Mermaids (NetEnt) – Review & Demo Play

Playing the Game in Mermaids

As I play Mermaids by NetEnt, I start like this. I pick a casino with the slot, top up my balance, and set a firm budget for the session. I read the rules, then choose a stake that fits my plan, from low punts to the cap. I hit spin for manual control, or I switch on autoplay when I fancy a laid-back run. That’s all you need to get rolling, as wins build from the left on adjacent reels when symbols line up.

How to use the Controls in Mermaids

The layout in Mermaids is clean, so I use the control buttons without fuss. Spin sits central, autoplay is close by, and stake controls let me tweak the bet in seconds. I open the paytable from the info icon to check symbol values and features. There are options for sound and quick spins too, which keep the pace brisk. It takes no time to set the basics, then I settle in and let the Progress Globes and wilds do the heavy lifting.

Game Symbols in Mermaids

The paytable splits between seaweed-framed card royals and lovely mermaids. Five-of-a-kind pays are straight from the sheet. 10 pays 3x the bet, J pays 5x, Q pays 10x, K pays 15x, and A pays 20x. The blue mermaid pays 30x for five, the purple mermaid pays 40x, the redhead mermaid pays 60x, and the blonde mermaid pays 100x. The two premium mermaids also pay from two-of-a-kind, which helps steady the base game when they drop in pairs.

There are four versions of the wild symbol. They stand in for regular pays and also pay 100x the bet for five on a line. Three are Progress Wilds tied to their globes, while one regular wild appears only via Random Wilds. Winning combinations form on adjacent reels starting from the leftmost reel. You usually need at least three of a kind, except for the redhead and blonde mermaids, which pay from two, adding a nice touch of momentum.

Mermaids Symbols and Paytable

Symbol	Quantity	Payout
	5	x100
	4	x20
	3	x2.5
	2	x0.5
	5	x60
	4	x10
	3	x2
	2	x0.2
	5	x40
	4	x7
	3	x1.5
	5	x30
	4	x5
	3	x1
	5	x20
	4	x3
	3	x0.6
	5	x15
	4	x2
	3	x0.4
	5	x10
	4	x1.5
	3	x0.3
	5	x5
	4	x2
	3	x0.2
	5	x3
	4	x0.5
	3	x0.1
	Wild

Features - how they work in Mermaids

Landing Progress Wilds is the heart of Mermaids. Purple, green, and white wilds collect in their Progress Globes above the reels. Filling a globe triggers its feature. This loop keeps the session moving, as Random Wilds enhance a treasure-filled pick bonus and two free spins options. I like how the base game feeds the features, rather than waiting on scatters. It feels fair, steady, and you always know which meter you are aiming to fill next.

Fill the purple globe to 15 to trigger the Picker Bonus. You get three picks from a grid of shells and vases, with randomised prizes on offer. Bet multipliers range from 2x to 50x, and you can also reveal Mermaid Spins or Wild Spins. Payouts land instantly when picked. If you reveal a free spins feature here, it triggers without touching the green or white meters, which is handy when you are close to filling another globe.

Collect 30 green globes to start Wild Spins with ten free spins. Each spin adds 2 to 6 regular wilds to random positions, while green Progress Wilds do not appear. Collect 60 white globes to start Mermaid Spins with ten free spins. Random Wilds also land on every spin, and royals are removed, leaving only higher-paying symbols for a cleaner hit map. White Progress Wilds do not appear during Mermaid Spins.

Mermaids Maximum Payout

Mermaids has a top prize worth 1,974x your bet. That figure lines up with the published max win and tells you what the ceiling looks like when Random Wilds line up with premium stacks during the free spins. It is not a jackpot chaser’s dream, yet it suits sessions where I am after steady feature hits and tidy paytable pops. If I want the best shot at reaching that cap, Mermaid Spins with royals removed is the phase I aim for.

Payout, Volatility, and RTP - What you need to know in Mermaids

The RTP sits at 96.09% by default, with some operators offering a lower 94.10% setting. Variance is high, so you can go quiet between features, then see solid bursts during Wild Spins or Mermaid Spins. The maths matches the Progress system, as value often rides on filling the right globe at the right time. I stick to sites that state the higher setting, as it improves long-term return on paper and makes the grind towards features feel more worthwhile.

Stakes cover casual play up to a decent ceiling, and I prefer a measured bet when chasing white globes. Wins form on adjacent reels from the leftmost side, and most symbol types need three of a kind. For me, patience pays here. Mermaid Spins needs 60 white globes, which can take time in standard play, though the Picker Bonus can drop you in for free. That rhythm defines the slot’s flow and fits longer sessions.

Our Verdict on Mermaids

Mermaids isn’t the most exciting release from NetEnt, yet it nails visuals and gameplay polish. I rate the collection loop, as filling Progress Globes keeps me engaged, and the Random Wilds modifier adds real spice in both free spins modes. The top prize won’t tempt high rollers, but I had fun stacking tidy wins across features. It feels made for a casual play session rather than a banger, and that’s fine when I want an easy, relaxed spin.

On balance, the maths model holds it back a touch, yet the package still works. The best moment is Mermaid Spins with no royals, as premiums can cluster and the Random Wilds land on each spin. If you enjoy an underwater theme with clear goals and frequent pick moments, this one is a fair shout. I keep my expectations in check, aim for the white globe, and let the rest tick over while the mermaids do their bit.