Few slots have been as keenly anticipated as Microgaming’s forthcoming Game of Thrones slot. The HBO TV series has been a massive ratings success around the world and the fictional land of Westeros is an ideal subject for what Microgaming is promising will be a “masterpiece of a slot”.

George R R Martin’s epic A Song of Fire and Ice, on which the Game of Thrones story is based, provides the backdrop for events in the show and Microgaming has taken these elements and devised their latest slot around the battle for power between four of the major House’s from the story.

The first big decision a player makes is whether to play 15 paylines (from 0.15 per spin) or 243 Ways to Win (from 0.30 per spin). Once the slot starts though and you get into the base game, you can find your chances of a win increased thanks to Stacked Wilds across all five reels.

The sound and livery of the slot are perfectly in keeping with the rustic feel of the TV show and liberal use of video from the TV series helps bring the slot further to life.

The scatter symbols are the key to the main features in the game. Two scatters unleashes a fiery dragons egg, which splits to reveal a random cash prize for the player. Land three or more and you are taken into the free spins section.

In the free spins section each of the four main Houses from the TV show, Lannister, Baratheon, Stark and Targaryen, want your allegiance; in return you’ll receive free spins and a multiplier bonus. You can opt for more free spins and a smaller multiplier, or fewer free spins and a larger multiplier. The choice is yours.

All wins in the free spins sections can be doubled if you predict a coin flip in the Trail Map bonus round, which takes place immediately following free spins.

Game of Thrones is a deep, exciting and fast-paced slot that captures all the elements of the TV show perfectly. This is a pokie you should definitely be playing this winter.