Wanted Dead or Alive is a 5-reel online video slot game developed by NextGen Gaming. Released in 2012, it has since become a popular choice among casino enthusiasts worldwide due to its immersive Wild West theme and engaging gameplay features.
Theme
The game’s central theme revolves around the American frontier during the late 19th century. Players embark on a thrilling adventure with cowboys and outlaws, where they must navigate through dusty canyons and lawless territories in search of hidden riches. The backdrop of the game is designed to evoke an authentic Wild wanteddead-orawild.games West atmosphere, complete with a setting sun over vast open plains.
Design
Visually, Wanted Dead or Alive boasts vibrant and colorful graphics that transport players directly into the heart of the American frontier. Character symbols include iconic figures from Western history such as Billy the Kid, Calamity Jane, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and Geronimo. Additionally, game elements like poker chips, wanted posters, cowboy boots, and lassos pay homage to the classic Wild West theme.
The reels themselves are set against a rugged landscape with silhouettes of distant mountains in the background, adding depth and atmosphere to the overall design. Each symbol is expertly rendered with fine details that maintain the game’s authentic feel. The use of dark colors during nighttime scenes effectively immerses players into the world of the game.
Symbols
Wanted Dead or Alive features a standard set of 10 symbols for players to collect, ranging from low-paying playing cards (A-9) to high-value character icons like Calamity Jane and Wyatt Earp. Winning combinations are formed by landing three or more identical symbols on active paylines. Players can also earn rewards through wilds and scatters.
Payouts
Payout values vary among the symbol types, with card suits yielding lower amounts while higher-paying characters offer larger returns. Specifically:
- Card Suits (A-9): Pay 1x to 3x for three of a kind
- Poker Chips: Award up to 4x line bet for five of a kind
Meanwhile, character symbols offer:
- Calamity Jane and Wyatt Earp: Reward up to 12.5x the total wager with full-house wins.
Wilds and Scatters
In Wanted Dead or Alive, wild symbols are depicted as cowboy boots that can appear on any reel during the base game. As wilds, they substitute for all symbol types (excluding bonus scatters) in winning combinations, significantly boosting potential payouts.
Bonus scatters are illustrated as poker chips with gold outlines. Landing two to five of these icons anywhere across the reels activates Free Games Mode.
Bonus Features and Free Spins
Free Games mode unlocks when three or more bonus scatter symbols are collected on a single spin. This rewards players with 8, 10, 15, 20, or up to 25 free games depending on their starting number of scatters. During this period, an increased multiplier applies, ranging from 3x to 6x line bets.
RTP and Volatility
The game’s return-to-player (RTP) percentage is set at around 95-97%. However, the actual payout rate might vary based on specific casinos hosting the slot.
In terms of volatility level, Wanted Dead or Alive falls into the medium variance category. While infrequent big wins may occur, players will more often receive steady payouts for smaller combinations of symbols.
Betting Range
The game allows betting ranges from $0.25 to $20 per spin, catering to a wide audience from casual gamers to serious high-stakes bettors.
Max Win and Gameplay Experience
Wanted Dead or Alive offers an upper win limit that can exceed 50,000x total wager for players using maximum bets in Free Games mode. This means the top potential payout exceeds $1 million with real-money stakes set at the max level. Given its engaging gameplay mechanics and lucrative bonus features, Wanted Dead or Alive appeals to both casual gamers seeking entertainment value and seasoned bettors aiming for significant wins.
Mobile Play
Wanted Dead or Alive is optimized for play on a variety of devices including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones with touch screens running Android and iOS operating systems. Its responsive design ensures an optimal gaming experience across different platforms without requiring software downloads.
Player Experience
Reviewers have praised the immersive qualities that Wanted Dead or Alive offers. The game’s Wild West setting is authentic but not overly elaborate; rather it maintains a captivating simplicity throughout, focusing on core elements like gameplay and bonus features.
The abundance of scatters can lead to frequent activation of Free Games mode, which boosts both short-term excitement and overall player satisfaction due to the heightened potential for significant wins. The balanced payouts help maintain an enjoyable gaming experience even after extended play periods.
In conclusion, Wanted Dead or Alive is a standout choice in NextGen Gaming’s portfolio thanks to its captivating theme and exciting gameplay mechanics that set it apart from more traditional slot titles.
While its lower RTP might be seen as a drawback by some players seeking long-term gain, the slot compensates with infrequent big wins combined with consistent payouts for frequent appearances of bonus scatters. With stakes ranging from 0.25 to $20 per spin, this versatile title caters to both budget-conscious players and high-rollers willing to push their luck.
In summary, Wanted Dead or Alive has solidified its place in the online casino community due to a winning combination of captivating theme design, generous bonus features, and a balanced payout structure that ensures an engaging experience for gamers at all skill levels.