Shadow of the Panther is one of those older High 5 Games pokies that still has a clear idea behind it. You get a 5-reel, 3-row jungle slot with 30 paylines, but the real twist is in the Split Symbols, Super Stacks, Wild pays and Free Games built around the golden panther Scatter.
last updated 15 June 2026
Shadow of the Panther Pokie Review
Nature-Themed
Jungle-Themed
Animals-Themed
Quick Facts
RTP
96.0%
Volatility
Low
Provider
High 5 Games
Min Bet
AU$0.30
Max Bet
AU$1200
Max Win
1,000x
Free spins
Bonus game
Wild symbol
Scatter Symbol
Multiplier
Symbol Stacked
Jackpot Game
Slot reels
5
Slot lines
30 fixed paylines
Release Date
2014
Page contents
- Game Overview
- Game Features & Mechanics
- Technical Specifications
- Paytable & Symbol Values
- Graphics, Animations & Sound Design
- Game Gallery
- Shadow of the Panther on Mobile Devices and Other Platforms
- How Shadow of the Panther Compare to Similar Pokies?
- About High 5 Games — The Developer Behind the Game
- Final Verdict
- Last Pokie Reviews
- Frequently
Game Overview
Shadow of the Panther is a High 5 Games pokie with a dark jungle theme, animal symbols and a half-human panther figure at the top of the paytable. The game uses a classic 5x3 layout with 30 paylines, so wins need matching symbols on played lines from the leftmost reel. What makes it more than a basic line slot is the way symbols can expand in value. Split Symbols count as two symbols on the same reel position, which means premium combinations can reach up to 10 symbols on one line. Super Stacks add another layer by placing mystery stacks that transform before the reels settle. Free Games start when 5 or more golden panther Scatters appear on reels 2 to 5. The listed RTP is 96.0%, and the real-money bet range is commonly shown around $0.30 to $1,200, depending on the casino.
Game Features & Mechanics
-
Fixed Paylines
Shadow of the Panther uses 30 paylines. Winning symbols must land on adjacent reels from the far left, and only the highest win pays per line.
-
Split Symbol Wins
The main premium symbols can appear as Split Symbols. Each split version counts as two symbols, allowing bigger line counts than a standard 5-reel setup.
-
Super Stacks Feature
Mystery stacked positions can transform into the same symbol at the start of a spin. That applies in the base game and Free Games.
-
Free Games Bonus
Five or more Scatters on reels 2, 3, 4 and 5 start the bonus. The feature uses different reels and cannot retrigger.
Technical Specifications
-
Volatility Level
Shadow of the Panther plays closer to low-to-medium volatility. The line setup is simple, but Split Symbols and Super Stacks can create sharper jumps.
-
RTP Explained
The listed theoretical RTP is 96.0%. Casino versions can still vary, so it is worth checking the in-game help screen before real-money play.
-
Bet Range
Real-money versions commonly show bets from $0.30 to $1,200 per spin. Exact limits can change by casino, currency and jurisdiction.
Paytable & Symbol Values
The regular paytable has a clear split between premium jungle symbols and lower-value icons. The human panther symbol is the best regular symbol, paying 8, 10, 12, 15, 30, 50, 150 or 300 credits for 3 to 10 matching symbols. The black panther pays from 6 up to 250 credits, while the jaguar and leopard both award 5 up to 175 credits. These four premium symbols also include a special substitution feature where one matching symbol can count as two identical symbols in a winning combination. Below them are the jewel symbols and card ranks. The blue, purple and green jewel-style icons pay 4, 6 or 10 credits for 3 to 5 matching symbols, while A, K and Q pay 3, 5 or 8 credits. The Wild has its own paytable, with 2, 3, 4 or 5 Wilds paying 15, 50, 250 or 1,000 credits before bet modifiers.
Special Symbols
Wild Symbol
The Shadow of the Panther logo is Wild. It substitutes for all symbols except Scatters and also has its own paytable. Two Wilds pay 15 credits, while five award up to 1,000 credits before bet modifiers.
