Bonanza Megaways is more than just a slot game; it’s a landmark in the online gaming industry. Released by Big Time Gaming in December 2016, this game brought a new level of excitement to the world of online slots. With its innovative Megaways mechanic, Bonanza Megaways quickly became a favorite among players and continues to be a dominant force in the industry. This article delves into the details that make this game a standout, from its unique theme and storyline to its gameplay mechanics and special features.
Theme and Storyline
The theme of Bonanza Megaways centers around a gold mining expedition. The game takes you deep into the hills where mining for precious gems and gold is the order of the day. The backdrop is set against an idyllic landscape featuring hills, waterfalls, and a miner’s hut. The theme is executed with precision, using high-quality graphics and animations to create an immersive environment. The symbols on the reels, including gemstones and gold bars, further reinforce the mining theme. This focus on a single, well-developed theme is a key reason why Play Bonanza Megaways stands out in the crowded online slot market.
Game Details
Here are the essential details of Bonanza Megaways:
| Feature | Detail |
| Release Date | December 2016 |
| Developer | Big Time Gaming |
| Reels | 6 |
| Paylines | Up to 117,649 |
| RTP | 96% |
| Volatility | Medium to High |
| Max Win | 26,000x bet |
| Bet Range | $/£/€0.20 to $/£/€20 per spin |
This section provides a clear overview of what players can expect when they start playing Bonanza Megaways. The game’s RTP (Return to Player) is set at 96%, which is considered average for online slots, offering a balanced experience between risk and reward. The volatility is medium to high, meaning that while wins may not be frequent, they can be substantial when they do occur.
Gameplay Mechanics
Bonanza Megaways slot utilizes the Megaways mechanic, which was revolutionary at the time of its release. The game is played on a 6-reel machine, where the number of symbols on each reel changes with every spin. This dynamic reel structure means that the number of paylines can vary from spin to spin, reaching up to 117,649 ways to win.
Key Gameplay Features:
- Cascading Reels: After a winning combination is formed, the winning symbols are removed, and new symbols drop down to fill the gaps. This can create additional winning opportunities from a single spin.
- Horizontal Reel: An extra horizontal reel above the main reels adds additional symbols to reels 2, 3, 4, and 5. This increases the chances of forming winning combinations and adds an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay.
- Wilds and Scatters: Wild symbols, represented by sticks of dynamite, can substitute for any symbol except the Scatter. Scatters, which spell out G.O.L.D., trigger the free spins feature when four or more appear on the reels.
The Megaways mechanic, combined with features like Cascading Reels and Horizontal Reel, ensures that each spin is unpredictable and full of potential. The gameplay is designed to keep players engaged, with multiple ways to win and the constant possibility of triggering lucrative bonus features.
Symbols and Payouts
In Bonanza Megaways, the symbols are a mix of playing card values and vibrant gemstones, each offering different payout levels. Understanding these symbols is crucial for maximizing your winning potential.
Symbol Payouts
| Symbol | 2 on a Payline | 3 on a Payline | 4 on a Payline | 5 on a Payline | 6 on a Payline |
| Diamond (A) | 2x | 5x | 10x | 25x | 50x |
| Ruby (K) | – | 1x | 2x | 2.5x | 7.5x |
| Sapphire (Q) | – | 0.25x | 1x | 1.5x | 2x |
| Emerald (J) | – | 0.25x | 0.5x | 0.75x | 2x |
| A | – | 0.2x | 0.4x | 0.6x | 1.75x |
| K | – | 0.2x | 0.4x | 0.6x | 1.75x |
| Q | – | 0.2x | 0.25x | 0.6x | 1x |
| J | – | 0.15x | 0.25x | 0.5x | 1x |
| 10 | – | 0.15x | 0.25x | 0.5x | 0.9x |
| 9 | – | 0.1x | 0.2x | 0.4x | 0.8x |
The Diamond symbol is the highest-paying, offering up to 50x your bet for six on a payline. The Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald gems also provide substantial rewards, making them the symbols to watch for when playing. The lower-paying symbols are represented by the traditional playing cards (A, K, Q, J, 10, 9), which still contribute to frequent wins, albeit at lower values.
Special Features
Bonanza Megaways is packed with special features that enhance gameplay and increase winning potential.
Cascading Reels
- Mechanism: After every winning combination, the symbols involved in the win are removed from the reels. New symbols then cascade down from above, potentially creating additional winning combinations within the same spin. This feature continues until no new wins are formed.
- Impact: Cascading Reels can lead to multiple wins from a single spin, significantly increasing the total payout.
Horizontal Reel
- Mechanism: A horizontal reel runs above the main reels, adding extra symbols to reels 2, 3, 4, and 5. This reel plays a critical role in forming winning combinations, particularly with the Wild symbols.
- Impact: The addition of extra symbols from the horizontal reel boosts the chances of hitting winning combinations, especially during the free spins feature.
Wild Symbols
- Appearance: Wild symbols in Bonanza Megaways are represented by sticks of dynamite. These symbols only appear on the horizontal reel above the main reels.
- Function: Wilds can substitute for any symbol except the Scatter, helping to complete winning combinations.
Scatter Symbols
- Appearance: The Scatter symbols spell out G.O.L.D. When all four letters land on the reels, the Free Spins feature is triggered.
- Function: Scatters are key to unlocking the game’s most lucrative feature—free spins with an unlimited win multiplier.
Free Spins Feature
The Free Spins feature in Bonanza Megaways is one of the game’s most exciting aspects, offering the potential for huge payouts.
Triggering Free Spins
- Requirement: To activate the Free Spins feature, players need to land four Scatter symbols that spell out G.O.L.D. on the reels.
