Introduction
Wanted Dead or Alive is a 5-reel, 25-payline online video slot developed by Microgaming. The game’s theme revolves around a group of outlaws on the run from the law, adding an element of excitement and danger to each spin. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into every aspect of this captivating slot machine, examining its design, gameplay mechanics, and features.
Theme and Design
The Wanted Dead or Alive slot takes inspiration from Wanted Dead Or A Wild slot classic Western movies, with a gritty, rugged aesthetic that immerses players in the world of outlaws on the run. The reels are set against a backdrop of an abandoned canyon road, complete with old cars, rocks, and other desert landscape elements. The game’s color scheme features muted earth tones such as beige, gray, and brown, with splashes of bold reds and oranges.
Symbols
The symbols in Wanted Dead or Alive include:
- High-paying symbols:
- Wild Mustang (5x, 10x, 20x, 50x)
- Sheriff’s Badge (2.5x, 5x, 10x)
- Pistol (1x, 3x, 6x)
- Wanted Poster (0.5x, 1x, 3x)
- Low-paying symbols:
- Spades
- Hearts
- Diamonds
- Clubs
Payouts
The game’s payout structure follows a standard pattern, with the highest paying symbol being the Wild Mustang. When five of these symbols land on an active payline, players can win up to 50x their total bet.
- Sheriff’s Badge: Pay out 2.5x for three-of-a-kind, and increase by one unit (1x) for each additional badge in a line.
- Pistol: Offers payouts starting at 1x for two pistols of the same rank in sequence.
- Wanted Poster: Rewards players with payouts ranging from 0.5x to 3x when three or more posts land on consecutive reels.
Wilds and Scatters
Wanted Dead or Alive features a Wild symbol, depicted as a wild mustang, which can substitute for any other icon except the Scatter. The Wild Mustang also offers higher payout potential compared to regular wilds. Additionally, players are awarded 10x their total bet when five Scattered Sheriff’s Badges appear anywhere on the reels.
Bonus Features
One of the most exciting aspects of Wanted Dead or Alive is its Wild West-themed bonus features:
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The Shootout : This feature can be triggered by landing three Scatter symbols. Players will enter a shootout with four bandits, each carrying a different symbol (Sheriff’s Badge, Pistol, Spades/Hearts/Diamonds). The player must choose which symbol to fire at first, potentially revealing multipliers or free spins.
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Free Spins : Up to 20 free games can be won by collecting Scatters. During this mode, all winning combinations pay out 3x the standard payouts.
Gameplay and Controls
Wanted Dead or Alive offers a user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate:
- Min/Max bets: $0.25 – $50 per spin.
- Autoplay feature allows for up to 100 consecutive spins.
- Players can pause gameplay at any time during an autoplay sequence.
- In-game statistics provide real-time information about player performance, including wins/losses and total profit/loss.
Mobile Play
As with most modern slots developed by Microgaming, Wanted Dead or Alive is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. The mobile version maintains all core features and gameplay elements from the desktop release.
Player Experience
Players will find themselves immersed in an engaging Western-themed setting that adds a layer of excitement to each spin. With an entertaining bonus feature and moderate volatility level (between Medium-Low), Wanted Dead or Alive is suitable for players looking for both entertainment value and potential wins.
Overall Analysis
Wanted Dead or Alive offers a unique blend of theme, gameplay, and features, making it stand out from other slots in the Microgaming library. Players seeking an immersive experience will find themselves engaged with this slot’s gritty atmosphere, coupled with thrilling bonus features that could trigger free spins and multipliers.
As for potential wins, players should expect moderate payouts due to its relatively low volatility level compared to high-volatility games. In terms of betting range, the game offers flexibility for all budgets, from $0.25 minimum bets up to a maximum wager of $50 per spin. With an RTP (Return To Player) percentage listed at 96%, players should expect this slot machine to return their investment over extended periods.
Ultimately, Wanted Dead or Alive is a solid addition to any slots library that promises engaging gameplay and moderate rewards for those willing to take the risk.
Gameplay Tips
- Manage your bankroll effectively by setting betting limits.
- Trigger The Shootout feature during bonus rounds for enhanced payout potential.
- Optimize free spins with an intelligent approach, aiming for high-scoring Wild symbols or strategically positioned Scatter symbols.
- Experiment with varying bet amounts and game modes to adapt the experience to your preferences.
In conclusion, Wanted Dead or Alive is a well-crafted online slot machine that will keep players on their toes. With engaging gameplay mechanics and features such as free spins, The Shootout bonus feature, and decent RTP percentages, it has established itself as an exciting addition to Microgaming’s diverse library of slots games.