Elemental Gems Megaways

Elemental Gems Megaways Slot Review

Prepare to harness the power of the elements in Pragmatic Play’s Elemental Gems Megaways, released on February 10, 2022. This Asian-inspired slot takes a minimalist approach to the Megaways mechanic, offering a stripped-back experience that diverges significantly from what players typically expect from this genre.

Unlike the typical Megaways slot boasting tens of thousands of ways to win, Elemental Gems Megaways features just 3 reels with up to 512 ways to win. The game focuses entirely on base game action, with a multiplier reel as its sole feature. There are no free spins, no bonus rounds, and no scatter symbols – a stark departure from standard Megaways titles.

Is this stripped-down approach a breath of fresh air or a missed opportunity? Let’s dive into Elemental Gems Megaways to find out if simplicity can triumph over complexity.

Base Game and Features

Elemental Gems Megaways operates on a 3-reel grid where each reel can display up to 8 symbols, creating up to 512 ways to win. To form a winning combination, you need to land at least 3 matching symbols from left to right, starting from the leftmost reel.

The betting range spans from €0.20 to €100 per spin, making the game accessible to casual players while still accommodating higher stakes. The Pagoda serves as the highest-paying regular symbol, while lower-paying symbols include elemental gems representing Fire, Air, Earth, Rock, and Water.

Wild symbols appear across all three reels, substituting for all regular symbols. Landing three wilds pays 2.5x your bet, providing a modest but welcome boost to your bankroll.

Multiplier Reel

The defining feature of Elemental Gems Megaways is the fourth multiplier reel positioned to the right of the main reels. This reel spins on every paid spin, displaying gold-trimmed pearls that hold random multiplier values ranging from 1x to 100x.

Whenever you land a winning combination on the main reels, the value shown on the multiplier reel instantly multiplies your win. Land the highest-paying symbols with the x100 multiplier, and you could be looking at a substantial payout. However, it’s worth noting that x1 multipliers appear frequently, often resulting in wins that feel underwhelming despite technically being successful spins.

Elemental Gems Megaways Bonus Features

This is where Elemental Gems Megaways takes an unconventional turn: there are no bonus features beyond the multiplier reel. You won’t find free spins, bonus rounds, scatter symbols, or a bonus buy option. The game is entirely focused on base game action with the multiplier reel serving as the only mechanism for boosting wins.

For players accustomed to Megaways slots packed with cascading reels, expanding wilds, and elaborate free spins rounds, this absence of traditional bonus features may come as a disappointment. The multiplier reel, while capable of delivering exciting moments with higher values, can’t fully compensate for the lack of variety that bonus rounds typically provide.

This minimalist approach means what you see is what you get – no anticipation of triggering free spins, no collection meters, and no progressive features. Every spin is a straightforward affair: land wins, multiply them, repeat. Whether this simplicity appeals to you depends entirely on your preference for streamlined gameplay versus feature-rich experiences.

Our Honest Verdict

Elemental Gems Megaways is a polarizing slot that strips the Megaways formula down to its most basic elements. With an RTP of 96.51%, high volatility, and a maximum win potential of 5,000x your stake, the statistics are respectable but unremarkable for a Pragmatic Play release.

The game’s most significant drawback is its lack of features. The absence of free spins and bonus rounds removes much of the excitement and anticipation that makes slots engaging. While the multiplier reel can deliver thrilling moments, particularly when the x100 multiplier aligns with a strong win, these occasions are rare. Most spins result in either dead spins or wins boosted by underwhelming x1 or low-value multipliers, creating a grinding, repetitive experience.

The 3-reel, 512-ways setup also raises questions about whether this truly qualifies as a Megaways slot. Traditional Megaways games offer tens of thousands of ways to win across 5-6 reels. Elemental Gems Megaways feels more akin to Yggdrasil’s Gigablox mechanic than Big Time Gaming’s Megaways, making the branding feel somewhat misleading.

On the positive side, Elemental Gems Megaways delivers solid visual and audio presentation. The Asian theme, while not particularly original, is executed well with appealing artwork and a relaxing soundtrack. The game is also fully optimized for mobile play, ensuring smooth performance across all devices.

This slot might appeal to absolute beginners seeking straightforward, uncomplicated gameplay without confusing features. However, for the vast majority of players – particularly those drawn to Megaways slots for their dynamic action and feature-packed gameplay – Elemental Gems Megaways will likely prove disappointing.

Final Rating: 5.5/10

Elemental Gems Megaways isn’t a bad slot per se, but it’s a profoundly uninspiring one. The lack of bonus features, limited ways to win, and repetitive gameplay make it difficult to recommend over the wealth of more engaging alternatives available from Pragmatic Play and other providers. If you value simplicity above all else, it might be worth a few spins. Otherwise, you’re better off exploring slots that offer more excitement and variety.

Elemental Gems Megaways FAQs