In the expansive world of slot machines, themes ranging from historical events to fantastic adventures keep the gaming experience fresh and exciting. One standout creation in this arena is the Buffalo King Megaways slot, a game that combines grand imagery of the American West with cutting-edge slot technology. Developed by Pragmatic Play, this slot machine is a sequel and an innovative enhancement of the original Buffalo King, inviting players to explore the dusty plains with more ways to win and a dynamic reel structure.
Historical Background and Creation
The Buffalo King Megaways slot follows the thunderous success of its predecessor, Buffalo King, first released by Pragmatic Play in December 2019. The original game captivated players with its enchanting visuals and powerful soundtrack, reminiscent of a serene yet wild American wilderness. Recognizing the game’s popularity and the growing trend towards the Megaways mechanic, Pragmatic Play unveiled Buffalo King Megaways in April 2021. This new version introduced the Megaways feature under license from Big Time Gaming, which altered the gameplay dramatically by increasing the number of potential paylines.
Unique Features and Gameplay Mechanics
Buffalo King Megaways showcases a 6-reel structure and offers up to 200,704 ways to win, a significant increase from the 4,096 ways in the original version. Each reel can vary in the number of symbols it carries — from two to seven — and a horizontal reel adds four symbols above the center reels, enhancing the chances of a high-value win.
The symbols in the game include the majestic creatures of the North American plains, such as wolves, cougars, moose, and, of course, the buffalo, which is the highest-paying symbol. Lower-value symbols are represented by the traditional playing card icons. The wild symbol is a rocky mountain, which substitutes for all symbols except the bonus, and appears on reels 2, 3, 4, and 5 in the top row.
Bonus Rounds and Special Features
One of the most thrilling aspects of Buffalo King Megaways is the bonus round, triggered by landing four or more golden buffalo bonus symbols. Four, five, or six bonus symbols will respectively trigger 12, 17, or 22 free spins. During these free spins, a wild multiplier feature comes into play. Any wild symbol that becomes part of a winning combination will carry a random multiplier of 2x, 3x, or 5x, which can significantly boost payout potential.
Moreover, the feature can be retriggered indefinitely by landing more bonus symbols during the free spins round. This retrigger capability, combined with the cascading wins feature — where winning symbols are removed and replaced by new symbols — allows for extended gameplay and increases the chances of striking it big.
Payouts and Overall Appeal
The RTP (Return to Player) of Buffalo King Megaways stands at 96.52%, which is above average for online slots. Coupled with high volatility, this slot is designed to appeal to players looking for high stakes and the potential for substantial payouts, although it may also mean longer periods without wins. The maximum payout is an impressive 5,000 times the initial bet, making it especially appealing to high rollers and those who enjoy the thrill of chasing large wins.
Why Buffalo King Megaways Stands Out
Beyond its technical features, Buffalo King Megaways garners appeal through its immersive graphics and sound design, which make players feel as though they are part of a grand wilderness adventure. The attention to detail in the depiction of the wild animals and the natural landscape adds a layer of authenticity and engagement to the gaming experience.
Moreover, the integration of the Megaways mechanic with its variable reel sizes and massive number of potential paylines sets it apart from traditional slots and keeps the gameplay unpredictable and exhilarating. For aficionados of the original Buffalo King, this version offers a familiar yet enhanced experience, making it a successful sequel in Pragmatic Play’s portfolio.
Conclusion
Buffalo King Megaways by Pragmatic Play is not just a slot machine; it’s a wild ride across the untamed beauty of the American frontier with every spin. It respects its origins while embracing innovation, offering players a visually stunning and potentially lucrative slot gaming experience. Whether you are a fan of high-volatility challenges or slot games with robust aesthetics, Buffalo King Megaways is a journey worth taking.