Wild West Gold Megaways by Pragmatic Play is a thrilling return to the untamed frontier, offering players a revamped version of the original Wild West Gold slot. This time, the action comes with a Megaways makeover, taking the core mechanics of the original and amplifying them with the Megaways system. But how does this high-stakes, high-volatility adventure stack up? Is it the wild ride fans have been hoping for, or a rehash that doesn’t live up to expectations? Let’s saddle up and take a ride through this high-octane review to find out!
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Pragmatic Play |
| Reels | 6 reels |
| Rows | 2-7 rows |
| Max Paylines | Up to 117,649 ways |
| RTP | 96.44% (96.45% with Ante Bet) |
| Max Win | 5,000x |
| Volatility | High (5/5) |
| Bet Range | $0.20 to $100 per spin |
| Min/Max Bet with Ante Bet | $0.25 to $125 per spin |
| Bonus Trigger | 3-6 scatter symbols |
| Free Spins Awarded | 7 free spins |
| Wild Multipliers | x2, x3, x5 |
| Sticky Wilds in Free Spins | Yes, wilds remain for the duration of the bonus |
| Extra Free Spins | 2-6 additional spins for landing gold star icons |
| Bonus Buy Option | Available for 100x the bet (RTP 96.45%) |
| Win for 6 of a Kind (Premium Symbol) | 0.4x to 1x the bet |
| Wild Substitution | Wilds substitute for any paying symbol |
| Max Payout per Spin | 5,000x |
| Game Release Date | May 30, 2022 |
| Audio | Western-themed music with synthesizer elements |
Game Design and Visuals
Pragmatic Play stays true to the wild west theme, and if you’ve played the original Wild West Gold, the setting might feel familiar. The grid has grown significantly, with 6 reels holding between 2 and 7 symbols each, creating the possibility for up to 117,649 ways to win when fully expanded. The main visual upgrade is the music, which features a more atmospheric, gritty western score compared to the lively saloon piano of the original.
The symbols include a classic mix of wild west imagery, from gunslingers to gold bags, with high-paying symbols like the hero gunslinger and bag of gold coins offering decent payouts when they appear in clusters.
Gameplay Mechanics
The Megaways mechanic means that each spin offers a different number of symbols per reel, making for dynamic paylines. Wins are awarded when at least three matching symbols appear in adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel. However, there’s one notable absence: cascading symbols, which are a staple of many Megaways slots, are missing here. Instead, wins are one-off occurrences.
The wild symbols are where the game really kicks into gear. Wilds substitute for all other symbols and can come with multipliers of x2, x3, or x5. If multiple wilds land on the same win, they multiply together, which can lead to some seriously lucrative payouts, especially during the free spins bonus.
Bonus Features
Free Spins Bonus Round
The heart of Wild West Gold Megaways is the free spins feature, triggered by landing 3, 4, 5, or 6 scatter symbols on the reels. This will reward you with an initial payout and 7 free spins. But that’s not all—the free spins round adds sticky multipliers to wilds, which remain on the reels for the remainder of the round.
The multiplier wilds can be x2, x3, or x5, and the wilds change in size depending on the number of symbols on the reels. If that wasn’t enough, players can also land extra free spins by hitting gold star icons, which add between 2 and 6 additional free spins.
Ante Bet
One key feature is the Ante Bet, which increases the cost of each spin by 25%. In return, you receive more scatter symbols on the reels, thus increasing your chances of triggering the free spins bonus. It’s a great option for those looking to ramp up the action.
Bonus Buy (Non-UK)
For eligible players outside the UK, the bonus buy feature lets you skip the base game and purchase direct entry into the free spins round for 100x your stake. This guarantees a minimum of 3 scatter symbols, and with an RTP of 96.45%, it’s a great way to chase those high payouts.
Payout Potential
Wild West Gold Megaways offers a max win of 5,000x your stake, which might feel like a slight step down from the original Wild West Gold’s 6,750x. The drop in potential might leave some players feeling disappointed, especially since the Megaways mechanic usually comes with higher payout potential. Nevertheless, the game still offers substantial rewards through wild multipliers and sticky wilds during the free spins.
How to Play Wild West Gold Megaways
- Choose a Casino: Start by selecting one of the best online casinos in New Zealand that offers Wild West Gold Megaways. These casinos often provide a welcome bonus, so be sure to check for promotions that enhance your experience.
- Register and Deposit: After signing up, make your first deposit to activate any bonuses.
- Place Your Bet: Choose your stake, with options ranging from NZD 0.20 to NZD 100 per spin.
- Spin the Reels: Hit the spin button and start your adventure across the wild west!
- Enjoy Bonuses: Trigger free spins or buy the bonus round if you’re feeling lucky!
Verdict: A Worthwhile Adventure, But Somewhat Underwhelming
Wild West Gold Megaways has everything a fan of Megaways slots could want: beautiful design, fun mechanics, and rewarding bonus features. The wild multipliers during free spins can lead to great payouts, and the added bonus of sticky wilds makes the free spins round particularly thrilling.
However, there’s one glaring downside: the max win has been capped at 5,000x, which feels somewhat underwhelming considering other Megaways slots feature significantly higher win potential. It’s a great game if you’re a fan of the original Wild West Gold or just looking for a solid Megaways experience, but it doesn’t quite live up to its full potential.
For New Zealand players looking to try their luck, Wild West Gold Megaways offers an exciting and potentially lucrative experience, with big wins possible through wilds and multipliers. If you’re after a high-volatility adventure with the added bonus of Megaways, then this slot could be right up your alley. But if you were hoping for something with a bit more explosive potential, you may want to look elsewhere.
Bonuses and Promotions
As you embark on your Wild West Gold Megaways journey, check out the various bonuses available for players in New Zealand. Some casinos offer generous bonuses like Melbet’s Bonus Code VIVABONO, which gives up to NZD 1750 + 290 free spins. Similarly, 1xSlots offers a welcome package of up to NZD 2150 plus 550 free spins across your first four deposits. These bonuses can add extra fuel to your Wild West adventure!
