Midas, the legendary king with the golden touch, is back in the exciting slot game, The Hand of Midas, developed by Pragmatic Play. Whether you’re in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, New Zealand players are in for an adventure with this high-volatility slot game that offers the chance to turn your spins into riches, just like the mythical king. Let’s delve into what makes The Hand of Midas such an engaging game, from its captivating theme to its rewarding bonus features.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Pragmatic Play |
| Reels | 5 |
| Rows | 3 |
| Paylines | 20 |
| RTP | 96.54% (may vary between 94.51% and 95.50%) |
| Volatility | High (5/5) |
| Max Win | 5,000x the stake |
| Max Win Probability | 1/998,191 |
| Min Bet | $0.20/€0.20 |
| Max Bet | $125/€125 |
| Free Spins Trigger | 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols |
| Wild Multiplier | 1x, 2x, or 3x random multiplier (wilds on reels 2, 3, and 4) |
| Sticky Wilds | Yes, during free spins |
| Free Spins Bonus | 1 to 3 spins awarded per mini-slot (max 15 spins) |
| Win Multiplier in Free Spins | Increases with sticky wilds, does not reset |
| Bonus Guarantee | 10x to 30x total bet depending on scatter symbols |
| Ante Bet | Increases scatter chances by 25%, raising the stake by 25% |
| Max Bonus Trigger | 300x the bet for 5 scatters (with mini slots awarding max spins) |
| Theme | Ancient Greek mythology (Midas turning objects into gold) |
| Game Setting | Underwater with ethereal columns, caves, and mystical music |
| Release Date | February 11, 2021 |
Theme and Graphics
Set against a mysterious, ancient backdrop, The Hand of Midas combines the mythical with the mystical. The game’s reels are adorned with ivy-covered columns and an ethereal glow that suggests a hidden treasure waiting to be unearthed. However, there’s an unusual twist to the design. While the game is based on Midas and his famed ability to turn everything he touches into gold, the graphics have a surreal, underwater feel. This intriguing design choice has a unique charm, evoking the ancient Greek world in a way that’s both dreamy and atmospheric.
On the right side of the screen, players will notice a large stone fist. This is more than just decoration – it plays a significant role by showing the win multiplier, which can dramatically boost your winnings during gameplay. The symbols are equally themed with golden goblets, treasure chests, and, of course, the king himself, Midas, portrayed in golden form, along with his daughter and the god Dionysus. All these elements are blended with a mystical soundtrack that completes the ancient, otherworldly feel.
Gameplay Overview
The Hand of Midas features a 5-reel, 3-row setup with 20 fixed paylines. The game is known for its high volatility, making each spin thrilling but also unpredictable. With an RTP of 96.54%, it offers a fair chance at winning, though the payouts tend to come in bursts. Players in New Zealand can place bets ranging from $0.20 to $125 per spin, which makes the game accessible to both casual players and high rollers.
If you’re familiar with other Pragmatic Play slots, The Hand of Midas will feel quite conventional in its mechanics. The game operates with the usual 3+ matching symbols required to form a winning combination, but what sets it apart are the wild multipliers and the free spins feature, which can lead to substantial payouts.
Bonus Features
Sticky Wilds and Multiplier Wilds
One of the standout features in The Hand of Midas is the sticky wilds, which add excitement to the bonus rounds. In the base game, wild symbols can land on reels 2, 3, and 4 and will have a random multiplier of 1x, 2x, or 3x applied to any win they contribute to. This multiplier is displayed on the stone fist on the right of the screen, and if multiple wilds land, their multipliers are added together.
The base game can feel a little slow, but things really heat up during the free spins round.
Free Spins Feature
To trigger the free spins, players need to land at least 3 scatter symbols, which are represented by the eerie hand of Midas. When this happens, the game enters an exciting phase where the reels are cleared of regular symbols, and mini-slot machines appear on the triggering scatter positions. These mini-slots spin to award 1, 2, or 3 free spins, and the total is carried into the bonus round.
During the free spins, sticky wilds are crucial. When wilds land on the reels, they remain in place for the duration of the bonus feature, increasing the potential for big wins. Additionally, the win multiplier doesn’t reset between spins, which means that every time a new wild lands, the multiplier increases, leading to potentially massive payouts.
The free spins also come with a minimum win guarantee, ensuring players will receive at least 10x, 20x, or 30x their bet, depending on the number of triggering scatters. If the bonus round ends without reaching the minimum win amount, it will retrigger, giving players another shot at hitting those lucrative multipliers.
Bonus Buy Feature
For players in New Zealand looking to jump straight into the action, The Hand of Midas also offers a bonus buy feature. For a price, you can buy your way into the free spins round. The cost is 100x, 200x, or 300x your total bet, depending on whether you want to trigger 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols, respectively. This feature can be a game-changer if you’re feeling lucky and want to skip the waiting.
Winning Potential
The game offers a maximum win of 5,000x your stake, which is a substantial payout, especially considering the game’s high volatility. While this potential may seem like a stretch, the combination of sticky wilds, multipliers, and the free spins guarantee make this goal attainable for those with patience and a bit of luck. Keep in mind that hitting the max win will cause the bonus round to end immediately, so managing your expectations and betting wisely is key.
Verdict: Should You Play The Hand of Midas in New Zealand?
The Hand of Midas is a slot game that impresses with its reliable mechanics and engaging bonus features. While its underwater theme may seem like an odd choice given the subject matter, the game’s design is effective in creating a unique and immersive atmosphere. The bonus features, especially the sticky wilds and increasing multipliers during free spins, add layers of excitement to the gameplay.
For New Zealand players, this game is a great option if you enjoy high-volatility slots that offer substantial rewards. The minimum win guarantee and the possibility of triggering multiple free spins rounds make it a compelling choice for both newcomers and experienced players. While the base game can feel slow, the bonus rounds are where The Hand of Midas truly shines.
Whether you’re spinning from the comforts of Wellington, Auckland, or Christchurch, The Hand of Midas promises a fun, action-packed experience that may just bless you with a golden win.
