The online gaming industry is a vast and competitive landscape, with numerous casinos vying for players’ attention. One of the most popular games that has stood out from the rest in recent years is "Wanted Dead or a Wild" slot game. Developed by renowned software provider Playtech, this Western-themed slot machine offers an immersive experience like no other. In this review, we will delve into the various aspects of this captivating game, exploring its design, features, and overall performance.
Theme
"Wanted Dead or a Wild" is set in a Wanted Dead Or A Wild at your fingertips on wanteddeadora-wild.com rugged, lawless town during the late 19th century American West. The game’s backdrop features an abandoned street scene with tumbleweeds blowing across it. Players take on the role of outlaws seeking to escape from sheriff deputies hot on their heels. This theme provides an exciting narrative that immerses players into the world of Wild West lawlessness.
Design
The design of "Wanted Dead or a Wild" is intricately detailed, with authentic period-specific elements such as wanted posters, saloon doors, and Old Western-style lanterns lighting up the reels. The game features a 5×3 reel grid layout, typical of many modern slots, but what sets it apart are its impressive visuals, vibrant colors, and clever animations that add an extra layer to the gameplay experience.
Symbols
The symbols in "Wanted Dead or a Wild" slot include:
- High-Paying Symbols: Sheriff’s badge (£30), Sheriff (€25), Sheriff’s revolver (£20), Lady outlaw (£15)
- Low-Paying Symbols: A-9 playing cards with values from 5 to £0.10, and the bonus symbol that appears only on reels 2, 3, or 4.
- Special symbols include a Wild (Outlaw’s mask) symbol.
The payout of these symbols is determined by the paytable which can be viewed through the "Paytable" button on the main game screen.
Payouts
One aspect where players might feel slightly disappointed with this slot is its payouts, particularly for those accustomed to playing games with high volatility. The base game provides decent wins but doesn’t scale up significantly as you play more rounds or make higher bets. Wins are triggered by matching three, four, or five of the same symbol from left to right on adjacent reels.
Wilds
The Wild icon is represented by an Outlaw’s mask, which replaces all standard symbols except the Lady outlaw and the bonus scatter to form winning combinations. Its substitution significantly increases your chances of getting higher payouts. However, its functionality isn’t as versatile or rewarding in this game compared to other slot machines with similar themes.
Scatters
The Lady outlaw symbol serves not only as a high-paying icon but also acts as the Scatter for triggering free spins when it appears on reels 2 and 4 simultaneously anywhere on screen (this combination triggers 20 Free Spins).
Bonus Features
One of "Wanted Dead or a Wild" slot’s most thrilling features is its Bonus Round. Triggers occur through combinations in two distinct scenarios:
- Three Sheriff symbols will launch the “Deadly Showdown” mini-game, offering one random wild symbol to replace any standard icon.
- Four or five Scatter Lady outlaws award 20 Free Spins with x3 multiplier for wins during these rounds.
Free Spins
As previously mentioned, players can earn free spins by landing three of more Scatters. Each set of four or five scatter icons rewards a variable number of additional spin counts and multipliers.
During the game’s bonus features section is where "Wanted Dead" truly shines with a ‘double-down’ multiplier feature for free rounds that provides 5 to 10 times your initial stake on all wins generated from symbols appearing during these rounds. The extra boost can significantly impact potential winnings, but its application varies and feels somewhat unpredictable.
RTP (Return-to-Player)
"Wanted Dead or A Wild Slot" has an average RTP of approximately 97% , slightly above the industry standard for slots in this category. This should indicate a balanced house edge and decent expected return on your bets.
Volatility
Regarding volatility, we’ve established that "Wanted Dead or A Wild slot machine" is characterized as Medium-high (4/5), with an RTP at 97%. The balance of payout distribution might appeal to casual players but less attractive for risk-takers seeking large-scale returns due to relatively lower payouts even when wilds activate and substitute symbols.
Betting Range
Available bets in "Wanted Dead or a Wild Slot" are as follows:
- Minimum bet: €0.10 (bet per line)
- Maximum bet: €40 (total bet)
