Pirate Gold Deluxe (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Pirate Gold Deluxe: Slot Overview 

Pirate Gold Deluxe by Pragmatic Play invites players to sail the high seas once again with a revamped version of their popular Pirate Gold slot. Released on November 12, 2020, this 5-reel, 4-row game with 40 paylines introduces subtle changes while maintaining familiar aesthetics and gameplay. While many would expect the “Deluxe” tag to signify major upgrades, this version instead feels like a streamlined adaptation, focusing primarily on the Lucky Treasure Bag respin feature. Missing are some key elements like free spins, but the game compensates with a max win potential of 15,000x the stake and a slightly tweaked visual experience. 

The game operates at a high volatility level with an RTP ranging from 96.48% (default) to lower versions of 95.48% and 94.48%, depending on the casino. With betting options starting at €0.20 and capped at €100, the slot is more accessible to casual players while still offering high rollers a chance to chase massive wins.

Design and Graphics 

Visually, Pirate Gold Deluxe doesn’t stray far from the original. The game is set against a vibrant maritime backdrop featuring a sunset over choppy seas, treasure-laden ships, and lanterns gently swaying in the ocean breeze. Pragmatic Play’s designers have fine-tuned the visuals with warmer tones, making the graphics cleaner and brighter compared to its predecessor. However, the changes are more subtle than groundbreaking. The 5×4 grid retains its polished appearance with symbols that embody a classic pirate adventure. From gold coins and treasure bags to telescopes, maps, and parrots, each symbol contributes to the thematic experience. High-value symbols include a male and female pirate, adding a human touch to the game. The wild symbol, represented by a treasure chest overflowing with gold, appears on reels 2-5 and substitutes for all other symbols except the Money Symbols. 

While the visuals are impressive, they are not significantly different from the original game, which may disappoint players expecting a “Deluxe” overhaul.

Gameplay Mechanics 

Pirate Gold Deluxe retains a straightforward yet engaging structure with 40 fixed paylines. Wins are achieved by landing three or more matching symbols on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel. The lack of free spins simplifies gameplay, centering the action around the Lucky Treasure Bag feature. 

Paytable and Symbols 

The game includes: 

• Low-Paying Symbols: Bronze, silver, and gold coins. 

• Mid-Paying Symbols: Hooks, telescopes, treasure maps, and parrots. 

• High-Paying Symbols: Male and female pirates, offering payouts worth 10x to 25x the stake for five of a kind. 

• Wild Symbol: The treasure chest, which substitutes for all symbols except the Money Symbol. 

• Money Symbol: Gold money bags that trigger the game’s primary feature. 

The absence of any innovative new mechanics makes the gameplay feel a bit barebones, especially for those familiar with the original Pirate Gold.

Sound and Music 

The soundtrack in Pirate Gold Deluxe remains largely unchanged, delivering a cinematic, sea-faring ambiance that fits the theme perfectly. The orchestral background music features dramatic crescendos and suspenseful notes, heightening the excitement during spins and feature triggers. Sound effects, such as the clinking of coins and creaking ships, are well-executed and add immersive layers to the gameplay. 

While the audio design is strong, it’s not new or unique to the Deluxe version, leaving a sense of familiarity for returning players.

Bonus Features 

The highlight of Pirate Gold Deluxe is the Lucky Treasure Bag feature, which replaces the free spins from the original game. This hold-and-win style bonus offers thrilling moments, though its repetitive nature might not appeal to all players. Lucky Treasure Bag Feature 

• Trigger: Landing 8 or more Money Symbols (gold bags) anywhere on the reels. 

• The triggering money bags lock in place, and players are awarded 3 respins. 

• During respins, only blanks, additional Money Symbols, or special modifier bags can land: 

• Purple Bag: Collects all the current values of gold money bags in view. 

• Green Bag: Adds a multiplier of x2, x3, or x5 to the total win (non-sticky). 

• Red Bag: Collects all visible bag values and remains sticky for the remainder of the round. 

• Treasure Chest: Retriggers the feature once all respins are complete. 

The feature ends when no new symbols land, or all 20 positions are filled with Money Symbols. If players fill the grid, they receive the Grand Jackpot worth 1,000x the stake. 

Buy Money Respins For those who don’t want to wait, Pragmatic Play includes a Buy Money Respins option, allowing players to purchase entry into the Lucky Treasure Bag feature for 100x the stake. This guarantees 8-19 Money Symbols on the next spin, increasing the chances of triggering a substantial win. 

While the Lucky Treasure Bag offers excitement and decent win potential, the absence of free spins may feel like a downgrade for some players.

Betting Options and Payouts 

The betting range in Pirate Gold Deluxe is accommodating, starting at €0.20 per spin and going up to €100. This flexibility ensures the game appeals to a broad spectrum of players, from casual gamers to high-stakes enthusiasts. 

RTP and Volatility 

The game operates at a high volatility level, rated 5 out of 5, meaning wins are less frequent but can be significant when they hit. The default RTP is 96.48%, but some versions lower it to 95.48% or even 94.48% depending on the casino operator. Players should always verify the RTP before playing. 

Max Win 

The maximum win in Pirate Gold Deluxe is capped at 15,000x the stake, a respectable figure for high-volatility slots. Achieving this requires a perfect round in the Lucky Treasure Bag feature, including multipliers and the Grand Jackpot.

Conclusion 

Pirate Gold Deluxe feels like a simplified iteration of its predecessor rather than a full-fledged upgrade. While the visuals are sharper and the Lucky Treasure Bag feature is engaging, the removal of free spins limits the overall gameplay variety. The game’s 15,000x max win potential and accessible betting range provide enough incentive for players seeking a high-risk, high-reward experience, but those looking for substantial changes may be left wanting. 

Pragmatic Play has delivered a polished, visually appealing slot with a tried-and-true bonus feature. However, the lack of new mechanics or groundbreaking updates makes it difficult to justify the “Deluxe” label. Casual players and fans of hold-and-win respin features will enjoy the game, but returning players may find little reason to abandon the original Pirate Gold. 

In the end, Pirate Gold Deluxe delivers solid pirate-themed entertainment, but it lacks the innovative spark expected from a “deluxe” release.