- Reward: The initial trigger grants 12 free spins. Each additional Scatter symbol that lands during the feature adds 5 more free spins to the total.
Unlimited Win Multiplier
- Mechanism: The Free Spins feature comes with an unlimited win multiplier that starts at 1x. Each time a cascade occurs (when a winning combination is formed and new symbols drop in), the multiplier increases by 1x.
- Impact: The multiplier does not reset between spins, allowing it to grow indefinitely throughout the Free Spins round. This feature can lead to enormous payouts, especially with consecutive cascade wins.
Re-Triggering Free Spins
- Additional Spins: During the Free Spins feature, landing three Scatter symbols on the horizontal reel above the main reels adds 5 extra free spins. If four Scatters land, 10 additional free spins are awarded.
- Potential: The ability to re-trigger free spins, combined with the unlimited multiplier, makes this feature particularly rewarding and a favorite among players.
Graphics, Sounds, and Animations
Bonanza Megaways excels in both visual and auditory aspects, creating an immersive gaming experience.
Graphics
- Quality: The game features high-definition graphics that are both detailed and vibrant. The symbols, particularly the gemstones, are sharp and stand out against the mining-themed background.
- Theme Integration: The graphics effectively support the mining theme, with the reels set against a picturesque backdrop of hills, waterfalls, and a miner’s hut. The design is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, making it easy for players to distinguish between symbols.
Sounds
- Music: The soundtrack of Bonanza Megaways is a lively, hillbilly-style tune that fits well with the game’s theme. While it adds to the atmosphere, players who find it repetitive can easily mute the sound from the game’s settings.
- Sound Effects: The game also features sound effects that enhance the overall experience. For instance, the cascading symbols are accompanied by a satisfying clinking sound, mimicking the sound of rocks falling in a mine.
Animations
- Smoothness: The animations in Bonanza Megaways are smooth and responsive, contributing to the game’s polished feel. The cascading reels, in particular, are well-animated, with symbols dropping seamlessly into place.
- Visual Appeal: The dynamite Wilds and cascading reels are animated with bursts of energy, adding to the excitement with every spin.
Mobile Compatibility
Bonanza Megaways is fully optimized for mobile play, ensuring that players can enjoy the game on various devices without sacrificing quality or performance.
Mobile Gaming Experience
- Compatibility: The game is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, allowing players to access Bonanza Megaways on smartphones and tablets.
- Performance: The gameplay remains smooth and responsive, even on smaller screens. The touch controls are intuitive, making it easy for players to navigate the game’s features, adjust their bets, and spin the reels.
- Visuals: Despite the smaller screen size, the high-definition graphics and animations maintain their quality on mobile devices. The game’s design ensures that all symbols are clearly visible, and the mining-themed backdrop is just as immersive.
- Accessibility: Whether at home or on the go, players can enjoy Bonanza Megaways anytime and anywhere, provided they have a stable internet connection.
Bonanza Megaways RTP
Play Bonanza Megaways offers a flexible betting range and a competitive Return to Player (RTP) rate, catering to a wide range of players.
Betting Range
- Minimum Bet: The game allows players to start with a minimum bet of $/£/€0.20 per spin, making it accessible to casual players and those who prefer to wager smaller amounts.
- Maximum Bet: For high rollers, the maximum bet is set at $/£/€20 per spin. While this may not be as high as some other slots, it still provides ample opportunity for significant wins.
- Customization: Players can easily adjust their bet size using the on-screen controls, allowing for quick changes based on their playing strategy.
RTP (Return to Player)
- Rate:Bonanza Megaways has an RTP of 96%, which is the industry standard for online slots. This means that, on average, players can expect a return of $96 for every $100 wagered over a long period.
- Volatility: The game’s medium to high volatility means that while wins may not occur frequently, they tend to be larger when they do hit. This combination of RTP and volatility makes Bonanza Megaways an appealing choice for players who enjoy the thrill of potentially big payouts.
Bonanza Megaways Demo
For players who Bonanza Megaways free play or those who want to get a feel for the game before wagering real money, a demo version is available. The demo allows players to experience all the features, mechanics, and gameplay of the full version without any financial risk.
Conclusion
Bonanza Megaways by Big Time Gaming is a game that has left a lasting impact on the online slot industry. With its innovative Megaways mechanic, dynamic gameplay features like Cascading Reels and Free Spins with an Unlimited Win Multiplier, and high-quality graphics and sound design, it’s easy to see why this game has become a classic. Whether you’re playing on a desktop or a mobile device, Bonanza Megaways delivers an engaging and potentially rewarding experience. Its flexible betting range, competitive RTP, and the chance to win up to 26,000 times your bet make it a must-play for both casual and serious slot enthusiasts.
FAQ
Bonanza Megaways is an online slot game developed by Big Time Gaming. It features the innovative Megaways mechanic, offering up to 117,649 ways to win and includes features like Cascading Reels, Wilds, Scatters, and a Free Spins bonus round.
How do I trigger the Free Spins feature in Bonanza Megaways?
To trigger the Free Spins feature, you need to land four Scatter symbols that spell out G.O.L.D. on the reels. This awards 12 free spins, with additional spins available through re-triggers during the bonus round.
What is the maximum win in Bonanza Megaways?
The maximum win in Bonanza Megaways is 26,000 times your bet. This high win potential is achievable through the Free Spins feature, where the unlimited win multiplier can significantly boost your payouts.
Is Bonanza Megaways available on mobile devices?
Yes, Bonanza Megaways is fully optimized for mobile play. It can be enjoyed on both Android and iOS devices, offering the same high-quality experience as on desktop computers.
What is the RTP of Bonanza Megaways?
The Return to Player (RTP) of Bonanza Megaways is 96%. This means that, on average, the game returns $96 for every $100 wagered over the long term.
