Rise of Samurai IV

Rise of Samurai IV is the fourth release in Pragmatic Play's ongoing samurai-themed series, and it introduces a dual-mode structure not seen in the earlier games — players choose between two named profiles at the start, each offering a different balance between Free Spins frequency and average bonus payout.

How it plays

Selecting one profile shifts the base game to a slightly different location — one takes place in an indoor dojo-style setting, the other outdoors around a palace-like backdrop — but the meaningful difference goes beyond cosmetics: one profile raises the chance of triggering Free Spins at the cost of a lower average win once you're in there, while the other lowers the trigger chance in exchange for stronger average bonus payouts. Players aren't locked in, either — the profile can be switched from the base game at any point if the initial choice doesn't suit.

Theme and gameplay feel

Rise of Samurai IV continues the series' Asian warrior aesthetic across a 5-reel grid, complete with wild symbols capable of expanding to cover entire reels — one of the main routes to the game's bigger multiplier swings.

What the RTP means for you

RTP for Rise of Samurai IV is listed at 96.05%, a solid figure that lands just above the typical 95-96% range most modern slots occupy, and a reasonably encouraging sign of the game's long-run value, though it's worth noting the exact figure can shift slightly depending on which of the two profiles is active.

Volatility explained

This is a high-volatility slot, rated 5 out of 5, and the profile system effectively lets players dial that intensity in different directions — leaning towards more frequent, smaller bonus rounds, or rarer but bigger ones — without changing the underlying volatility tier itself.

Max win potential and stakes

The maximum win stands at a strong 15,000x the stake, one of the higher ceilings in the series so far. Betting runs from 0.10 up to 100 per spin, with no ante bet option, though bonus buy routes exist at different costs depending on the active profile, plus a separate purchase option that guarantees an expanding wild on the very first Free Spin.

Verdict

Rise of Samurai IV's real innovation is giving players direct control over the risk/reward balance of its bonus round via the two-profile system, backed by a solid 96.05% RTP and a genuinely large 15,000x ceiling. It's a smart evolution of the series' formula for players who like to fine-tune their volatility rather than accept a single fixed setting. Worth testing both profiles in the free demo at johnessyslots to see which suits your style before playing for real money.