the final spin, all collected wilds get randomly distributed across the Rise grid before wins are calculated. The buildup throughout the feature is excellent -- watching your wild collection grow, knowing they'll all drop at once on that last spin.

Dawn Free Spins

Dawn Free Spins is the higher-potential bonus, triggered by three or more Dawn Scatters on the Dawn reel set. You get 15 free spins with only the Dawn grid active. What makes this special is the three-meter collection system: Multiplier, Extra Wild, and Extra Free Spins. During the round, collect symbols fill these meters. Three of a kind in any meter activates its benefit. The Multiplier meter increases your win multiplier from 1x up to 5x. The Extra Wild meter transforms all human symbols into wilds. The Extra Free Spins meter adds three more spins. This interconnected system creates a dynamic experience with multiple reward paths. The 3,000x max win is achievable here when the 5x multiplier combines with optimal symbol coverage.

RTP and Volatility Analysis

Planet of the Apes has a 96.33% RTP, which is excellent for a branded slot where RTPs often dip below 96% to cover licensing costs. Over the long term, the game's designed to return £96.33 for every £100 wagered. For players who want fair value from licensed entertainment slots, this is strong positioning that shows NetEnt's commitment to player-friendly maths despite the premium brand.

The medium volatility puts Planet of the Apes in the balanced middle ground. You'll get regular engagement through consistent base game wins while still having genuine potential for meaningful returns during bonus rounds. The hit frequency stays satisfying without killing the excitement of chasing bigger wins.

The dual-reel system shapes the volatility experience by giving you twice the winning opportunities per spin. Individual wins might look modest, but the combined effect of simultaneous wins across both grids creates more stable bankroll management than single-grid slots with comparable volatility. Expect reasonable base game activity with periodic boosts from the random features, plus more substantial returns during free spins.

Compared to other NetEnt branded slots, Planet of the Apes holds up well. The RTP beats many licensed titles that sacrifice returns to fund intellectual property deals. The medium volatility also sets it apart from higher-variance branded slots that can burn through bankrolls quickly. If you want extended play time with a favourite franchise, this mathematical profile delivers a great balance.

The medium variance suggests budgeting for sessions of at least 200-300 spins to experience the full feature range while managing normal bankroll fluctuations. Chasing the 3,000x max payout through Dawn Free Spins takes patience and some luck with the feature frequency and multiplier activation. The game rewards steady, disciplined play -- it's particularly good for recreational players who value entertainment alongside winning potential.

Max Win Potential

The 3,000x max win translates into serious real money at higher stakes. This mainly opens up during Dawn Free Spins, where the progressive multiplier can hit 5x and combine with favourable symbol layouts. At the £200 max bet, the theoretical ceiling reaches £600,000. That's a significant sum that places this slot among the more rewarding branded titles.

To put the win potential in real terms: at the £0.20 minimum bet, the max win is £600 -- a 3,000x return that any casual player would celebrate. At £2 per spin, the ceiling rises to £6,000. At £10, you're looking at £30,000. At £50, it's £150,000.

Reaching the max win requires specific conditions during Dawn Free Spins. You'll need to fill the Multiplier meter to hit 5x, fill the Extra Wild meter to convert human symbols into wilds, and ideally collect Extra Free Spins to extend the round. With all that in place, premium symbol alignments across multiple paylines at full multiplier can deliver the theoretical maximum.

Is 3,000x modest compared to ultra-high-volatility slots advertising 10,000x or more? Sure. But it's solid for a medium-volatility game. The more achievable ceiling means meaningful wins happen more regularly rather than all the potential being concentrated in extremely rare jackpot scenarios. You're more likely to have consistent positive sessions rather than long droughts waiting for an improbable max hit.

Mobile Compatibility

Planet of the Apes is fully optimised for mobile through NetEnt's Touch technology. Built entirely on HTML5, it loads instantly in mobile browsers on both iOS and Android -- no downloads needed. Whether you're on an iPhone, iPad, or Android device, you get the complete experience without compromise.

The adaptive design scales intelligently for different screen sizes, keeping the dual-reel layout clear and all elements accessible. Touch controls feel natural and responsive, with buttons sized for finger navigation rather than mouse clicks. Spin controls, bet adjustments, and feature interactions all work smoothly through touchscreen gestures.

Graphics and animations keep their quality on mobile. The cinematic clips and character imagery display with sharp detail even on smaller screens. Sound translates well through device speakers or headphones. Loading times stay minimal on modern connections, with responsive gameplay and no frustrating delays between spins.

You might think the dual-reel format would be tricky on a phone screen, but NetEnt's handled it well. Landscape mode shows both grids fully visible, while portrait mode lets you focus on one grid at a time without losing track of the other. This flexibility means you can enjoy the full experience anywhere -- during commutes, on breaks, or relaxing away from your desktop.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Innovative dual-reel system provides twice the winning opportunities on every spin, effectively delivering two games for the price of one
• Exceptional RTP of 96.33% represents outstanding value for a licensed branded slot
• Two distinct free spins features offer varied gameplay experiences with different strategic approaches
• Stunning graphics featuring authentic film footage, character imagery, and cinematic animations create genuine immersion
• Atmospheric soundtrack drawn from original film scores enhances the movie-themed experience
• Stacked Wild transfer mechanic creates exciting cross-grid winning opportunities
• Comprehensive mobile optimisation through NetEnt Touch ensures quality gameplay across all devices

Cons:

• Maximum win of 3,000x stake may disappoint players seeking higher volatility payouts
• No bonus buy feature available for players wishing to access free spins directly
• Dual-grid layout may initially confuse newcomers unfamiliar with the format
• Feature-dependent design means base game periods between triggers can feel slower
• The game has been discontinued by NetEnt, limiting availability at some online casinos

Expert Verdict

Planet of the Apes stands as one of NetEnt's most ambitious and successful branded slot releases, demonstrating how licensed intellectual property can inspire genuine gameplay innovation rather than merely providing superficial theming. The dual-reel system represents a genuinely creative approach that enhances player engagement whilst doubling winning opportunities on every spin. The two distinct free spins features, each with unique mechanics and strategic considerations, provide meaningful variety that extends replay value beyond typical slot offerings.

The combination of 96.33% RTP and medium volatility creates an appealing mathematical profile that balances regular entertainment with legitimate win potential. Whilst the 3,000x maximum may not satisfy players seeking extreme jackpot possibilities, it represents achievable potential that rewards patient, disciplined play. The visual and audio presentation remains impressive years after release, with authentic film integration that genuinely captures the franchise's atmosphere and appeal.

Planet of the Apes stands as one of NetEnt's most ambitious branded releases. It shows how licensed intellectual property can drive genuine gameplay innovation rather than just providing surface-level theming. The dual-reel system is a creative approach that boosts player engagement while doubling winning opportunities per spin. Two distinct free spins features, each with unique mechanics, provide meaningful variety that extends replay value well beyond typical slot offerings.

Our rating: 4/5

The 96.33% RTP and medium volatility create an appealing mathematical profile. The 3,000x max might not satisfy players chasing extreme jackpots, but it represents achievable potential that rewards patient play. The visual and audio presentation remains impressive years after release, with genuine film integration that captures the franchise's atmosphere.