The Ruby Megaways Slot Review
iSoftBet takes a calculated step back to the classics with The Ruby Megaways, a game that reimagines traditional fruity machine symbols through a modern Megaways lens. Released in April 2021, this 6-reel slot combines nostalgic cherry-and-bells imagery with contemporary mechanics, creating a bridge between old-school casino charm and dynamic winning potential. The golden reels frame iconic symbols—Lucky Sevens, Bells, Money Bags, Cherries, and the premium Ruby gem—positioning this game as a straightforward entry for players who appreciate classic aesthetics alongside today’s feature-rich gameplay. The 37,500x maximum win and solid 96.11% RTP underscore iSoftBet’s focus on delivering reliable gaming rather than experimental innovation. Whether The Ruby Megaways justifies its existence in an oversaturated Megaways market remains the central question.
Base Game & Features
The Ruby Megaways operates on a standard 6-reel framework with variable row heights, generating up to 117,649 ways to win on each spin. Reels can display between 2 and 7 symbols per spin, with the dynamic Megaways system recalculating winning combinations each rotation. The classic symbol set delivers straightforward value: standard card symbols like Sevens and Bells sit at the lower end of the pay table, whilst Money Bags and Cherries provide mid-tier payouts. The Ruby gem stands as the premium non-special symbol, offering the most generous base game returns.
Cascading Reels & Mystery Symbols
Two core modifiers elevate the base game experience. Cascading Reels trigger when winning combinations land—the symbols dissolve and new symbols drop into place, potentially creating additional wins without requiring a fresh spin. This cascade effect can chain multiple times on a single spin, amplifying base game returns considerably. Mystery Magic operates as an occasional base game modifier, transforming mystery symbols into matching symbols to generate unexpected winning combinations. Neither feature revolutionises base game engagement, but both add welcome texture to what would otherwise be straightforward spinning.
Wild & Scatter Mechanics
The Wild symbol substitutes for all icons except the Bonus Scatter, following the traditional wild template. Scatters serve a single purpose—triggering free spins when landing in sufficient quantity. This conventional approach prioritises clarity over complexity, ensuring players understand the mechanic without needing extensive feature tutorials.
The Ruby Megaways Free Spins & Bonus Features
Free spins represent the core feature set and where The Ruby Megaways attempts differentiation. Landing 4 or more Scatter symbols anywhere on the reels triggers the free spins bonus with an expanding multiplier mechanic. Players receive a starting allocation of 12 free spins, with each additional scatter symbol that appears during the initial trigger adding 5 extra spins (capped at a maximum of 27 free spins total). During free spins, an expanding multiplier builds with each winning combination, potentially reaching significant values by the feature’s conclusion.
Retrigger Mechanism & Expanding Win Multiplier
The feature can retrigger during free spins, granting additional spins and resetting the multiplier build. This dual-factor structure—additional spins plus escalating multipliers—creates the game’s primary win potential avenue. Whilst the mechanic isn’t groundbreaking compared to contemporary competitors, the combination of cascading reels within free spins plus the expanding multiplier does generate meaningful prize swings.
Ruby Bet Bonus Buy Feature
The Ruby Bet bonus buy option allows players to purchase direct entry into free spins for a cost of 75x the current stake. This feature guarantees a minimum 4 scatter trigger, removing the waiting element for players seeking immediate bonus engagement. Activating Ruby Bet also boosts the game’s RTP to 96.86% (versus the standard 96.11%), incentivising players who prefer certainty over chance. This is a pragmatic addition that acknowledges modern player preferences for expedited gameplay, though at a meaningful cost.
Our Honest Verdict
Rating: 6.5/10
The Ruby Megaways occupies an awkward middle ground. On paper, the mathematics appear solid: 96.11% RTP, 37,500x max win via bonus buy, and medium-high volatility positioning it toward players seeking meaningful prize potential without extreme variance. The Megaways engine delivers legitimate win frequency through cascading combinations, and the expanding free spins multiplier occasionally produces genuinely satisfying results.
However, the game’s identity crisis undermines its appeal. iSoftBet’s decision to blend classic fruity aesthetics with contemporary Megaways mechanics feels half-hearted rather than inspired. The visual presentation—whilst competent—lacks the polish or thematic coherence that transforms a solid game into a memorable experience. Community feedback consistently highlights The Ruby Megaways as derivative: effectively a reskin of Shining King Megaways (itself a Majestic Megaways variant), with features and symbols that feel reused rather than reimagined.
For players specifically seeking classic-themed Megaways slots, The Ruby Megaways will more than suffice. The mechanics work, the volatility is predictable, and the 37,500x potential offers genuine appeal. However, players wanting innovation or distinctive gameplay will find superior alternatives within iSoftBet’s own catalogue—titles like their Twisted Tale series bring considerably more personality to the table.
The Ruby Megaways represents competent execution rather than creative ambition. It’s a functioning slot game that does what it promises without surprising or delighting. For casual players appreciating straightforward mechanics and reliable payouts, that sufficiency may be enough. For those seeking innovation or memorability, this slot brings nothing unique to justify the spin.
The Ruby Megaways Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the RTP of The Ruby Megaways?
The RTP of The Ruby Megaways is 96.11%, which rises to 96.86% when the bonus buy feature is activated. This represents a solid return to player percentage for slot players. -
What is the maximum win on The Ruby Megaways?
The Ruby Megaways offers a maximum win of 37,500x the bet when using the bonus buy feature, with a standard maximum win of 35,000x in the base game. This provides substantial winning potential for players. -
How many free spins can you get in The Ruby Megaways?
The Ruby Megaways awards between 12 and 27 free spins. Players start with 12 free spins when landing 4 scatter symbols, and each additional bonus symbol that appears adds +5 extra spins (up to a maximum of 27). The feature can also be retriggered for additional spins. -
Does The Ruby Megaways have a bonus buy feature?
Yes, The Ruby Megaways has a bonus buy feature called ‘Ruby Bet’ that costs 75x your stake to trigger the free spins immediately. This feature guarantees a minimum 4 scatter trigger and is available in most jurisdictions, increasing the RTP to 96.86%. -
Can I play The Ruby Megaways on mobile?
Yes, The Ruby Megaways is fully compatible with all mobile devices including smartphones, tablets, and PCs. Built with HTML5 technology, the game features a responsive design and is supported on both iOS and Android operating systems, ensuring a smooth playing experience on any device. -
What is the volatility level of The Ruby Megaways?
The Ruby Megaways has medium to high volatility, meaning players will receive a balanced mix of average wins with potential for substantial payouts. The game balances frequent smaller wins with opportunities for larger prizes, particularly during bonus rounds with the expanding multiplier. -
What theme and symbols are used in The Ruby Megaways?
The Ruby Megaways features a classic fruity and jewel machine theme with iconic symbols including Lucky Sevens, Bells, Money Bags, Cherries, and Bars displayed on golden reels. The ruby is the premium symbol. The game reimagines the classic casino aesthetic with modern Megaways mechanics. -
How many ways to win does The Ruby Megaways have?
The Ruby Megaways uses the Megaways mechanic with up to 117,649 ways to win. The number of ways changes with each spin based on the number of symbols that appear on each of the 6 reels, which can vary from 2 to 7 symbols per reel, creating the dynamic winning potential.
