The Amazing Money Machine (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

The Amazing Money Machine: Slot Overview 

Pragmatic Play, in collaboration with Wild Streak Gaming, delves into the steampunk-inspired world with The Amazing Money Machine, offering players a blend of retro-futuristic design and straightforward mechanics. Released on June 1, 2021, this slot features 5 reels, 3 rows, and 10 paylines that expand dynamically during certain features, enhancing the potential for more lucrative wins. 

With an RTP of 96.42%, medium-to-high volatility, and a max win of 5,100x, The Amazing Money Machine strikes a balance between frequent smaller wins and the occasional big payout. The game’s highlight is the titular “Amazing Money Machine,” which can randomly trigger features like Money Respins and jackpot reveals, adding unpredictability to the gameplay. Let’s explore the finer details of this steampunk adventure.

Design and Graphics 

At first glance, The Amazing Money Machine attempts to dazzle with a steampunk aesthetic, but the execution leaves much to be desired. The game’s reels are set against a backdrop of gears, cogs, and a metallic-blue interface, attempting to evoke the grandeur of industrial innovation. However, the visuals, though polished, lack the intricacy and charm that would make the theme truly captivating. The symbols include a mix of low-paying card ranks (10 through A) and premium icons such as glasses, ray guns, rockets, flying ships, and a charismatic explorer who bears a striking resemblance to a certain holiday movie character. While these elements are thematically appropriate, they feel dated and fail to stand out in a competitive market saturated with steampunk slots. 

Although the animations are smooth, they don’t add much flair to the experience. For a game centered around a fantastical money machine, the overall design feels uninspired, making it hard for players to fully immerse themselves in the theme.

Gameplay Mechanics 

The Amazing Money Machine operates on a traditional 5×3 grid with 10 fixed paylines during the base game. Wins are achieved by landing 3 to 5 matching symbols on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel. The gameplay is straightforward, making it accessible to newcomers, but seasoned players may find the lack of depth underwhelming. 

The game introduces a dynamic reel set, where the grid can expand to a 5×4 or 5×5 layout during bonus features, increasing the number of paylines and enhancing win potential. This mechanic adds some excitement but feels like a missed opportunity for greater innovation. 

Wild symbols, represented as diamonds, appear frequently and substitute for all symbols except money symbols and bonus triggers. While wilds improve the base game’s payout potential, their presence is more impactful during the bonus rounds.

Sound and Music 

The audio design of The Amazing Money Machine is serviceable but forgettable. The background music features mechanical sounds and whimsical tunes that attempt to convey the steampunk vibe but fail to leave a lasting impression. While the sound effects, such as clinking coins and the whirring of machinery, align with the theme, they lack the polish and energy needed to elevate the overall experience. 

During bonus rounds, the music shifts to a more dynamic tempo, adding a layer of excitement. However, the repetitive nature of the audio can become tiresome during extended play sessions. In summary, the sound design is functional but far from memorable.

Bonus Features 

The Amazing Money Machine 

The titular “Amazing Money Machine” is the centerpiece of the game, randomly activating during the base game to deliver money symbols, wilds, or jackpot symbols onto the reels. This feature injects unpredictability into the gameplay, but its rewards are often modest, diminishing its impact. 

Money Respin Feature 

Triggered by landing 5 or more Money symbols, the Money Respin feature is a staple of the game. During this round, the triggering Money symbols lock in place, and players are granted 3 respins. Every new Money symbol that lands resets the respin counter to 3. The round continues until no spins remain or all positions are filled with Money symbols. 

If 3 Money symbols cover the middle reel, the grid expands to a 5×4 or 5×5 layout, increasing the potential for higher payouts. At the end of the feature, all Money symbols are collected and their values are added to the player’s winnings. 

Jackpot Feature 

The Jackpot feature is the game’s primary draw, offering players the chance to win one of four jackpots: 

• Mini Jackpot: 25x the stake 

• Maxi Jackpot: 50x the stake 

• Major Jackpot: 500x the stake 

• Grand Jackpot: 5,000x the stake 

Triggered by landing 3 Jackpot symbols during the base game or Money Respins, the feature involves a pick-and-match game where players reveal coins until 3 matching jackpot names appear. While the concept is straightforward, the chance of hitting the Grand Jackpot is extremely slim, making it more of an aspirational goal than a realistic expectation. 

Money Symbols 

Money symbols come in various forms, including: 

Regular Money symbols: Display fixed cash values. 

Mystery Money symbols: Reveal their value at the end of a respin round. 

Wild Money symbols: Substitute for other symbols during respins. 

Jackpot Money symbols: Contribute to triggering the Jackpot feature. 

These symbols add variety to the gameplay but often result in payouts that fail to match the hype surrounding their appearance.

Betting Options and Payouts 

The Amazing Money Machine accommodates a wide range of players with a betting range starting at €0.20 and going up to €100 per spin. The medium-to-high volatility ensures a mix of smaller, frequent wins and occasional larger payouts, catering to both casual players and risk-takers. 

With an RTP of 96.42% and a hit frequency of 1 in 3.94, players can expect consistent engagement, though the rewards are often modest. The game’s max win of 5,100x is achievable through the Grand Jackpot, but with a max win probability of 1 in 13,315,579, players should temper their expectations. 

While the game’s payouts are fair, the reliance on jackpot features for significant wins may deter players seeking consistent returns from regular gameplay.

Conclusion 

The Amazing Money Machine is a mixed bag that struggles to live up to its steampunk aspirations. While the game offers a solid RTP, diverse betting options, and a few engaging features like the Money Respin and Jackpot rounds, its lackluster design and average payouts prevent it from standing out in Pragmatic Play’s portfolio. 

The steampunk theme, though promising, feels underutilized, with graphics and sound design that fail to capture the imagination. The dynamic reel expansions and Money Respin feature add some excitement, but their potential is often overshadowed by modest rewards. The Jackpot feature, while appealing on paper, is more of a pipe dream for most players due to its low hit probability. 

Ultimately, The Amazing Money Machine is best suited for players who enjoy steampunk aesthetics and are willing to take a chance on high-volatility gameplay. For those seeking innovation or immersive storytelling, however, this slot may feel more like a relic than a revelation.