Eastern Emeralds Megaways (Quickspin) Slot Review

Eastern Emeralds Megaways: Slot Overview 

Quickspin’s Eastern Emeralds Megaways, released on September 30, 2022, is a reimagining of their beloved 2018 hit Eastern Emeralds, now powered by the iconic Megaways engine. It’s a bold attempt to modernize a classic title that was already known for its juicy multiplier wilds and serene Asian theme. With up to 16,807 ways to win, the new version doesn’t just expand the reel mechanics but also introduces a four-tiered free spins picker, a gamble feature, and a bonus buy option. 

Set against a peaceful yet majestic East Asian mountain landscape, Eastern Emeralds Megaways combines visual elegance with sharp volatility. With a high variance math model, RTP of 96.04%, and the potential for wins up to 17,800x the stake, it promises intensity beneath its calm exterior.

Design and Graphics 

Eastern Emeralds Megaways maintains the tranquil and harmonious visual essence of its predecessor. The background showcases misty green hills, pagoda rooftops, and lantern-hung temples, immersing players in a spiritual East Asian realm. The golden-red color palette evokes wealth and prosperity, key symbols of the slot’s thematic inspiration.The game grid has expanded visually and mechanically, occupying a central pagoda-style structure. Each spin displays a variable number of symbols—between 2 to 7 per reel—which makes for a dynamic and animated grid experience. 

Symbols are a blend of card royals and East Asian artifacts. The low-paying 10–A royals are clean and jewel-toned. The premiums include coins, sycees, turtles, fish, and dragons—all designed with a rich, polished gold sheen that fits the slot’s luxury aesthetic. Quickspin has done an excellent job of making this Megaways makeover feel like a natural evolution, not a forced reskin.

Gameplay Mechanics 

At the core of the game is the Megaways engine, which transforms the standard 5-reel setup into a flexible format offering 32 to 16,807 ways to win. Each reel holds between 2 and 7 symbols, randomly changing on every spin to alter the total win ways. 

Wins are formed by matching symbols from left to right, starting from the first reel. While no cascading mechanic is present (a departure from many Megaways titles), multiplier wilds pick up the slack. Wilds only appear on reels 2 to 5, but they carry multipliers corresponding to their reel number (x2, x3, x4, x5) and multiply each other when more than one is used in a single win. 

This means that even in the base game, using two or more wilds in a win can significantly boost payouts. The combination of simple mechanics with explosive multiplier synergy is what keeps the action tight and rewarding.

Sound and Music 

The soundtrack in Eastern Emeralds Megaways is a meditative, string-based arrangement that perfectly suits the theme. Gentle plucks and flutes accompany spins, while a subtle crescendo signals wins. When bonus features are triggered or wild multipliers come into play, there’s a pleasant uptick in energy—marked by cymbal crashes and celebratory musical accents. 

Sound effects are soft and restrained but distinct enough to enhance the overall experience. The lack of high-intensity sound design may feel underwhelming for players used to explosive slots, but it works perfectly for the game’s graceful, contemplative vibe.

Bonus Features 

Free Spins (Destiny Bonus) 

The centerpiece of Eastern Emeralds Megaways is the free spins round, triggered by landing 3 or more phoenix-covered scatter symbols. Before the round starts, players must choose one of four free spin paths, each with varying levels of risk and reward:Option 1: 15, 30, or 60 spins (x2, x3, x4, x5 multipliers) – Max 120x wild multiplier. 

Option 2: 12, 24, or 48 spins (x3 to x6 multipliers) – Max 360x. 

Option 3: 9, 18, or 36 spins (x4 to x7 multipliers) – Max 840x. 

Option 4: 6, 12, or 24 spins (x5 to x8 multipliers) – Max 1,680x. 

The lower the spins, the higher the multipliers and the volatility. This feature balances risk-reward decisions beautifully and enhances replay value. 

Gamble Feature 

After triggering free spins, players have the option to gamble their awarded feature for a chance at a higher spin tier. This is a 50/50 gamble: win and you ascend, lose and the bonus round is forfeited. It’s an exciting but risky addition that can drastically alter the experience. 

Bonus BuyIf patience isn’t your style, Eastern Emeralds Megaways allows eligible players to buy direct access to the free spins feature for 90x the bet. This skips the base game grind and jumps straight into the Destiny Bonus.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Min Bet: €0.20 

Max Bet: €100 

Volatility: High 

RTP: 96.04% 

Max Win: 17,800x the stake 

Payout values are as follows: 

Low symbols (10-A): 0.2x – 0.75x for five of a kind 

Mid symbols (coins, sycees, turtles, fish): 0.9x – 2x 

High symbol (dragon): up to 3x the stake 

Wild Multipliers: Stack and multiply together, up to a maximum of 1,680x in the free spins 

Although the base payouts are modest, the wild multipliers offer significant win potential—especially when they line up across multiple reels during bonus rounds.

Conclusion 

Eastern Emeralds Megaways is a thoughtful and well-polished update to a Quickspin classic. It doesn’t seek to revolutionize the genre, but rather refine and modernize an already beloved format with Megaways mechanics. While it lacks cascading wins or flashy new mechanics, it compensates with a generous free spins structure, engaging multiplier wilds, and a tranquil yet premium aesthetic. 

The addition of gamble options, high-volatility free spin paths, and a bonus buy keeps the experience fresh and versatile, catering to both casual players and high-stakes enthusiasts. Some may find it more reserved compared to other Megaways heavyweights like Big Bad Wolf Megaways, but others will appreciate its focus on elegance over excess. 

If you’re looking for a high-volatility slot with slick visuals, rich multiplier mechanics, and meaningful player choice, Eastern Emeralds Megaways delivers.