Aztec Gold: Extra Gold Megaways Slot Review
iSoftBet continue their expansion into Megaways territory with Aztec Gold: Extra Gold Megaways, a sequel to their 2019 Aztec-themed release. Rather than pursuing flashy innovations, the developer has opted for refinement – the Extra Gold version builds on the original’s visual foundations whilst introducing new modifiers and an ante bet system. The game positions itself firmly in the high volatility space with a 20,000x maximum win, targeting those comfortable with extended dry spells in pursuit of substantial multipliers. iSoftBet’s approach here is methodical: cascading reels, multiplier mechanics, and a respins bonus round combine with the Megaways format to create a feature-dense offering that doesn’t reinvent the wheel but polishes familiar mechanics effectively.
Base Game & Features
Aztec Gold: Extra Gold Megaways operates on a 6-reel grid where each reel displays between 2 and 7 symbols, generating anywhere from 64 to 117,649 ways to win depending on the spin. The symbol paytable follows a standard hierarchy: an Aztec God represents the highest-paying icon, followed by a Jaguar, Snake, and Eagle as the premiums, with standard playing card symbols (A, K, Q, J, 10, 9) filling out the lower positions. Landing 3 or more matching symbols from left to right forms a win, though the highest-paying icon awards payouts from just 2 symbols onwards. Wild symbols appear on reels 2-5 and substitute for all regular symbols except the Sun Disc Scatter.
Cascading symbols return from the original, removing winning combinations from the grid and allowing new symbols to drop into vacant positions. This tumbling mechanism enables consecutive wins from a single spin, with cascades continuing until no new winning combinations form. The mechanic pairs naturally with Megaways, increasing the potential for extended sequences during fortunate spins.
Max Megaways
The Max Megaways modifier can trigger randomly on any base game spin, guaranteeing that the following spin will display the maximum 7 symbols on all 6 reels – delivering the full 117,649 ways to win. The modifier functions as a pre-cursor rather than an instant benefit, building anticipation for the subsequent spin’s potential. Activation frequency is unpredictable, though the feature provides meaningful variance when it does land.
Extra Gold Feature
The Extra Gold button sits to the right of the reels, offering an optional ante bet that increases the stake by 25%. In exchange, the scatter requirement for triggering the Aztec Gold Respins bonus drops from 5 Sun Disc symbols down to 4, making the feature more accessible. The trade-off is straightforward: higher cost per spin balanced against increased bonus frequency. The feature also raises the base RTP from 95.98% to 96.48%, rewarding those willing to pay the premium. For players targeting bonus rounds specifically, the maths favour activation.
Multiplier Mayhem
During any cascade sequence, filling all positions on a single reel awards a multiplier that applies to all wins passing through that reel. Multiple filled reels create cumulative multipliers, allowing for substantial uplifts when cascades align favourably. The feature doesn’t trigger with high frequency, though when it does connect with premium symbols or extended cascades, the impact is noticeable.
Aztec Gold: Extra Gold Megaways Free Spins
The Aztec Gold Respins bonus round is triggered by landing 5 Sun Disc Scatter symbols during base gameplay, or 4 scatters if the Extra Gold feature is active. Once triggered, the reels clear and only scatter symbols and blank positions remain. The bonus operates as a hold-and-spin mechanic: each Sun Disc that lands displays a multiplier value or one of three fixed jackpot symbols (Mini, Major, Mega), and the feature resets to 3 respins whenever a new scatter lands. The round continues until all respins expire or all 15 positions fill.
Each scatter displays either a standard multiplier value or one of the jackpot tiers. At the conclusion of the round, all multiplier values are totalled and applied to the stake, with jackpot symbols contributing their fixed amounts: Mini awards 30x, Major delivers 100x, and Mega pays 1,000x. Filling the entire grid awards all displayed values plus an additional grand prize multiplier. The respins mechanic creates volatility – rounds can end quickly with minimal returns or extend through repeated resets, accumulating substantial value.
