Sharky Slot Review by Novomatic
A pirate adventure with retriggering free games and a roaming rowboat wild
Sharky Slot Ratings
Sharky has been rated by our slots review team and scores an awesome 81% based from the category ratings overall.
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Sharky Slot Overview
Sharky is a pirate-themed slot from Novomatic, packed with treasure and adventure. Despite the name, Sharky isn’t a fish. He’s a pirate, and he’s the star of the show.
The game plays on 5 reels with 9 paylines. Our original review listed an RTP of 95.53% in the sidebar. Free games can be retriggered, and a pirate rowboat turns symbols wild as it crosses the reels.
The reels sit underwater, with a shark gliding menacingly across the top of the screen. Keep clear of him, or he might capsize your boat.
Sharky at a Glance
| Developer | Novomatic |
| Theme | Pirates and treasure |
| Layout | 5 reels, 3 rows, 9 paylines |
| RTP in our original review | 95.53% |
| Bet range in our original review | 1.00 to 100.00 |
| Wild | Sharky the Pirate |
| Scatters | Compass, ship and island |
| Free games | 10, which can be retriggered |
| Extras | Pirate rowboat wilds and a card gamble |
Theme and Design
Sharky’s reels are set deep underwater. Our original review described realistic graphics that capture the feel of true pirate plundering.
A shark patrols the top of the screen, adding a sense of danger. It’s a classic Novomatic look, with clear symbols and a simple layout.
Sharky’s Symbols
Our original review listed these symbols:
- Sharky the Pirate: the wild, and the top-paying symbol.
- Treasure chest: a valuable pirate prize.
- Parrot: Sharky’s loyal companion.
- Pirate swords: a classic pirate weapon.
- Compass, ship and island: the scatter symbols.
- 9, 10, J, Q and K: the lower-paying card symbols.
Betting Range
Our original review listed bets from 1.00 to 100.00. Check the bet range at your casino, as it can vary.
The Sharky Wild
Sharky the Pirate is the wild symbol. He substitutes for all other symbols except the compass, ship and island. That helps you complete more winning lines.
Sharky also pays on his own. Our original review said five Sharky symbols pay the top prize. It listed this as 500,000, but we couldn’t confirm whether that’s in coins or credits.
The Scatter Symbols
Sharky has three scatter symbols: the compass, the ship and the island. Our original review said the ship and the island are the key to the bonus.
The Free Games Bonus
The free games bonus works differently from most slots. You need to land two different symbols to trigger it: the ship and the island. Our original review called the island the beach in one place.
When you land them, you win 10 free games. Our original review said the free games can be retriggered if the scatters land in the right place again.
The Pirate Rowboat
The free games bring in a new symbol: the pirate rowboat. For every ship that appears, a rowboat is lowered onto the reels. The rowboat acts as a wild.
The rowboat then rows across the reels at random, turning symbols wild as it goes. It keeps going until a shark attacks it.
Our original review said the rowboat can’t turn the compass, beach or ship into wilds. If it escapes the sharks and ends up next to the treasure ship, you win between 18 and 450 credits.
| Feature | What it does (original review) |
|---|---|
| Sharky wild | Substitutes for all symbols except the scatters |
| Ship and island | Together, they start 10 free games |
| Retrigger | More free games if the scatters land again |
| Pirate rowboat | Rows across the reels, turning symbols wild |
| Treasure ship bonus | 18 to 450 credits if the rowboat reaches the ship |
The Gamble Feature
Like many Novomatic slots, Sharky has a gamble feature after every win. Our original review said you can double your win by guessing the right card colour. Guess the right suit, and you can quadruple it.
Just remember it’s a gamble. A wrong guess loses the whole win. You can always collect your win instead.
How to Play Sharky
- Check your casino’s lobby: make sure the game is still available.
- Set your stake: bets ran from 1.00 to 100.00 in our original review.
- Spin the reels: wins pay along 9 lines.
- Land a ship and an island: together, they start 10 free games.
