Introduction
Wanted Dead or a Wild is a 5-reel video slot machine developed by Novomatic, a renowned game provider in the iGaming industry. This game is set against the backdrop of the American Old West, where notorious outlaws and gunslingers roam Wanted Dead Or A Wild free. The game’s theme revolves around the iconic characters from Western movies, offering an immersive experience for players who enjoy classic slots with a twist.
Gameplay and Design
The gameplay in Wanted Dead or a Wild is straightforward and accessible to both novice and experienced players alike. With 10 fixed paylines and 5 reels, the game presents an array of combinations that can lead to lucrative payouts. The design elements are quintessential of Novomatic’s style, with bold graphics and vibrant colors creating an immersive environment for players.
The slot machine features a Wild West theme, complete with tumbleweed blowing across the background, wanted posters plastered on walls, and cowboys galloping in the distance. The game board is adorned with familiar symbols from Western folklore, such as horseshoes, cowboy boots, sheriff badges, gold nuggets, and two main characters: Annie and Tom.
Symbols
The paytable comprises 11 standard symbols, including the aforementioned Western icons, along with three special symbols – Wild, Scatter, and Bonus. Each of these symbols carries its own significance in determining payouts, triggering bonuses, or activating free spins. The values assigned to each symbol are as follows:
- Sheriff Badge: 5x for five matches
- Gold Nugget: 20x for five matches
- Horseshoe: 50x for five matches
- Cowboy Boot: 100x for five matches
- Annie and Tom characters:
- Annie (5 matches): 200x + Free Spins
- Tom (5 matches): 250x + Bonus Feature
Payouts
Players can win up to x1,000 their initial bet with the highest-paying combination. A high-payout combination can be achieved by landing five of a kind or higher combinations with Annie and/or Tom characters.
Wilds
The Wild symbol in Wanted Dead or a Wild is depicted as a wanted poster with an ‘X’ marked through it, signifying that the player has won. The Wild substitutes for all other symbols except the Scatter, allowing players to form winning combinations more easily.
Scatters
The Scatter icon is represented by a horseshoe, symbolizing good luck in Western folklore. Landing three or more Scatters triggers 5 free spins with tripled payouts and increased volatility. This feature can be re-triggered during free spin rounds, providing an opportunity for substantial winnings.
Bonus Features
In addition to the Free Spins and Scatter features, Wanted Dead or a Wild incorporates two Bonus symbols: Tom’s Gun and Annie’s Badge. These symbols initiate separate bonus games that offer unique gameplay mechanics:
- Tom’s Gun : This feature is activated by landing three Tom’s Guns anywhere on the reels. During this round, players participate in a mini-game where they must hit targets to win awards.
- Annie’s Badge : By landing two or more Annie’s Badges, players are transported to an old-west saloon filled with bonus chips. Each chip offers varying rewards – multiple free spins or coin amounts.
Free Spins
The Free Spins feature is one of the most prominent and rewarding aspects of Wanted Dead or a Wild. Triggers by landing three or more Scatters on any of the 5 reels, players receive up to 20 free spins with tripled payouts and increased volatility. The free spin rounds offer an optimal setting for testing strategies and making big wins.
Return To Player (RTP)
Wanted Dead or a Wild offers a Return to Player percentage of around 96% – slightly above the average RTP for most online slots. This rate is relatively high, indicating that the game has a favorable payout ratio compared to its volatility level.
Volatility
The variance in this slot machine falls under medium-high category, which means that although not as frequent, larger payouts can be anticipated when these are triggered. High-variance games come with increased risk and reward; hence, it is crucial for players to set aside a budget specifically suited to their preferences before engaging.
Betting Range
The betting range in Wanted Dead or a Wild spans from 10 coins per spin (minimum bet) up to an unspecified amount at maximum stakes. While there’s no clear indication of the upper limit on player inputs, most Novomatic games usually allow players to wager between £0.40 and £200+.
Max Win
The highest possible payout in this slot is capped at 1,000x your initial bet, equivalent to £4,000 for players using max stakes.
Gameplay Experience
Players can interact with Wanted Dead or a Wild on both desktops and mobile devices thanks to Novomatic’s commitment to optimizing their slots for all screen sizes. The controls and user interface have been crafted to ensure seamless interaction, making this game an attractive option for players of various skill levels.