Golden Panther Scatter
The golden panther statue is the Scatter. It pays from any position and appears only on reels 2, 3, 4 and 5. The Scatter can also appear as a double symbol. One Split Scatter counts as two Scatters, which can help the Free Games trigger.
Split Premium Symbols
The panther man, black panther, jaguar and leopard can appear as Split Symbols. One split version counts as two matching symbols on that reel.
Mystery Stacks
Super Stack mystery symbols transform at the start of a spin. Every mystery position in the same reel stack becomes the same revealed symbol.
Graphics, Animations & Sound Design
-
Graphics
Shadow of the Panther has a dark jungle look rather than a bright animal-slot style. The blue-black panther, leopard, jaguar and golden statue symbols give the game most of its identity. It looks older now, but the symbols are distinct enough for quick reel reading.
-
Animations
The best visual moments come from Super Stacks and Split Symbols. Watching mystery stacks reveal into one symbol gives the base game a useful lift. The Free Games screen does not overdo the animation, but it makes the bonus feel separate from normal spins.
-
Sound Design
The soundtrack leans into the jungle setting with deep, atmospheric effects and sharper win sounds. It does not try to explain the game for you. That is fine here, because the important information is all on the reels: Scatters, Wilds and stacked reveals.
-
Visual Feel & Interactivity
The game feels simple at first because it is still a 30-line slot. The extra interest comes from watching how many symbols a Split combination can count for, and whether the mystery stacks reveal into a useful high-value symbol.
Game Gallery
Shadow of the Panther on Mobile Devices and Other Platforms
Shadow of the Panther works well on mobile because the layout is not crowded. A 5x3 grid is easier to read than many modern reel setups, and the 30 paylines do not make the screen feel overloaded. The main thing to follow is not the line pattern, but the symbols themselves. Split Symbols matter because they can count as two. Mystery stacks matter because they can turn a plain-looking spin into a much stronger one. Phone play is fine once you know which icons are special. Tablet and desktop are better if you want to check the full paytable, especially the 3-to-10 symbol premium pays and the Free Games rules.
-
Android
Android works well for regular Shadow of the Panther spins. A larger screen helps when Split Symbols and mystery stacks appear together on the same result.
-
iOS
iOS suits quick sessions, especially on newer iPhones. The 5x3 grid stays readable, though paytable checks are easier in landscape.
-
Tablet
Tablet gives the best mobile balance. You can follow the reels clearly and still read the feature rules without squeezing the screen.
-
Desktop
Desktop is the cleanest option for longer play. The paytable, line setup and Super Stacks behaviour are easier to check before betting.
Optimal Gameplay Tips
-
Use Stable Connection
EssentialFree Games use a separate reel set and should play through without interruption. A stable connection helps avoid reloads during bonus sequences.
-
Landscape Mode Recommended
RecommendedLandscape makes the paytable, controls and symbol details easier to read. It is especially useful when checking Split Symbol values.
-
Audio Settings
OptionalThe sound adds jungle atmosphere, but it is not essential for decisions. Watch the Wild, Scatter and mystery stack results first.
-
Full Screen Mode
RecommendedFull screen helps with older-style interfaces. It gives the reels more room and makes stacked mystery symbols easier to spot.
How Shadow of the Panther Compare to Similar Pokies?
Shadow of the Panther
High 5 Games
96.0%
Low
0.30
Gonzo's Quest 2: Return to El Dorado
NetEnt
96.1%
High
0.30
Sizzling Moon
Wazdan
96.1%
High
0.40
Wild Beach Party
Pragmatic Play
96.5%
High
0.20
Lion Gems 3 Pots: Hold and Win
Playson
95.8%
High
0.20
About High 5 Games — The Developer Behind the Game
High 5 Games has been around since 1995, and Shadow of the Panther shows the studio’s older design style clearly. The game is not built around a huge bonus menu or an overloaded screen. It uses a direct 5x3 layout, then gives the reels more value through Split Symbols and Super Stacks. That is very High 5: take a familiar slot shape, then add a mechanic that makes individual symbols matter more.
