The world of online slots is a vast and exciting landscape, with countless games vying for the attention of players worldwide. In this review, we’ll delve into one such game that’s sure to captivate your imagination – "Wanted Dead or Alive". This slot machine from Microgaming brings together two contrasting themes in an attempt to create something truly unique: a instant play mashup of Western cowboy flair and futuristic sci-fi elements.
Game Theme
The theme of Wanted Dead or Alive is perhaps its most intriguing aspect. On one hand, we have the Wild West, complete with rugged cowboys, dusty saloons, and tumbleweed-filled deserts. However, as players navigate through the reels, they’ll encounter an unexpected twist – a dystopian future where cyborgs and robotic creatures roam free. The juxtaposition of these two seemingly disparate settings creates an intriguing narrative that will pique even the most seasoned gambler’s interest.
Visual Design
Graphically speaking, Wanted Dead or Alive is nothing short of stunning. Microgaming has clearly spared no expense in crafting a visually immersive experience. As you spin the reels, vibrant colors and detailed animations transport players to the heart of this Wild West-meets-futuristic world. Each symbol – from cowboy hats and boots to robot arms and futuristic computers – boasts impeccable detail, making it easy to imagine yourself amidst the game’s vast expanse.
One notable aspect of Wanted Dead or Alive is its innovative reel structure. Comprising 5 reels with an unconventional setup (3-4-4-4-1), this unique design adds a thrilling layer of unpredictability to gameplay. With each spin, symbols tumble and fall into place like a scene from a Hollywood blockbuster.
Symbols and Payouts
The array of symbols in Wanted Dead or Alive is as eclectic as its theme suggests. Players will encounter traditional slot machine icons – including 9-Ace card ranks – alongside a bevy of thematic elements, such as:
- Cowgirl: 5x multiplier for wins
- Sheriff’s Hat: 10x multiplier
- Robot Eye: Scatter symbol (explained in detail below)
- Cyberdog: Wild symbol
The payouts themselves are similarly varied. With max wins reaching up to an astronomical 2 million coins per spin, even small victories can result in significant returns.
Wild Symbols
In the midst of all this chaos and excitement lies a key component responsible for determining your success – the Wild symbol. Cyberdog is your go-to wild card, capable of substituting any standard icon to create winning combinations. However, its real power lies in the game’s core mechanic: transforming entire reels into Wilds with a single spin.
Scatter Symbols
Robots have become an integral part of our lives; they also feature prominently within Wanted Dead or Alive as Scatter symbols. Landing 2+ Robot Eye icons anywhere on the paylines triggers one of two Free Spin modes – each providing distinct gameplay dynamics:
- Free Spins : Unleashes up to 15 bonus rounds featuring enhanced payouts
- Double Wild Free Spins : Transforms an entire reel into a double payout area
Bonus Features
Microgaming has clearly thought outside the box when crafting Wanted Dead or Alive’s bonuses. These features add layers of depth and excitement to what would otherwise be standard gameplay mechanics.
One standout element is its clever implementation of an "A-Wild-Anywhere-Pays" system, allowing you to win prizes on any position, regardless of payline alignment. Additionally, the game includes a series of exciting triggers – such as "Rounding Up Bonus" and "Full Reel Wilds" – that dramatically increase your chances of landing sizeable wins.
Free Spins
Reaching this segment is what sets Wanted Dead or Alive apart. Upon triggering the Free Spin mode, you’ll be transported into a fresh game session with an assortment of enticing elements:
- Enhanced Payout Multipliers : Doubled winnings on each winning combination
- Increased Symbol Reel Transformations
- Unpredictable Wild Generation
Here’s where things get truly captivating – Microgaming’s ‘A-Wild-Anywhere-Pays’ system kicks into overdrive, with the potential for up to 10 simultaneous reels transforming at once. With this explosive mix of variables in play, even small victories can snowball into substantial earnings.
RTP and Volatility
It’s essential to know what drives each slot machine – its Return-to-Player (RTP) rate determines how often it returns your money over time. In Wanted Dead or Alive:
- Medium-High RTP : 96% ensures consistent paybacks
- Volatility : Medium-high levels amplify the sense of uncertainty, making every spin feel like a thrilling experience
Betting Range and Max Win
Players can expect to engage in moderate bets with Wanted Dead or Alive – between $0.20 and $10 per spin (dependent on your chosen region). This makes it accessible for most budgets while still offering room for high-rollers.
To put this into perspective, the maximum payout of up to 200000 coins translates into:
- 2 million dollars in case of a max win at a denomination of $1
- 5000 pounds sterling if betting at £10 per spin
Gameplay Experience and Mobile Play
Navigating Wanted Dead or Alive’s unique reel setup can be initially overwhelming. However, once you settle into its rhythm, it’s hard not to fall in love with this frenzied experience.
The same cannot be said for mobile versions – Microgaming ensures seamless transitions across all devices, delivering an equally exhilarating gaming adventure on both iOS and Android platforms:
- Instant Play : Enjoy a high-definition visual feast right within your browser
- Mobile App : Download and access the game via dedicated apps
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Wanted Dead or Alive is more than just an innovative slot machine. It’s an immersive gaming odyssey that takes you on a thrilling ride through two contrasting worlds – each with its unique mechanics, rewards, and narrative threads.
Microgaming has masterfully blended disparate elements to create something truly one-of-a-kind: a captivating game experience combining both the unpredictability of Wild West gameplay and futuristic sci-fi flair.