Bonus Buy & Ante Bet
The Aztec Bet feature provides two bonus buy options for jurisdictions where permitted. The first option costs 100x the stake and guarantees entry to the Aztec Gold Respins round at standard Megaways configuration. The second option costs 150x the stake and triggers the respins at Max Megaways (full 117,649 ways), theoretically improving the potential for larger scatter multipliers. Both options increase the RTP to 96.73% and 96.94% respectively. UK players cannot access the Aztec Bet feature due to UKGC regulations restricting bonus buy mechanics.
Our Honest Verdict
Aztec Gold: Extra Gold Megaways doesn’t break new ground, but it executes its mechanics with competence. The Extra Gold ante bet is a genuine enhancement – the scatter requirement reduction from 5 to 4 noticeably improves bonus frequency, and the RTP uplift to 96.48% justifies the 25% stake increase for those prioritising feature access. The respins round carries the bulk of the win potential, with the 1,000x Mega jackpot and cumulative multipliers creating opportunities for substantial hits, though base game pacing between features can feel slow.
The 20,000x maximum win (with a technical ceiling of 21,417x when all multipliers align) positions this squarely alongside other high-volatility Megaways releases rather than exceeding them. Those chasing truly exceptional multipliers will find releases with higher caps elsewhere, though the figure remains respectable. The visual presentation carries over effectively from the original – gold-adorned reels and atmospheric audio maintain thematic consistency without venturing into territory iSoftBet haven’t explored before.
This sequel will more than suffice for players who enjoyed the original Aztec Gold or those seeking a feature-rich Megaways slot with adjustable volatility via the Extra Gold button. High-variance chasers comfortable with extended sessions between bonus rounds will find the respins mechanic rewarding, though those preferring consistent base game action should look to medium volatility alternatives. It’s a solid addition to iSoftBet’s catalogue rather than a standout release.
Aztec Gold: Extra Gold Megaways FAQs
-
What is the RTP of Aztec Gold: Extra Gold Megaways?
The base RTP is 95.98% in standard play. Activating the Extra Gold feature increases it to 96.48%. The Aztec Bet bonus buy options offer 96.73% (100x stake) and 96.94% (150x stake). -
What is the maximum win on Aztec Gold: Extra Gold Megaways?
The advertised maximum win is 20,000x your stake. Technical analysis shows the actual maximum can reach 21,417x when all multiplier combinations align optimally during the bonus round. -
Does Aztec Gold: Extra Gold Megaways have free spins?
Yes. The Aztec Gold Respins bonus is triggered by landing 5 Sun Disc Scatter symbols, or 4 scatters if you activate the Extra Gold feature. The bonus operates as a hold-and-spin mechanic with respins resetting when new scatters land. -
Can I play Aztec Gold: Extra Gold Megaways on mobile?
Yes. Aztec Gold: Extra Gold Megaways is fully optimised for mobile play and available across both desktop and mobile casino platforms. The game functions identically on smartphones and tablets. -
Does Aztec Gold: Extra Gold Megaways have a bonus buy feature?
Yes, the Aztec Bet feature offers two bonus buy options: 100x stake for standard Respins or 150x stake for Max Megaways Respins. However, this feature is not available to UK players due to UKGC regulations. -
What is the Extra Gold feature and should I use it?
The Extra Gold feature increases your stake by 25% and reduces the scatter requirement from 5 to 4 symbols, making the bonus round trigger more frequently. It also raises the RTP from 95.98% to 96.48%. The feature suits players prioritising bonus access over base game value. -
How does the Aztec Gold Respins bonus work?
The Aztec Gold Respins is a hold-and-spin mechanic where Sun Disc scatters display multiplier values or jackpot symbols (Mini 30x, Major 100x, Mega 1,000x). You start with 3 respins, and each new scatter that lands resets the count. The round ends when respins expire or all 15 positions fill, awarding the total of all displayed values.
