Wild West Gold Megaways (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Wild West Gold Megaways: Slot Overview 

Pragmatic Play takes players back to the dusty, sun-soaked Wild West in Wild West Gold Megaways, a reimagining of their original hit, Wild West Gold. With the power of the Megaways mechanic, the game delivers up to 117,649 ways to win, giving fans of Western-themed slots a high-volatility adventure filled with sticky wild multipliers, free spins, and thrilling payouts. While staying true to the spirit of the original, this Megaways version adds extra reel space and a touch of modern flair, making it a great choice for both fans of the franchise and newcomers to the genre. 

Released in May 2022, Wild West Gold Megaways comes packed with a flexible betting range (from €0.20 to €100 per spin), an RTP of up to 96.44%, and a maximum win potential of 5,000x the bet. But does this revamp live up to its promise, or is it just a reskin of its predecessor? Let’s dive into the details.

Design and Graphics 

Pragmatic Play delivers a visually immersive experience with a richly detailed Western backdrop. The setting is a classic Western town bathed in the warm hues of sunset, complete with rustic wooden saloons and lanterns glowing faintly in the twilight. The attention to detail extends to the symbols on the reels, which feature cowboy hats, guns, bags of gold, and iconic Western characters. While the visuals are engaging, they don’t stray too far from the original game. The expansion to a 6-reel Megaways layout enhances the aesthetic appeal, but it’s not groundbreaking. Still, the smooth animations and polished design ensure a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience.

Gameplay Mechanics 

The shift to a Megaways format is the most significant change in Wild West Gold Megaways. With up to 117,649 ways to win, the grid dynamically adjusts the number of symbols per reel, creating a new level of unpredictability. Wins occur when at least three matching symbols land on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel. 

However, unlike traditional Megaways games, Wild West Gold Megaways does not feature cascading reels. Instead, payouts are calculated at the end of each spin, which might disappoint players expecting chain reactions from winning combinations. The base game heavily relies on wild multipliers to keep things interesting, with multipliers ranging from x2 to x5.

Sound and Music 

The soundtrack in Wild West Gold Megaways complements its theme perfectly. Pragmatic Play has swapped the saloon-style piano tunes of the original for a more cinematic Western score. The music sets the mood with a dramatic blend of string instruments and subtle percussion, evoking the feel of an old spaghetti Western. Gunshots, whistles, and the clinking of coins punctuate the gameplay, adding an extra layer of immersion. 

While the audio is a marked improvement from the original game, it remains understated compared to some of the more dynamic soundscapes in other Megaways slots. It serves its purpose well but doesn’t steal the spotlight.

Bonus Features 

The bonus features in Wild West Gold Megaways are straightforward yet effective, with a focus on sticky wild multipliers and free spins. Wild Multipliers 

Wild symbols appear on reels 2, 3, 4, and 5, substituting for all regular symbols. These wilds come with random multipliers of x2, x3, or x5, significantly boosting the value of winning combinations. The multipliers combine if more than one wild is part of a win, creating the potential for massive payouts. 

Free Spins 

Landing 3, 4, 5, or 6 scatter symbols triggers the free spins round, awarding 7, 10, 12, or 15 free spins, respectively. During the feature, wild multipliers stick to the reels, remaining in place for the duration of the bonus. This is where the game truly shines, as the sticky wilds can lead to substantial payouts if they align correctly. 

Additionally, landing gold star symbols during the free spins round awards extra spins—2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 depending on how many stars appear. The free spins round is where most players will hit the game’s maximum win potential of 5,000x the bet, although reaching this cap is rare. 

Bonus Buy For players who don’t want to wait for the free spins to trigger naturally, Wild West Gold Megaways offers a bonus buy option. For 100x the bet, players can purchase immediate access to the free spins round, with an RTP of 96.45%.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Wild West Gold Megaways caters to a wide range of players with its flexible betting options. The minimum bet is €0.20, while high rollers can wager up to €100 per spin. The game’s volatility is rated at 5/5, meaning players should expect significant swings in their bankrolls. 

The RTP varies depending on the version being played: 

• 96.44%: Standard play with no Ante Bet or Bonus Buy. 

• 96.41%: With the Ante Bet active. 

• 96.45%: When the Bonus Buy feature is used. 

The maximum win of 5,000x the bet is a step down from the original Wild West Gold’s 6,750x, which may disappoint some fans. However, the sticky wild multipliers and high volatility ensure that big wins are still possible, particularly during the free spins round.

Conclusion 

Wild West Gold Megaways is a solid addition to Pragmatic Play’s portfolio, successfully combining the charm of the original with the enhanced mechanics of the Megaways engine. The game’s sticky wild multipliers and free spins provide enough excitement to keep players engaged, even if the lack of cascading reels feels like a missed opportunity. 

While the visuals and sound design are well-executed, they don’t break new ground, and the reduced maximum win potential of 5,000x compared to its predecessor may leave some players wanting more. That said, Wild West Gold Megaways is still a worthwhile choice for fans of Western-themed slots and those who enjoy high-volatility gameplay. 

For players looking for a modern twist on a classic, Wild West Gold Megaways delivers plenty of action. Just don’t expect it to reinvent the wheel. It’s more of a dusty ride into familiar territory rather than uncharted frontier. If you’re ready to saddle up, this game offers a thrilling, albeit predictable, journey into the Wild West.