Apollo Pays Megaways (Big Time Gaming) Slot Review

Apollo Pays Megaways: Slot Overview 

Released on February 23, 2022, Apollo Pays Megaways marks Big Time Gaming’s first foray into ancient Greek mythology, a genre widely explored by slot developers. While the studio is known for innovation, this title leans on a classic theme centered around Apollo, the Olympian god of music, light, poetry, and prophecy. However, BTG infuses their own magic into the formula with a dynamic hold & win respin feature, a massive Megaways game engine, and a potential win of up to 116,030x the stake. 

Thematically, the game sets itself high above the clouds on Mount Olympus, offering both an ethereal visual experience and a relaxed pace that suits contemplative players. Though not groundbreaking in appearance, Apollo Pays Megaways distinguishes itself through clever mechanics and its impressive payout potential.

Design and Graphics 

Visually, Apollo Pays Megaways embraces a dreamlike aesthetic. Set against the cloud-drenched peaks of Olympus, the game offers players a heavenly vantage point complete with cascading waterfalls, classical temples, and glimmering sunlight. The reels are framed in gold, giving the game a regal flair that complements the divine theme. Symbols range from 9 to Ace card ranks (lower value), rendered in vibrant hues, to four richly colored gems (high-value symbols). Apollo himself, depicted as a radiant golden figure, takes the place of the wild, which substitutes for all regular symbols except the scatter. While the visual assets aren’t revolutionary, their polished execution adds to the serene atmosphere. It’s clear that the design prioritizes immersion over extravagance.

Gameplay Mechanics 

Apollo Pays Megaways operates on the classic Megaways engine, offering 6 reels and up to 7 rows per reel. The variable row system creates a highly dynamic setup, resulting in up to 117,649 ways to win on any given spin. 

Wins are formed from left to right, but unlike many Megaways games, there’s no cascading reel feature. Instead, BTG introduces a respin mechanic: when a win occurs, the winning symbols are locked in place, and the other symbols respin. If additional matching or wild symbols appear, they’re locked too, triggering another respin. This continues until no new symbols improve the win. 

This hold & win-style twist makes each spin potentially extend longer, increasing engagement. Combined with scatter lock-in mechanics and a Win Exchange system, the game’s structure caters to players who enjoy deeper tactical layers.

Sound and Music 

The audio design in Apollo Pays Megaways reinforces the game’s tranquil vibe. A mellow, ambient soundtrack flows through the background, enhancing the ethereal setting without overwhelming the player. Subtle chimes, orchestral melodies, and flowing harmonies evoke feelings of calm and wonder—matching the game’s sky-high Olympus backdrop. 

Sound cues highlight wins and respins, with satisfying clicks and musical flourishes that feel organic rather than intrusive. Overall, the soundtrack adds to the contemplative tone of the game, aligning with its moderate pacing and visual serenity.

Bonus Features 

Apollo Pays Megaways may not feature a crowded list of bonus features, but those present are both effective and unique in their execution. Win Exchange 

If a player scores a win worth 100x the stake or more, they can directly exchange it for entry into the free spins bonus round. If the win is between 25x and 100x, they may choose to gamble it for a chance at winning 10 free spins. This introduces an intriguing risk-reward element that empowers players with greater control over their progression. 

Respins 

The respin mechanic is a defining aspect of the gameplay. When a win occurs, all winning symbols are held in place, and the rest respin. If two or more additional matching symbols appear, the respin continues. This mechanic can lead to extended win chains and significantly improved payouts. Additionally, scatters are also locked during respins, increasing the odds of triggering the bonus round. 

Free Spins 

Triggered by landing 3 or more scatter symbols, the bonus game awards 10 free spins, plus 2 additional spins for every extra scatter beyond the third. The feature’s core mechanic is an unlimited win multiplier, which starts at x1 and increases by +1 after every respin during the bonus round. 

This multiplier can climb rapidly with consecutive respins, allowing for substantial bonus round payouts. Even better, landing 3 or more scatters during the free spins retriggers the round, awarding 4 extra spins, plus 2 for each additional scatter.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Apollo Pays Megaways accommodates a broad range of players with a betting range from €0.20 to €20 per spin. This flexible spread makes it accessible to both cautious players and high rollers. 

Key statistics include: 

RTP: 96.51% 

Volatility: High 

Max Win: 116,030x the stake 

Ways to Win: Up to 117,649 

Winning potential is impressive in both the base and bonus games. In the base game, players can land wins as high as 26,900x, while the free spins feature boosts potential dramatically with the aid of the unlimited multiplier. While there’s no published hit frequency, the game’s high volatility suggests longer dry spells punctuated by powerful wins. 

Low-value symbols (9 to Ace) pay between 0.2x to 0.3x for six of a kind, while the high-value gems range from 0.4x to 5x the stake. The wild symbol, featuring Apollo, appears only on reels 2 to 5, and substitutes for all symbols except the scatter.

Conclusion 

Apollo Pays Megaways is a fascinating entry in Big Time Gaming’s portfolio, blending familiar Megaways mechanics with fresh takes like the hold & win respin system and Win Exchange feature. Though not the most visually or thematically original slot, it compensates with refined execution and potent mechanics. 

The high volatility may not suit all players, but those who enjoy calculated risks and the chance at huge payouts will find plenty to enjoy. The 116,030x max win is one of the highest among BTG slots, and the unlimited win multiplier in the free spins feature keeps the excitement levels high. 

In summary, while Apollo Pays Megaways doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it polishes it to a gleam, offering a rewarding, thoughtfully paced experience for fans of high-stakes gameplay. With its mix of strategy, elegance, and explosive potential, Apollo Pays Megaways earns its place among BTG’s most engaging titles.