GreatSlots

GreatSlots review · Big Time Gaming · 2016

Bonanza Review

Bonanza is older than many of the louder Megaways slots it inspired, but the core structure still explains why the mechanic became so widely copied. The board expands, reactions keep a paid spin moving, and the free spins round has a clean multiplier hook.

Bonanza themed artwork
Big Time Gaming
4.6
Bonanza
RTP 96.11%High26,000x betGold mining6 reels x 7 rows

GreatSlots score

4.6/5

Best for

players who want the original Megaways mining template

A benchmark Megaways slot for players who want high volatility, mining theme clarity, and a historically important feature loop.

GreatSlots quick summary

Bonanza still matters because it made Megaways feel simple: variable reels, dual-direction cascades, and free spins with an unlimited win multiplier.

How the slot works

Bonanza uses six Megaways reels with variable symbol counts, so the number of possible ways changes from spin to spin. Winning symbols react away, and new symbols can enter from both the top and the right, which gives one paid spin multiple chances to develop.

The free spins round is the reason the slot still has bite. Spell GOLD with scatters to trigger 12 spins, then every reaction raises the multiplier by 1x. The rules are lean, but the multiplier has no fixed ceiling inside the feature, which is why Bonanza still works as a volatility benchmark.

Bonus features

  • Megaways reels can create up to 117,649 ways to win.
  • Dual reactions drop new symbols from above and from the right after winning combinations.
  • Four GOLD scatters trigger 12 free spins, with extra scatters adding more spins and every reaction raising the free-spin multiplier by 1x.

Pros

  • +Still one of the clearest examples of why Megaways became popular.
  • +Free spins multiplier is simple, visible, and easy to understand.
  • +26,000x ceiling remains serious even next to newer releases.

Cons

  • -Base game can feel dry when reactions do not connect.
  • -Presentation is more functional than flashy by current standards.
  • -High volatility makes it a poor fit for players who want smoother pacing.

Who this slot is for

Bonanza is a strong fit for players who want to understand the original Megaways rhythm before comparing newer versions. It is also useful for players who prefer simple bonus logic over overloaded modifier stacks.

It is less suitable for players who need frequent small wins or a softer session curve. The slot is direct, but it is still built around high-volatility bonus pressure.

Mobile play

The mobile layout remains usable because the mining symbols are large and the multiplier is easy to follow. The older presentation is not as sleek as newer Megaways slots, but the board itself stays readable.

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FAQ

Why is Bonanza important?

It helped define the Megaways format with variable reels, cascading reactions, and a simple free-spin multiplier loop.

How many ways can Bonanza create?

The board can create up to 117,649 ways to win, depending on how many symbols appear on the reels.

Is Bonanza still worth reviewing today?

Yes. It looks older than many sequels, but the core Megaways logic remains clean and useful for comparison.