Wild West Gold Megaways

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Wild West Gold Megaways: Slot Overview

Giddy up, folks! Pragmatic Play is taking us back out West with a fresh twist on their popular slot, Wild West Gold. This time around, they've given the game a Megaways makeover, revving up the core mechanics while keeping the original features intact. So, will this revamped version thrill fans or add more fuel to the fire of critics skeptical of the Megaways trend? Grab your cowboy hats and join us as we rustle up the details.

The first noticeable changes are mostly on the surface. Naturally, the game grid has been expanded to fit 6 reels, each capable of holding 2 to 7 symbols. With the Megaways system in play, the number of ways to win varies, reaching up to a whopping 117,649 when all reels are fully loaded. But perhaps the most immediate change comes in the form of the music. This time around, Pragmatic Play's sound team has dialed up the grittier side of the Wild West, opting for a more rugged synth-driven soundtrack compared to the lively saloon piano tunes of the original. The switch in music isn't necessarily better or worse, just different. So, the question arises: will there be more substantial alterations to come?

While the grid may have expanded in size, some numbers have actually shrunk. One such number is the RTP (Return to Player) rate, which now maxes out at 96.44%, or 96.41% with the Ante Bet activated. Standard bets range from 20 pence/cents to $/€100 per spin, with the Ante Bet option adding an extra 25% to the cost to include additional scatter symbols on the reels. Despite the increase in size, the volatility remains high, rated at a solid 5 out of 5. However, when it comes to potential winnings, Wild West Gold Megaways falls short, which is perhaps one of its weakest points, as we'll soon see.

Wins are achieved when three or more matching symbols land in adjacent reels, beginning from the leftmost reel. Interestingly, despite being a Megaways game, cascading reels do not come into play when wins occur, whether in the base game or during the bonus rounds. Instead, players receive a one-off win ranging from 0.25 to 0.3 times the bet for combinations made up of the lower-paying 10-A symbols, or 0.4 to 1 times the bet for combinations consisting of the higher-value pistols, gold bags, or character symbols. Wild symbols play a crucial role in achieving better wins in Wild West Gold Megaways. They can appear on reels 2, 3, 4, or 5, substituting for any paying symbol. Additionally, wilds may come with random multipliers of x2, x3, or x5, and these multipliers stack if more than one wild is involved in a winning combination.

Wild West Gold Megaways: Slot Features

In addition to wild multipliers, the standout feature in Wild West Gold Megaways is its free spins bonus round. This feature is activated when 3, 4, 5, or 6 scatter symbols land on the reels, awarding a payout of 4x, 20x, 100x, or 500x the bet, respectively, along with 7 free spins. During the free spins round, whenever a wild symbol appears, it receives a multiplier of x2, x3, or x5, remaining on the reels until the end of the round. Given the dynamic nature of the Megaways grid, wild symbols adjust in size as the number of symbols on the reels changes. Additionally, landing 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 gold star overlay icons grants players an extra 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 free spins, respectively.

For those eager to jump straight into the action, Wild West Gold Megaways offers a Bonus Buy option. Eligible players can purchase free spins instead of waiting to trigger them naturally. For the cost of 100 times the bet, a spin is initiated, guaranteeing the appearance of 3, 4, 5, or 6 scatter symbols. It's worth noting that buying the bonus has an RTP value of 96.45%.

Comparison with Other Games

Game Design of Wild West Gold Megaways

Step into your weathered boots and venture into the sun-soaked canyons of the American West. “Wild West Gold Megaways” combines the rugged charm of the frontier with the dynamic Megaways system, promising an exhilarating ride through spinning reels and high-stakes shootouts.

Design and Theme

• Visuals: The game’s design transports players to a dusty town, complete with wooden saloons, cacti, and a blazing sunset. The symbols feature classic Western motifs: cowboys, revolvers, horseshoes, and gold nuggets.
• Soundtrack: Imagine the twang of a guitar and the distant howl of a coyote as you spin the reels. The soundtrack complements the theme perfectly.

Game Mechanics

• Megaways Engine: With up to 117,649 ways to win, “Wild West Gold Megaways” keeps the action intense. Each spin reveals a varying number of symbols on each reel, creating dynamic winning combinations.
• Volatility: The game offers high volatility, promising big wins but with occasional dry spells.
• Betting Range: Bet from 20 cents to 100 euros per spin.
• Symbols: Cowboys, bandits, sheriff badges, and gold bars populate the reels.

Special Features

1. Sticky Wild Multipliers: Wild symbols not only substitute for other symbols but also come with multipliers (2x, 3x, or 5x). They remain sticky during free spins.
2. Free Spins: Land three or more scatters (represented by the sheriff badge) to trigger free spins. During this feature, sticky wild multipliers can lead to massive payouts.

Winning Potential

• Max Payout: The game’s top win potential is an impressive 5,000x your bet.
• Strategic Choices: Balancing bet size, multipliers, and free spins adds depth to the gameplay.

Wild West Gold Megaways: Slot Verdict

It's hard to ignore the widespread adoption of Megaways in the world of online slots. From its origins with Big Time Gaming to becoming one of the most sought-after licenses in online gambling, its growth has been nothing short of remarkable. However, the integration of Megaways isn't always met with universal acclaim. While it can enhance older slots and provide a fresh experience, there are times when it feels like a cynical or lazy cash grab. While we're not suggesting that Wild West Gold Megaways falls into the latter category, Pragmatic Play's implementation doesn't do much to justify the re-release, and in some ways, it feels like a missed opportunity.

In terms of audio-visuals and gameplay, Wild West Gold Megaways maintains its solid foundation. If you've ever imagined a Dead or Alive Megaways, this game, along with Desperados Wild Megaways, comes close to that experience. However, when compared directly, it feels more akin to The Dog House Megaways rather than a groundbreaking evolution. While it would have been nice to see cascading reels included, the presence of wild multipliers, particularly during free spins where they become sticky, adds excitement to the gameplay.

Yet, despite its strengths, there's an underlying sense of disappointment. Not because of what Wild West Gold Megaways does, but rather what it fails to achieve. The noticeable decrease in potential, from the 6,750x maximum win of the original version to the 5,000x cap in the Megaways edition, leaves a lingering feeling of missed opportunity. Imagine if NetEnt released Dead or Alive Megaways with such a limit; it would likely face swift criticism and scrutiny.

In summary, Wild West Gold Megaways had the potential to be exceptional. However, it falls short of this mark, which is unfortunate. While it may satisfy fans clamoring for a Megaways version of the original, one can't help but wonder why Pragmatic Play opted for a lower maximum win potential. With a more impressive figure backing it, Wild West Gold Megaways could have been the outlaw that commands attention and respect. Instead, it feels like bringing a fork to a gunfight at this level of potential.