The allure of South America’s ancient civilizations has always been a captivating theme for slot enthusiasts, and with Aztec Gems Deluxe by Pragmatic Play, that allure is heightened. Released as an upgraded version of the original Aztec Gems slot, this game offers a more refined and thrilling experience, making it ideal for players in New Zealand, from cities like Auckland, Wellington, and the capital Hamilton, who are keen to explore the treasures hidden deep within the jungles of ancient Aztec lands. Whether you’re playing from a mobile device in Christchurch or sitting comfortably at home in Dunedin, Aztec Gems Deluxe promises a dynamic and engaging adventure.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Pragmatic Play |
| Release Year | 2018 (Original), Deluxe version released later |
| Reels | 3 |
| Rows | 3 |
| Paylines | 9 |
| Minimum Bet | $0.09 (€0.09) |
| Maximum Bet | $90 (€90) |
| RTP | 96.50% (varies: 96.50%, 95.50%, 94.50%) |
| Hit Frequency | 1 in 8.26 spins |
| Max Win | 22,519x the stake |
| Volatility | Medium/High |
| Bonus Features | Money Respin, Wheel of Fortune, Jackpots |
| Wild Symbol | Aztec Golden Mask (substitutes for all except Money Symbol) |
| Money Symbols | Blue stone symbol with cash prizes or jackpots |
| Money Respin Feature | Triggered by 4+ Money Symbols; 3 respins, symbols lock |
| Multiplier in Respin | x2, x5, x8, x10 |
| Wheel of Fortune Prizes | Multipliers x18 to x388, Mini, Minor, Major, Grand Jackpots |
| Jackpot Values | Mini (100x), Minor (250x), Major (500x), Grand (1,000x) |
| Biggest Win During Testing | $6,520 from a $90 bet in a 200-spin session |
| Free Spins Feature | Not available; replaced by Money Respin bonus |
Gameplay and Features
When the reels of Aztec Gems Deluxe hit the screen, you’ll notice some key differences from its predecessor. The most significant change is the removal of the Win Multiplier Reel, a feature that previously multiplied wins by up to x15. Instead, players are greeted with a streamlined 3×3 grid with 9 paylines, set against the vibrant backdrop of the South American jungle. The graphical enhancements make the visuals more immersive, while the dramatic soundtrack continues to deliver an energetic atmosphere that complements the gameplay.
As players spin the reels, they’ll encounter five different gemstone symbols, ranging in value from the yellow triangle (0.89x stake) to the red diamond (9.78x stake). The Wild symbol plays a crucial role in creating winning combinations, substituting for any symbol except the Money Symbol. Wilds also come with their own payouts, rewarding players with 27.78x the stake for three on a payline.
Bonuses and Special Features
The real excitement in Aztec Gems Deluxe comes from the Money Respin feature and the Wheel of Fortune. Here’s a breakdown:
- Money Symbol & Respin Feature
The Money Symbol is the key to triggering the Money Respin feature. When 4 or more Money Symbols land on the reels, players are granted 3 respins with only Money Symbols on the grid. Any new Money Symbols that appear will reset the respins to 3, allowing players to rack up even more prizes. - Multipliers & Wheel of Fortune
During the Money Respin feature, the prizes are tallied and players have a chance to trigger one of two random modifiers:- Multiplier: A random multiplier is applied to the total win, with possible values of x2, x5, x8, or x10.
- Wheel of Fortune: This can lead to multipliers ranging from x18 to x388 or even one of the game’s 4 jackpots: Mini, Minor, Major, or Grand. These jackpots offer payouts of 100x, 250x, 500x, or 1,000x the stake, respectively.
- Wild Symbol
The Aztec Golden Mask serves as the Wild symbol, substituting for all symbols except the Money Symbol, which can trigger the Money Respin feature.
Volatility and RTP
Aztec Gems Deluxe offers a medium to high volatility, meaning that while players may experience periods of downtime, the game also offers the potential for large payouts, especially during the Money Respin feature or through the Wheel of Fortune. The default RTP (Return to Player) is set at 96.50%, which is slightly above average and suggests that players can expect decent returns over time.
What’s New in Aztec Gems Deluxe?
In comparison to the original game, Aztec Gems Deluxe has made several notable improvements:
- Removed the Win Multiplier Reel: While the multiplier feature was fun, the original game had low-paying symbols, making the effect of the multipliers less impactful. Removing the Win Multiplier Reel streamlined the game, focusing on more engaging features like the Money Respin and Wheel of Fortune.
- Enhanced Graphics: The visuals have been upgraded, providing smoother animations and a more polished look, which is a welcome change, especially for players who enjoy a visually appealing game.
- New Bonus Features: The addition of the Money Respin feature and Wheel of Fortune introduces exciting new ways to win, offering players a chance to trigger jackpots and multipliers.
Max Win and Jackpot Potential
The max win in Aztec Gems Deluxe can reach up to an astounding 22,519x the stake. While this is a rare occurrence, the Wheel of Fortune and Money Respin feature offer plenty of opportunities to win big, especially for those lucky enough to hit the Grand Jackpot, which is worth 1,000x the stake.
Who Will Enjoy Aztec Gems Deluxe?
This slot is well-suited for players in New Zealand who prefer simple yet engaging gameplay. While it doesn’t offer the complexity of some other slots, the fast-paced action, combined with the exciting jackpots and multipliers, will keep players entertained. Those who enjoy high volatility games with the potential for big wins will find Aztec Gems Deluxe appealing.
However, if you’re someone who enjoys intricate bonus features or deep gameplay mechanics, you might find this slot lacking in depth. For those looking for a straightforward slot experience with high reward potential, this game is definitely worth a spin.
Where to Play Aztec Gems Deluxe?
If you’re ready to experience the thrilling world of Aztec Gems Deluxe, there are plenty of online casinos in New Zealand where you can play this slot. Here are a few options with enticing bonuses:
- Melbet Casino – Use the bonus code VIVABONO to get up to $1,750 + 290 free spins on online slots.
- 1xSlots Casino – Claim an exclusive first deposit bonus of 150% up to $450 + 100 free spins by using the promo code VIVABONO.
These casinos offer a great way to dive into the game, either for real money or by trying out the free demo version to see if the game suits your style.
Final Verdict
Overall, Aztec Gems Deluxe provides a fun and straightforward slot experience with some enticing new features. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, the Money Respin feature and the Wheel of Fortune add enough excitement to make this game stand out. With its solid 96.5% RTP and the potential for big wins, it’s a solid choice for players in New Zealand who enjoy high volatility slots.
