Note: The Diamond symbol also provides a 2.00x reward for landing just 2 matches.

Gameplay and Bonuses

The fast-paced base game has plenty to offer, but the true excitement begins when you uncover the golden letters scattered across the reels. The Scatter symbols in this title take the form of heavy gold bars, each displaying a single letter. Your goal is to land four of these Scatters in a single spin so they spell out the word G-O-L-D. Achieving this feat rewards you with 12 free spins and launches the main feature. If you happen to land any extra gold bar Scatters on that same spin, each additional one will grant you five more spins.

During the free spins round, the setting shifts from daytime to a deep, glowing underground cavern. The reaction mechanic remains fully active here, but it comes with a major enhancement. An unlimited win multiplier is introduced, starting at x1. Every time you score a winning combination and the symbols cascade, this multiplier increases by +1. There is no cap on how high this multiplier can grow, meaning a long chain of reactions can push the potential rewards to incredible heights.

You can also extend your time in the feature by keeping an eye on the mining carts. Special gold bar Scatters appear exclusively in the top horizontal row during the free spins round. Landing three of these carts will reward you with five extra spins, while finding four will grant you ten additional spins. Depending on your preferred style, some versions of this release may include an option to play the feature directly, allowing you to bypass the standard spins and jump right into the cavern. With the combination of escalating multipliers, consecutive reactions, and the chance for retriggers, the gameplay remains thoroughly engaging from the first spin to the last.

Our Verdict

It is difficult to overstate the impact this release has had on modern game design. By popularizing the shifting grid layout and integrating it with cascading reactions, Big Time Gaming created a highly volatile yet incredibly entertaining formula. The combination of rural mountain aesthetics, a fast banjo soundtrack, and the constant movement of the horizontal mining carts gives the game a distinct character that holds up wonderfully today. The unlimited multiplier in the main feature remains the star of the show, providing the tension and excitement that has kept players coming back since its release. It stands as a must-play experience for anyone who appreciates thoughtful mechanics and high potential returns.

FAQs

Q: What is the maximum win potential in Bonanza?

A: The most substantial prize you can collect during a single round is an impressive x26,000 times your play value.

Q: How do I access the main feature?

A: You can activate the free spins feature by landing four gold bar Scatter symbols on the grid that spell out the word G-O-L-D.

Q: How many winlines are available in this game?

A: Thanks to the dynamic reel engine, the game offers a shifting number of winlines that can reach up to 117,649 on a fully expanded spin.

Games from the same provider

Big Time Gaming is recognized globally for creating highly mathematical and innovative games. If the style and mechanics of this legendary title caught your attention, consider checking out this other excellent option from their catalog:

Extra Chilli: Head to a bustling Mexican market for a spicy experience that builds upon the same mechanics and reaction wins.

Similar games

Players who enjoy the thrill of extraction, shining gems, and rugged Wild West aesthetics will find a huge selection of themed adventures in our library. Here are a few similar titles to keep the mining theme going:

Barney's Mine Hold for Gold: Join a seasoned prospector and utilize engaging hold and spin mechanics to gather your loot.
Super Miner Golden Treasure: Dive into a deeply rewarding underground expedition focused on unearthing massive golden nuggets.
Gold Nugget Rush: A lively game that focuses heavily on collecting raw gold directly from the reels.
Gold Gold Gold: A straightforward and highly polished experience celebrating the universal appeal of shiny gold.