Gonzos Quest. For casino players and slot enthusiasts, it’s one title that is too familiar and a favorite game to play among many. Now, the adventure-seeking Gonzo is back for another round of adventure in Gonzos Gold by Netent. This game is the subject of this review, and I will cover the game’s best points and some weak areas that I think will require some improvements. First, a disclaimer: I am a fan of many Netent slot productions, but I will try my best to be fair and objective in assessing this adventure-themed game.
In this 5-reel and 5-row game, you’ll join Gonzo in a quest for gold and exciting features. The original game is a classic title but in this review, we’ll try to check if the updated version is ready for the spotlight. The game packs the usual Free Spins, a top payout of up to 6,500x your bet with Cluster Pays. With gold and Gonzo taking the lead, this Netent game promises something exciting on the reels!
Based on the classic Gonzo’s Quest slot machine, this game already has a solid cred. But in the interest of fair assessment, we start by listing the game’s pros and cons from the players’ perspective:
PROS
CONS
If in the previous version the action takes place in a jungle and outside of the temple, this game brings you indoors. Upon entrance into the old temple, you will notice a 5×5 grid that’s set against a stone wall. Like other Inca-inspired slot productions, this game offers a vibrant theme with a colorful set of paying symbols and visuals. On this aspect, Netent succeeds by offering a game that lets you virtually explore and appreciate an old civilization. Also, the grid is lined up with gold, an obligatory touch, perhaps to justify its title.
For its symbols, you have Incan Mask icons as its regular paying symbols. Since it works using a Cluster Mechanic, you need three low or premium symbols, lined vertically or horizontally, to collect a payout. When you land a cluster of 20 matching symbols, that’s the time the game becomes more exciting which can pay up to 5,000x your stake!
However, I noticed that this game does not use the Cascading Pay option and Wild symbols which is a common feature in many Netent slots. Did I already mention that Gonzo has a limited appearance in the game? Yes, he’s the most important symbol but in terms of visuals and engagement, he’s not that active.
In this game, you have a 5×5 grid that’s set inside an Incan temple. Compared to the previous versions of the game, Gonzo is not always present in the background but he’s the most important symbol. As a high volatility slot, you can start with £0.10 as the minimum bet.
Personally, I like games with a friendly betting range as it works for different types of players, especially beginners. On my end, I prefer this low betting range since you don’t need big bankrolls to play for big wins. However, patience is required if you are planning to play this since big wins are far and between. According to the game’s technical sheet, the hit rate is at 25.84%, and most of the bigger payouts happen during the bonus.
I love free spins and there are several opportunities in this game to collect these bonuses.
Like many Netent slot machines, you can trigger Free Spins by landing at least three Scatters. With this minimum combo of Scatters, you get 10 Free Spins and your payout is doubled. The Prize Multiplier becomes 20x when landing four Scatters and it becomes 200x when loading up to five Scatters on the screen. You will play the free spins using the same bet that started the feature.
Aside from winning free spins and big payouts, Gonzos Gold adds something new to the feature. At the start of the bonus round, you will pick one of the nine question mark symbols. It’s an important step in the bonus as it tells you the feature’s Special Expanding Symbol. Now, if you land two or more adjacent expanding symbols, they expand to cover an entire reel or row.
During my game session, I also noted that after the symbol expansion, extra cluster wins are given for the group of expanded symbols. Here’s another interesting discovery I made about this game- there is a chance to re-trigger the feature provided that you can land at least three more Scatters!
It seems that Netent has created a successful slot franchise with Gonzo as the leading character. Sure, the first Gonzo’s Quest was a winner thanks to its vibrant graphics and the playful Gonzo leading the adventure. However, this follow-up seems lacking in commitment and character.
One thing I noticed is the absence of Gonzo in the overall design of the theme and visuals, only appearing as the game’s highest paying symbol. For me a Gonzo slot always is a Gonzo slot, right! So im really looking forward to play this one since i enjoyed Gonzo´s Gold Megaways.
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