Overall Score: 4.1
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.1
18+. T&Cs apply.
Lanterns & Lions: Hold & Win Slot
- Progressive jackpot: No
- Software: iSoftBet
- Paylines: 25
- Reels: 5

Every slot game developer must find their own niche in the market if they’re to provide great content and compete with the other studios in the sector. And while that may sound like technical speak to many, it actually works out great for us as reviewers and you as slot game players. iSoftBet, which have been around for years, producing tons of slots, aren't as big as some of the other providers out there. So, they set out to find their niche. As a result, they have reinvented themselves as the go-to studio for hold & win games, and Lanterns & Lions in another release by them into the category.
Throughout 2021, iSoftbet and the hold & win style reigned supreme. But, you could suggest they saved the best until last, with Lanterns & Lions the title they dropped to wrap up an incredibly successful twelve months. When you’re releasing many slots that have similar components, with the hold & win element a prime example, you must find a way to mix things up to keep players coming back for more. And iSoftBet do this through their excellent theming ability, with Lanterns & Lions seeing the developer dive deep into ancient Chinese culture.
We’re banging on about hold & win games, but there may be some of you reading this who don’t have a clue what we’re talking about. Well, in its simplest form, hold and win means that a game contains what is known as a streak re-spin feature. And, the longer the streak continues, the more money you’re going to rake in. But, we should point out that hold & win titles aren’t just about this mechanic exclusively. They always have a lot more going on, such as additional features and other ways to win cash prizes. They’re excellent slots in general.
Feature Symbols
We have got to say there will be no complaints from anyone where the symbol selection is concerned with this iSoftBet release. In fact, we’ll go as far as suggesting many players will be really pleased with what they see. Yes, a lot of the icons are familiar. But, when you’re attempting to provide an authentic ancient Chinese vibe, they have to be, or it just wouldn’t work.
Instead of just sticking with the same old approach, however, we get symbols that are incredibly well designed. They're punchy in colour and will grab your attention. And, of course, the gold and red on show are representative of the theme.
The symbols that tie in with the whole ancient Chinese feel include lion masks, lucky cats, lanterns, etc. And, as usual, the lower-paying images in the selection are royals, but they too are well crafted.
Bonuses and Jackpots
We’ve said a lot about hold & win, and now is the time to add a bit more meat to the bones. Five or more scattered lantern symbols will be your ticket into the bonus feature, where there will be an initial three repins to play through. But, as you play, you can add more to your total. Lock lanterns in place and search for wins. But when no more are found, it’s game over.
There is also an excellent free spins feature, with twelve rounds to go at from the off. More wilds will be present throughout, and you can also trigger the hold & win game from here, which is a bonus. Finally, ISoftBet wrap things up by also providing a random cash prize worth up to 8,888x the bet.
Play Lanterns & Lions: Hold & Win at Foxy Games
iSoftBet may be the go-to guys for hold & win titles, which is understandable. And, again, they show their prowess here. But, it's another release that does exceptionally well as an all-rounder, thanks to a superb free spins feature and random bonus rounds and prizes.