Mines is a popular online casino slot game developed by software provider Microgaming. Released in 2006, it has been a favorite among players for its engaging theme and exciting gameplay features. As we delve into the world of Mines, you’ll discover how this game allows you to strike gold with its captivating design, lucrative payouts, and rewarding bonus features.
Theme and Design
Mines is set in an underground mining environment where players are tasked with uncovering hidden Play Mines on minesplay treasures amidst rocky terrain. The slot’s graphics showcase a colorful, vibrant aesthetic with animations that bring the experience to life. The game takes place on five reels and twenty paylines, with each spin providing opportunities for massive payouts.
The reels themselves feature various symbols representing different minerals and gems, such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, all of which are associated with value in the mining world. Additionally, players will encounter the familiar faces of playing cards (10-A), but these hold little significance compared to the valuable mineral icons.
Symbols
The high-paying symbols in Mines include:
- Golden Nugget : This wild symbol can substitute for any other icon on a winning combination.
- Mine Cart : A scatter that activates bonus rounds when three or more appear on consecutive reels (starting from reel 1).
- Pail of Gold : Represents the game’s jackpot and highest-paying symbol.
When it comes to standard symbols, they’re fairly straightforward. Playing cards (10-A) are among the lower-paying options, while various mineral gems like rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and sapphires offer varying levels of rewards based on their complexity and rarity in the game environment.
Payouts
Mines boasts a Return to Player (RTP) rate of 96.51%, which is an average return for slots. However, players can win substantial amounts with high-paying symbols and bonus features. A spin landing five Golden Nugget wilds on a payline might award up to £10,000.
While this seems appealing, consider the maximum win potential in relation to the game’s volatility.
Wilds
As mentioned earlier, Golden Nuggets act as the Wild , substituting for standard symbols except for Mine Carts (which activate free spins) and Bonus Symbols themselves. However, unlike other games, Golden Nuggets only expand horizontally when part of a winning combination rather than vertically like some wild multipliers do elsewhere.
Scatters
The Mine Cart scatter symbol takes center stage here by triggering the main attraction: Free Spins. With three consecutive reels featuring these symbols starting from reel 1 (not necessarily in order), you’ll gain access to this lucrative feature!
In addition, landing more scatters on other non-adjacent spaces awards additional free games or multiplies current winnings!
Bonus Features
Mines offers two principal bonus features: Free Spins and a Bonus round.
Free Spin Feature – Upon triggering the scatter by landing three consecutive Mine Cart symbols starting from reel one (no matter what order), you earn ten initial free spins.
In each spin during this sequence, both wilds become Wild Multiplier , further increasing potential gains by giving up to 2x multiplier effect over five possible reel spaces.
The Bonus Game also involves two mine carts entering an active zone – after setting off explosive charges while avoiding any obstacles along the way!