- Watch the rowboat: it turns symbols wild until a shark attacks.
Who Is Sharky Best For?
Sharky suits players who enjoy classic Novomatic slots with a twist. The rowboat feature makes the free games more exciting than most older games.
It’s a good fit if you:
- Love pirate themes: treasure, parrots and swords.
- Enjoy roaming wilds: the rowboat turns symbols wild as it moves.
- Like a gamble option: double or quadruple your wins.
If you want lots of paylines or modern graphics, a newer slot may suit you better.
Tips for Playing Sharky
- Watch for both scatters: you need a ship and an island together.
- Hope for more ships: each one lowers another rowboat.
- Gamble wisely: don’t risk big wins on a card guess.
- Check the RTP: confirm it in the help screen.
- Set a budget: decide your limit before you start.
Why Pirate Slots Are So Popular
Pirate slots have been popular for years. Treasure chests, hidden maps and sea battles fit naturally with the idea of winning big.
Sharky adds its own twist with the shark and the rowboat. Instead of simple free spins, you get a mini adventure on the reels.
About Novomatic
Novomatic is an Austrian gaming company with a long history in land-based casinos. Sharky is an older game. So, you may not find it at all Novomatic casinos. Our Novomatic slots guide covers more of its best-known games.
Playing on Mobile
Many Novomatic games are available on mobile at casinos that carry the studio’s games. If your casino offers Sharky, check whether the mobile version is available.
What We Changed in This Review
- Status note: we’ve added that Novomatic doesn’t publish public pages for its older online games.
- Top prize: we couldn’t confirm the 500,000 figure in our original review, so we’ve flagged it.
- Scatter names: our original review called the island the beach in one place, so we’ve noted both names.
- Structure: we’ve added a features table, tips, pros and cons, and FAQs.
Is Sharky Worth Playing?
Yes, if your casino still offers it. The free games are more inventive than most older slots, thanks to the roaming rowboat. Watching it dodge the sharks adds real tension.
The downsides are the small number of paylines and the lack of current information. Check the help screen for the RTP before you start, and keep your stakes modest.
Sharky vs Modern Pirate Slots
Modern pirate slots often have hundreds of paylines, cascading reels and bonus buys. Sharky is much simpler, with just 9 lines and one main bonus.
That simplicity is part of its charm. The rowboat feature gives the free games a story, without making them hard to follow. If you enjoy classic Novomatic games, Sharky feels familiar but with a fun twist.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fun pirate theme with a shark twist
- Free games can be retriggered
- Pirate rowboat turns symbols wild
- Gamble feature to double or quadruple wins
Cons
- Only 9 paylines
- RTP of 95.53% is a little below average
- Current status not confirmed
- Top prize not confirmed
Our Verdict
Sharky is a lively Novomatic pirate slot with a clever free games feature. The rowboat turns symbols wild as it rows across the reels, until a shark ends the fun. It’s an older game, so check your casino first. If you find it, it’s a fun voyage for fans of classic slots.
Similar Slots to Try
For more ocean adventures, our guide to shark-themed slots covers plenty of other games. For a modern pirate game, try Pirate Kingdom Megaways. New to slots? Read our guide to games to play if you’re new to online slots.
Sharky FAQs
Who made Sharky?
Novomatic made Sharky.
How many paylines does Sharky have?
It has 9 paylines on 5 reels.
How do I trigger the free games?
Land the ship and the island scatter symbols together. You’ll win 10 free games.
Can the free games be retriggered?
Yes. Our original review said they can be retriggered if the scatters land again.
What does the pirate rowboat do?
It rows across the reels, turning symbols wild, until a shark attacks it.
What is the RTP?
Our original review listed 95.53%. Check the help screen at your casino to confirm.
Is there a gamble feature?
Yes. You can guess a card colour to double a win, or its suit to quadruple it.
Pirate slots are fun, but always set a budget before you play. For tips on staying in control, visit our responsible gambling page.
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