Wanted Dead or a Wild is a high-volatility video slot game developed by the renowned casino software provider, Yggdrasil. Released in 2018, this game has been making waves among players and critics alike for its captivating theme, engaging gameplay mechanics, and substantial payouts. In this review, we will delve into every aspect of Wanted Dead or a Wild, exploring its design, symbols, features, and overall gaming experience.
Theme and Design
The slot’s theme is centered around the American West during the 19th century, specifically in the lawless frontier towns where outlaws roam free. The game’s background depicts an Wanted Dead Or A Wild eerie landscape with dimly lit wooden buildings, while the reels are surrounded by a rustic wooden frame that evokes a sense of ruggedness and authenticity.
The symbols reflect this Wild West theme, featuring various characters such as Sheriff Johnny Lawman, his trusty sidekick, Maria; Mexican gunslinger El Diablo; and Outlaw Bill. Each character has its own unique animations when involved in winning combinations or triggering special features. The standard paying symbols include poker card suits (J-Q-K) adorned with cowboy hats, adding to the slot’s Wild West charm.
Symbols and Payouts
Wanted Dead or a Wild offers 5 reels, 4 rows of symbols, and 40 fixed paylines. Players can form winning combinations using any combination of two or more identical symbols on adjacent reels starting from the leftmost position. Each symbol has its own payout multiplier:
- Poker card suits (J-Q-K): 0.25-2x bet
- Sheriff Johnny Lawman: 5-20x bet
- Maria: 3.75-15x bet
- El Diablo: 4-12x bet
- Outlaw Bill: 6-30x bet
Wilds and Scatters
The Wild West Sheriff’s badge serves as the wild symbol, substituting for all regular paying symbols (except scatters) to create winning combinations. The scatter is depicted by a horse head icon and triggers free spins when three or more appear on reels.
Bonus Features and Free Spins
Wanted Dead or a Wild offers several bonus features that can greatly enhance gameplay:
- Free Spin Feature : Triggered by 3-5 scatters, players are awarded between 10 and 25 free spins. The feature can be retriggered.
- Sheriff’s Law Bonus : This is triggered randomly during the main game or when three Sheriff symbols appear on reels one to five in any order. Players receive a reward of up to 50x their bet.
RTP, Volatility, and Betting Range
Wanted Dead or a Wild has an RTP (Return To Player) of 96.1%, making it slightly above average for online slots. However, the high-volatility nature of this game means that players should expect significant fluctuations in wins and losses. The betting range is relatively generous, starting at €0.40 per spin and going up to a maximum bet of €50.
Max Win
The slot’s max win can be quite substantial, as players have reported winning up to 7,500x their initial wager during free spins or through various bonus combinations. However, such massive wins are extremely rare and require optimal conditions, including hitting multiple scatters or Sheriff symbols in the correct sequence.
Gameplay and Mobile Play
Wanted Dead or a Wild features intuitive gameplay mechanics, allowing players of all experience levels to quickly grasp its functionality:
- Spin Button: Click this button to start each round.
- Autoplay: Select between 10 to 1000 automatic spins with adjustable win limits (optional).
- Stake Manager: Allows for quick bet adjustments.
The game is fully optimized for mobile play on both iOS and Android devices, providing a seamless gaming experience across various platforms. The graphics are rendered in high definition, ensuring that the slot’s Wild West charm shines through even on smaller screens.
Player Experience
Players who have tried Wanted Dead or a Wild often report mixed emotions, ranging from frustration to euphoria:
- Players praise the game for its captivating theme and authentic atmosphere.
- Others appreciate the substantial payouts and bonus features.
- However, some players express disappointment with the relatively low RTP compared to other Yggdrasil slots.
Overall Analysis
Wanted Dead or a Wild presents an engaging gaming experience that blends thrilling gameplay mechanics with an immersive Wild West setting. The slot offers impressive payout potential, particularly through its free spins feature and Sheriff’s Law Bonus. Despite some criticisms regarding RTP and volatility levels, this game remains a favorite among high-stakes players seeking significant rewards.
Ultimately, Wanted Dead or a Wild is not for the faint of heart. Players willing to take calculated risks will find an electrifying experience that can lead to life-changing wins.