When Big Time Gaming released Bonanza Megaways back in 2016, it was pretty clear that they had struck gold. It completely transformed the online slot experience and inspired countless other similar slot games afterward. Fast forward to today; it’s still one of the most popular slot games out there.
If you’re new to the world of social gaming and wondering whether it’s worth diving into Bonanza Megaways, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll dissect all the core features and themes of this revolutionary slot so that you’ll know exactly what you’ll get when you decide to take it for a spin.
Bonanza Megaways Review
Bonanza Megaways is the first slot to utilize the Megaways idea, where each spin gives you a new way to win. Here’s a complete review of the classic slot machine:
Theme and Design
Bonanza Megaways transports players on an underground treasure quest against a perfect backdrop of waterfalls and rustic cottages. Unlike other somber mining themes, this game shows a brilliant, vivid gold mine environment. The attention to detail in the mining cart theme and precious stones and gold elements create an immersive atmosphere that perfectly balances the old-time prospector feel with modern slot mechanics.
Audio and Visuals
The visual presentation showcases high-end production values throughout. Symbols are meticulously designed with impressive detail while remaining easily distinguishable during fast-paced gameplay. The stone blocks housing the symbols provide excellent contrast, ensuring clarity even with the game’s complex reel structure.
The soundtrack features a distinctive hillbilly-style steel guitar tune that captures the Western setting. While the twanging melody adds character to the game, some players might find it repetitive over extended sessions. Fortunately, there’s an option to mute the audio without compromising the overall experience.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
With its innovative Megaways system and distinctive 6-reel layout, this game gives players 117,649 possible ways to win. The unique feature is the dynamic reel structure, which allows each reel to show anything from two to seven symbols every spin. Adding to this complexity is an additional horizontal reel above reels 2, 3, 4, and 5, featuring mining carts that introduce extra symbols into play.
The winning mechanic requires matching symbols on consecutive reels from left to right. The game boasts a generous hit rate of 37.47%, meaning players can expect wins approximately every 2.67 spins. This frequent-hit system helps maintain engagement even during longer sessions.
The Reaction function, sometimes called cascading winnings, is a thrilling addition since it allows fresh symbols to fall into place after winning symbols explode and go away. The domino effect can lead to multiple wins from a single spin until you run out of a winning combination.
Bonus Features and Spins
The bonus features center around the innovative free spins system. Players need to spell out “GOLD” using scatter symbols to trigger 12 free spins, with the possibility of gaining five additional spins for each extra scatter. During the free spins round, each reaction win increases a progressive multiplier that doesn’t reset between spins, leading to potentially massive payouts.
The game includes wild symbols represented by dynamite sticks, which can appear in the cart reel above the main play area. These substitute for all symbols except scatters, helping to create winning combinations. During free spins, a special gold bar scatter can appear in the cart reel, offering the chance to retrigger the bonus with additional free spins.
Betting Range, RTP, and More
While high-rollers may find a lack of variety, Bonanza Megaways’ betting range of 0.20 to 20 per spin makes it accessible to the majority of gamers. As far as RTPs go, this game is in line with the industry standards at 96.0%. The medium to high volatility of this slot has the potential for significant wins while ensuring a regular payout consistently.
Symbol values vary significantly, with the diamond being the most valuable regular symbol, paying 50x your bet for six of a kind. The game’s maximum win potential of 26,000x your stake is impressive, particularly during free spins where multipliers can accumulate to create substantial winning opportunities.
Overall Experience: 4.5/5
A turning point in the history of slot games, Bonanza Megaways effectively combines creative ideas with interesting gameplay. Plenty of Megaways games out there these days were inspired directly by this 2016 classic. The creative reaction system, limitless win multipliers during free spins, and the possibility of huge prizes make it a lasting favorite among Megaways fans.
The attention to visual detail, combined with the intuitive use of complex mechanics, creates an experience that remains fresh even years after its initial release. Even today, Bonanza Megaways continues to set the standard for modern slot gaming, offering a nearly perfect blend of entertainment and win potential.