Big Panda: bamboo, lanterns and a very relaxed bear

An Asian theme, Amatic style

Pandas have become a favourite slot theme, and Big Panda is Amatic's version. The bear takes centre stage among bamboo stalks and oriental motifs, with brighter colours than the studio's European-themed games. The card ranks sit at the bottom of the paytable and the themed symbols above them, so the screen is easy to read at a glance.

As with most of the studio's video slots, there's no complicated mechanic to learn. Spin, watch the lines and wait for the feature.

What's on offer

Line wins form the base game, and the panda is the symbol you'll be most pleased to see. A free games feature adds the bigger moments; the info screen explains what triggers it and how it works. After a win you can use the red-or-black card gamble, which appears on nearly every Amatic slot.

The pace is relaxed, and the sound design matches: soft chimes instead of loud fanfares. It's a game that suits a slower session, perhaps at the end of the evening when you want something undemanding.

Big Panda free play: a sensible test

The demo gives you 1,000 virtual credits; no sign-up or download required. Play 250 spins at one stake, around £0.20 equivalent, and keep an eye on two things. First, how many spins pass between free games. Second, what the free games actually return compared with what you spent waiting. Those two numbers tell you whether the game's rhythm suits you.

Try it on your phone too. The bold symbols stay clear on a small screen, which isn't true of every slot.

Our view

Big Panda is a friendly, uncomplicated slot that does what it promises. If you like Asian themes and a gentle pace, give it a go. The same game runs for real money at the casinos below.