The provider has created games for land-based, online, mobile and social markets, with a large catalogue spread across many regulated regions. We think that background explains why Shadow of the Panther still feels easy to understand. It plays like a machine-style slot, not a complicated feature chase. The jungle theme gives it a clear face, while the maths interest sits in the double symbols and stacked reveals. It is not the newest High 5 title, but it still has a recognisable mechanic behind the artwork.
-
Long Catalogue
High 5 Games has a large slot library across online, mobile, social and land-based markets, with many games built around clear reel mechanics.
-
Feature Identity
The studio often gives older-style slots one memorable hook. Here, that role belongs to Split Symbols and Super Stacks.
-
Recognisable Themes
High 5 uses direct themes that players can read quickly. Shadow of the Panther goes straight for jungle, animals and mystery.
Final Verdict
Why It’s Worth Playing
- Split Symbols let premium wins count past the normal five-symbol line limit, which gives the paytable more reach
- Super Stacks can turn mystery reel positions into matching symbols, making some spins feel much more active
- The Wild pays up to 1,000 credits, so it is more than a simple substitute symbol
- Free Games use different reels, giving the bonus a separate feel from the base game
- The 30-payline setup is easy to understand, even with Split Symbols and stacked mystery reveals added
Things to Consider
- There is no Bonus Buy, Ante Bet, progressive jackpot or modern side feature
- Free Games cannot retrigger, so the feature ends once the awarded spins are used
- The graphics look older beside newer High 5 Games pokies with larger bonus systems
Overall Rating
7.2
Bottom Line
Shadow of the Panther is a proper older High 5 Games pokie: direct, readable and built around one or two useful reel ideas. We like it more for the Split Symbols than for the jungle theme, because those double-counting icons give the game its edge. Super Stacks add another reason to watch the reels before judging a spin too quickly. The Free Games Bonus is simple and cannot retrigger, so players wanting modern jackpot layers may find it limited. Still, with 30 paylines, 96.0% RTP and a Wild that pays up to 1,000 credits, it has more detail than a plain animal slot.
Last Pokie Reviews
Provider: Pragmatic Play
RTP: 96.5%
Volatility: High
Release Date: 2021
Provider: Play'n GO
RTP: 96.2%
Volatility: High
Release Date: 2026
Provider: Nolimit City
RTP: 96.0%
Volatility: High
Release Date: 2024
Provider: Play'n GO
RTP: 96.2%
Volatility: High
Release Date: 2016
Provider: Gamomat
RTP: 96.1%
Volatility: High
Release Date: 2020
Provider: IGT
RTP: 95.0%
Volatility: Medium
Release Date: 2009
Emergency Help
If you're having thoughts of self-harm or suicide,
seek immediate help or call 000 for emergency services.
Frequently
How many paylines does Shadow of the Panther have?
Shadow of the Panther has 30 paylines on a 5-reel, 3-row layout. Wins need matching symbols on played lines from the leftmost reel.
Does Shadow of the Panther have a jackpot?
No. The base Shadow of the Panther game does not have a progressive jackpot. The main features are Wilds, Scatters, Split Symbols, Super Stacks and Free Games.
How do Free Games trigger?
Free Games start when 5 or more golden panther Scatters appear anywhere on reels 2, 3, 4 and 5 during the base game.
How many Free Games can you win?
Five Scatters award 5 free games, six award 7, seven award 10, and eight award 15. The Free Games Bonus cannot be retriggered.
What are Split Symbols?
Split Symbols count as two symbols in one reel position. They appear on premium symbols and can help create longer line combinations.
Can't find the answer to your question?
Contact responsible gaming specialists or casino support. Remember:
it's better to ask questions than to play without understanding.