Perfect Gems (Play'n Go) Slot Review

Perfect Gems: Slot Overview 

Play’n GO has never shied away from controversy, and with Perfect Gems, the studio walks a fine line between homage and imitation. This 2019 release arrived in the midst of heated industry chatter, with many eyes watching how providers would respond to Big Time Gaming’s domination of the Megaways scene. Instead of licensing the engine like others, Play’n GO introduced their own in-house alternative called Payways, effectively mimicking the expanding reels and cascading wins of the Megaways model. The result? A volatile slot titled Perfect Gems, where up to 21,609 ways to win are possible and up to 5,000x your stake is up for grabs. 

Built with 6 reels and a horizontal reel feature, Perfect Gems mixes classical elegance with modern mechanics, taking players deep into a world that feels both refined and unpredictably rewarding. It may not reinvent the wheel, but it certainly adds a few stylish spokes of its own.

Design and Graphics 

Perfect Gems adopts a classical, Renaissance-inspired art style that immediately sets it apart from the mining or fantasy themes typically found in high-volatility slots. It’s all about gilded frames, gem-studded icons, and a cozy candlelit study bathed in a blue glow. The setting exudes old-world craftsmanship, with elegant detailing that evokes a sense of aristocratic luxury. The reel set itself is visually dynamic, thanks to its evolving layout. Reels 1 and 6 are locked at 3 rows, while reels 2 through 5 can expand to up to 7 rows during gameplay, leading to a shifting and animated play area. The symbols consist of polished playing card icons (9–A) for the lows, while shimmering green, yellow, red, and blue gems make up the premiums. The blue gem is the most valuable, paying 25x the stake for six of a kind. Wilds are confined to the horizontal reel at the top, but still play a key part in building combinations.

Gameplay Mechanics 

At its core, Perfect Gems is a high-volatility slot with a focus on cascading wins and a constantly evolving number of win ways. Starting with 6 reels, the slot features a horizontal reel that overlays the middle four reels. If a symbol on the horizontal reel matches the one below it, it splits that reel into two, increasing the number of symbols and the potential win ways. This mechanic means the middle reels can expand from 4 up to 7 symbols high, creating the maximum 21,609 ways to win. 

Wins are paid from left to right, and once a winning combination is achieved, the symbols are removed, and new ones fall into place. This is where the Win Multiplier kicks in. Starting at x1, it increases by +1 with every cascade, resetting only when no further wins occur in the base game. But in the free spins round? The multiplier never resets, leading to serious win potential.

Sound and Music 

The soundtrack of Perfect Gems perfectly matches its visual aesthetic — classical, elegant, and somewhat understated. The background score has a refined harpsichord-meets-piano vibe, almost as if you’re spinning in a noblewoman’s private library. 

It’s atmospheric but never intrusive. Sound effects for cascades, wins, and expanding reels are crisp and satisfying, especially when the multiplier starts climbing during free spins. Overall, Play’n GO has done a great job using sound to support the regal vibe of the game without letting it become overwhelming.

Bonus Features 

Win Multiplier 

A key feature in both the base game and free spins. Each cascade increases the multiplier by +1. It resets in the base game but remains persistent and only climbs higher in the free spins round.Horizontal Reel Split 

This mechanic mimics Megaways-style expansion. If a symbol on the horizontal reel matches the symbol directly below, the symbol splits in two, increasing reel height and ways to win. 

Perfect Gems Free Spins 

This is the feature that brings the big wins. Landing 3, 4, 5, or 6 scatter symbols (anywhere on the reels) grants 9, 15, 21, or 27 free spins respectively. Instead of the usual scatter, free spins introduce the Spin Scatter, which adds +2 free spins every time it appears. 

What’s more, the Win Multiplier active in the base game carries over into the free spins round, and never resets. It can continue growing with every cascade, giving the bonus round an exponential payout potential. The feature can be retriggered infinitely, making it a true gem of a bonus round if things line up.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Perfect Gems accommodates a wide range of players with betting options ranging from €0.20 to €100 per spin. This makes it equally accessible to cautious bettors and high rollers alike. 

The math model is highly volatile, which means it might go quiet for long periods, but when it hits, it hits hard. The top win possible is 5,000x the stake, which can be achieved in both the base game and free spins due to the unlimited multiplier. 

The game offers an above-average RTP of 96.50%, though as always with Play’n GO titles, operators may offer it in lower settings (94.2%, 91.5%, etc.), so be sure to check before spinning. 

Payouts for symbols are as follows: 

Blue Gem (Top Symbol): 25x for six of a kind 

Red, Green, Yellow Gems: Between 7.5x and 10x for six 

Card symbols (A–9): 1.5x or less for six 

Wild: Substitutes all regular pay symbols but appears only on the horizontal reel 

Thanks to the expanding reels, players can regularly see the game open up to a full 21,609 ways to win, especially during longer cascade chains.

Conclusion 

Perfect Gems is a polished, high-volatility slot that combines Megaways-style mechanics with Play’n GO’s signature polish and charm. It may not earn points for originality—especially given how closely it mirrors Bonanza and other dynamic reel slots—but it delivers a satisfying, volatile gaming experience with immense win potential. 

Visually, it offers something a little different in a genre dominated by mining carts and wild beasts. The elegant setting, smooth animations, and escalating multipliers create a flow that’s both calming and exciting. Where the game really shines is the free spins bonus, where infinite retriggers and a non-resetting multiplier create a thrilling sense of upward momentum. 

While some players might take issue with how derivative the title feels, others will find a more elegant alternative to Megaways here — one that’s less frantic, but still offers massive payouts. Whether you’re here for the cascading wins, the classy gem visuals, or the climbing multiplier, Perfect Gems proves itself to be a valuable addition to the Play’n GO catalogue — even if it is a little too perfect for comfort.