Ah, the Wild West—where fortunes were made and lost in the blink of an eye. Pragmatic Play’s Wild West Gold has been a beloved title for many, and now, the developers have added a twist with the Megaways mechanic. Wild West Gold Megaways stretches the frontier beyond what we thought possible, offering up to 117,649 ways to win! This innovative update keeps the classic western feel while bringing fresh excitement to Canadian players, especially those familiar with the bustling cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
In this review, we’ll ride through the game’s mechanics, features, RTP, and more, to determine if this new version is a wild success or just another tumbleweed blowing through the gaming world.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Pragmatic Play |
| Reels | 6 |
| Rows | 2-7 (variable) |
| Max Ways | 117,649 |
| RTP (Return to Player) | 96.44% (Default), 96.41% (Ante Bet) |
| Volatility | High (5/5) |
| Min Bet | $0.20 / €0.20 |
| Max Bet | $100 / €100 |
| Max Win | 5,000x bet |
| Symbol Multipliers | x2, x3, x5 wild multipliers |
| Wild Symbol | Substitutes for all pay symbols |
| Scatter Symbol | Triggers Free Spins (3+ scatters) |
| Bonus Free Spins | 7 free spins for 3+ scatters |
| Free Spins Multiplier | Wilds with x2, x3, or x5 multipliers; sticky during free spins |
| Re-Trigger Free Spins | Extra spins for 2-6 gold star icons |
| Bonus Buy Feature | Available for 100x bet (RTP 96.45%) |
| Betting Range | $0.20 to $100 per spin |
| Winning Combinations | 3+ matching symbols, left to right |
| Low-Pay Symbols | 10, J, Q, K, A |
| High-Pay Symbols | Gold Bags, Pistols, Hero Gunslinger, Black Hat, Cowgirl, Saloon Lady |
| Symbol Payouts | 10-A symbols pay 0.25-1x bet, High-pay symbols pay 0.4-1x bet for 3 of a kind |
| Cascades | No cascading wins (different from standard Megaways games) |
| Soundtrack | Gritty western-style music |
Game Mechanics: A Western Adventure With Megaways
The first noticeable change in Wild West Gold Megaways is its larger game grid. Originally a 5-reel game, this Megaways version offers 6 reels, with each reel holding anywhere from 2 to 7 symbols. As is typical for the Megaways system, this results in up to 117,649 ways to win when all reels are filled.
In terms of audio and visuals, Pragmatic Play stays true to its Western roots. The soundtrack has shifted from a lively saloon piano to a more atmospheric, gritty Western vibe, creating a darker, more immersive tone. For Canadian players, especially those familiar with the vast landscapes of cities like Calgary or Winnipeg, this change adds a sense of rugged authenticity to the game.
Gameplay: How Wild West Gold Megaways Works
Unlike other Megaways slots that employ cascading wins, Wild West Gold Megaways sticks with a traditional win system. Players need to land at least three matching symbols on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel, to win. The wild symbols are crucial for triggering the larger wins. These wilds appear on reels 2, 3, 4, and 5, substituting for any other paying symbol and potentially carrying multipliers of x2, x3, or x5.
However, Wild West Gold Megaways stands apart by including sticky wilds during the free spins bonus round. These wilds stay on the reels for the duration of the round, significantly boosting the win potential.
The Free Spins Bonus: Wild West Gold Megaways’ Showdown
The real action in this slot starts during the Free Spins round. To trigger the bonus, you need to land 3, 4, 5, or 6 scatter symbols anywhere on the screen. This will award you 7 free spins along with an up-front scatter payout (4x, 20x, 100x, or 500x your bet). During the bonus round, wild symbols that land on the reels are sticky and come with multipliers, which can be as high as x5.
Additionally, for each gold star overlay symbol that lands on the reels, you’ll win 2 to 6 extra free spins. The addition of sticky wilds with multipliers can turn this bonus into a true goldmine, especially when several multipliers are combined for a massive payout.
Bonus Buy Feature: Skip the Wait
Not all players have the patience to wait for free spins to trigger. For Canadian players looking to expedite their journey to the bonus round, Wild West Gold Megaways offers the Bonus Buy feature. For 100x your bet, you can instantly purchase a free spin round, which guarantees at least three scatter symbols. The RTP for the Bonus Buy feature is slightly higher at 96.45%, making it an attractive option for those wanting to jump straight into the action.
RTP and Volatility: A High-Stakes Ride
Wild West Gold Megaways is a high volatility game, rated at 5 out of 5, meaning that while the game can deliver some thrilling wins, it also carries a risk. The RTP (Return to Player) sits at 96.44%, which is in line with industry standards. However, the lower maximum win of 5,000x (compared to the original game’s 6,750x) has left some players feeling a bit underwhelmed, especially given the potential for much larger payouts in other Megaways games.
Slot Verdict: Is Wild West Gold Megaways Worth Your Time?
Overall, Wild West Gold Megaways is a solid slot, with its main strength lying in its gameplay mechanics. The increased ways to win and the added thrill of sticky wilds during free spins are exciting features that keep the action dynamic. However, the slightly reduced maximum win and lack of cascading wins may disappoint some hardcore fans of the original.
Canadian players, particularly those in major cities like Ottawa or Edmonton, might enjoy this slot for its exciting theme and features. It feels like a familiar ride through the Wild West with a Megaways twist, but it doesn’t quite live up to its full potential. While the game remains fun and visually appealing, the low maximum win cap might leave some players wishing for more.
Where to Play Wild West Gold Megaways in Canada
You can play Wild West Gold Megaways at various online casinos that cater to Canadian players. For those looking for a top-tier experience, here are a couple of promotions you might find appealing:
- Melbet: Bonus Code: VIVABONO. Up to $1750 Bonus + 290 Free Spins.
- 1xSlots: Bonus Code: VIVABONO. First deposit bonus up to $450 + 100 free spins.
By registering at these casinos using the bonus code, you’ll be able to maximize your chances of striking gold in the Wild West!
Conclusion: A Worthwhile Ride for Fans of the Megaways Mechanic
Wild West Gold Megaways brings a mix of nostalgia and new features to the table, but it’s hard not to feel that it could have gone further. The Megaways mechanic makes things interesting, but the limited potential leaves some to be desired. Still, if you’re a fan of Wild West themes and Megaways slots, this game offers an entertaining and volatile ride—just be prepared for some risk along the way. For Canadians looking for a fun and high-risk slot experience, Wild West Gold Megaways might just be your next big adventure.
