Moriarty Megaways Slot Review
Moriarty Megaways stands out as one of the finest Holmes-themed slots we’ve tested. iSoftBet’s Twisted Tale series has received widespread acclaim, and this 2021 release showcases exactly why. The Victorian London setting, combined with exceptional graphics and engaging mechanics, creates an experience that appeals to both casual players and high-volatility enthusiasts alike.
What makes Moriarty Megaways particularly compelling is its focus on the villain rather than the hero. The artistic take on the world of Sherlock is excellent, with detailed cartoonish images of Sherlock Holmes, Watson, and Moriarty set against richly decorated Victorian London complete with gas lamps and cobbled streets. iSoftBet have done a great job with the Twisted Tale series in more ways than gameplay–their animations and design always stand out.
Base Game & Features
Moriarty Megaways uses Big Time Gaming’s licensed Megaways mechanic with a 6-reel setup. Each reel displays 2–7 symbols per spin, creating a dynamic system that generates up to 117,649 ways to win in the base game. This variable structure is what makes Megaways so appealing–there’s inherent possibility through sheer number of winning ways and cascading symbols.
The game operates with a minimum bet of £0.20 and a maximum of £20.00, giving players flexibility across different bankroll sizes. The RTP sits at 95.98% in the base game, making it competitive for this type of high-volatility Megaways offering.
Sherlock’s Max Megaways
Our team found this feature particularly impressive. Sherlock’s Max Megaways triggers randomly on any base game spin, activating all 117,649 ways to win with an escalating multiplier that starts at 1x and increases by 1 for every cascade. It’s not often that a Max Megaways feature also comes with a multiplier, but we’re definitely glad it does–this combination adds genuine excitement to base play.
Watson’s Mystery Symbols
This feature complements Sherlock’s Max Megaways nicely. Watson’s Mystery Symbols lands mystery symbols that all transform into the same paid symbol, with a multiplier starting at 1x. When these features combine, the cascading mechanics create genuinely engaging gameplay. The potential grind to get Free Spins is offset by the prospect of landing special features on any spin, which keeps players engaged despite the high volatility.
Cascading Reels & Horizontal Reel Tracker
The cascading reels mechanic is essential to the game’s flow–winning symbols disappear and new symbols drop in, creating chain wins. Above the main reels sits a horizontal tracker that adds symbols to reels 2–5, expanding the win potential further. The combination of these mechanics creates the engaging gameplay that many players appreciate, though some note that Megaways can involve quiet base game periods between bonus triggers.
Bonus Features
Free Spins Round
The Free Spins bonus is triggered by landing 3 or more bonus symbols, awarding 15 free spins to start. Each additional scatter lands 5 extra spins, up to a maximum of 30 total free spins. During this feature, a progressive multiplier is active–it starts at 1x and increases by 1 for every cascade, creating the potential for genuinely exciting payouts.
The bonus round expands the Megaways system dramatically, with up to 352,947 ways to win active with every spin. Huge wins are possible via big multipliers and big connections, especially when cascades chain together with the escalating multiplier.
Moriarty Bet (Bonus Buy)
Moriarty Megaways features the Moriarty Bet bonus buy option, which costs 150x your stake. When purchased, it guarantees at least 3 bonus symbols on the next spin, triggering the free spins feature. Selecting this option also increases the RTP to 96.46%, making it an option for players seeking higher returns.
Important Note for UK Players: The Moriarty Bet bonus buy feature is not yet available to UK players due to regulatory restrictions. UK players can enjoy all other features of the game but won’t have access to this option.
Quick Verdict
- Overall Rating: 8.5/10
- Moriarty Megaways is a real breath of fresh air compared to generic Megaways titles. The combination of excellent presentation, thematic depth, and engaging mechanics creates a standout experience. Volatility is high, with a hit frequency of 34.3%, meaning you’ll experience periods between bonuses–but when features land, the progressive multiplier mechanics deliver substantial wins. The maximum win of 42,553x stake reflects genuine potential on a high-volatility game. Those with a soft spot for Sherlock Holmes will find this slot stellar. It’s a fine addition to the Twisted Tale series and a great choice for players seeking both theme authenticity and significant win potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the RTP of Moriarty Megaways?
Moriarty Megaways has an RTP of 95.98% in the base game, and increases to 96.46% when the Moriarty Bet (bonus buy) feature is activated. -
How volatile is Moriarty Megaways slot?
Moriarty Megaways is classified as high volatility. The game features a hit frequency rate of 34.3%, meaning winning combinations land roughly every 3 spins. This classification means longer periods between significant wins, but when they do land, the potential is substantial. -
What is the maximum win on Moriarty Megaways?
The maximum win on Moriarty Megaways is 42,553x your stake. During the bonus round with up to 352,947 ways to win and a progressive multiplier that escalates with every cascade, this represents the game’s maximum exposure and win potential. -
Does Moriarty Megaways have free spins?
Yes, Moriarty Megaways has a free spins bonus feature triggered by landing 3 or more bonus symbols, awarding 15 free spins. Additional bonus symbols during the feature award 5 extra spins each, up to a maximum of 30 total free spins. A progressive multiplier increases with every cascade during this round. -
Can I play Moriarty Megaways on mobile?
Yes, Moriarty Megaways is fully compatible with mobile devices including iPhones, iPads, and Android phones. It works seamlessly through instant play with no download required, thanks to iSoftBet’s HTML5 technology. -
Does Moriarty Megaways have a bonus buy feature?
Yes, Moriarty Megaways features the Moriarty Bet bonus buy option costing 150x your total stake. When purchased, it guarantees at least 3 bonus symbols land on the next spin, triggering the free spins feature. Note: This feature is not yet available to UK players. -
How does the Megaways mechanic work in Moriarty Megaways?
Moriarty Megaways uses Big Time Gaming’s licensed Megaways mechanic with 6 reels that display 2-7 symbols each per spin, creating dynamic payline counts up to 117,649 ways in the base game and 352,947 in the bonus round. -
What special features does Moriarty Megaways include?
Moriarty Megaways includes Watson’s Mystery Symbols and Sherlock’s Max Megaways special features that trigger randomly on any base game spin, cascading reels that create chain wins, a horizontal reel tracker above the main reels, and a progressive multiplier during free spins that escalates with every cascade.
