Embark on an exciting journey through Greek mythology with NextGen Gaming's Medusa Megaways slot. This game, one of the most popular in NextGen's collection, manages to improve on the already impressive original Medusa slot by introducing the Megaways mechanic, licensed from Big Time Gaming. With mechanic in play, the game offers an impressive number of ways to win - up to a staggering 117,649.
Visual Appeal and Graphics
Medusa Megaways is a visual feast that takes players on an immersive journey through the world of Greek mythology. As the game loads, players are greeted by a scene set against a purple, cloudy sky, the ground below showcasing an abandoned city complete with crumbling stone buildings. It's an eerie and visually striking setting that perfectly complements the game's mythology theme.
Even though Medusa, the infamous gorgon, is not visible on the screen, her presence can be felt throughout the gameplay. The game's theme and graphics are vibrant and engaging, with some 3D elements that add an extra layer of excitement. For instance, during the free spins round, Medusa leaps off the screen, creating a memorable gaming experience.
Symbol Hierarchy and Payouts
In Medusa Megaways, the symbols have been carefully designed to fit the theme. The lower-value symbols are represented by playing cards, a common feature in many online slot games. Despite not having a direct connection to Greek mythology, the playing cards have been given a makeover to fit seamlessly with the overall aesthetic of the game.
The higher-value symbols, on the other hand, are more directly tied to the game's Ancient Greek theme. These include iconic mythological artifacts such as the winged sandals of Hermes and a ring symbol. The highest cash payouts come from spinning six Pegasus symbols, which can increase your game balance by a whopping 750x.
Return to Player
The Return to Player (RTP) value of Medusa Megaways is 96.28%, indicating that the game is fair and legitimate. This percentage tells players that the game has been thoroughly tested according to strict standards set by online casino regulators. Moreover, the game's house edge is just 3.72%, a figure that is attractive to many players. Sticking to games with a house edge of 5% or less is generally recommended, and Medusa Megaways comfortably falls within this range.
Understanding the Megaways Mechanic
The Megaways mechanic, the standout feature of Medusa Megaways, provides a variable number of symbols with each spin, offering up to 117,649 ways to win. The number of ways to win varies with each spin and is displayed above the reels. Each reel can hold a minimum of two symbols, with a maximum of seven symbols for reels 1 and 6, and a maximum of six for reels 2 to 5.
Medusa Megaways is a highly volatile game, but it also includes the popular Avalanche Reels mechanic, common to many Megaways games. This mechanic provides a free 'respin' with every win. Winning symbols are highlighted and then explode, creating spaces for new symbols to fall into. This can result in the creation of new winning combinations, leading to explosive reactions and potentially substantial cash prizes.
Free Spins and Bonuses
Medusa Megaways offers a range of bonuses that can significantly increase your chances of winning. The Medusa's Gaze bonus, for example, can be triggered when a wild lands on the reel, duplicating the wild and adding it to the reels below to help you land more wins.
You can also trigger the free spins round when three or more logo symbols land on the reels. For three scatters, you'll receive 10 free spins, and for every additional scatter, you get five extra spins. During this round, every win results in an increase of your multiplier, starting at 2x and continuing to grow as you land cascades and wins. There's no limit to this increase, so you have the potential to rake in substantial wins.
The Snake Strike feature can be activated during the free spins bonus. When soldier symbols appear on the top reel, the snakes can attack the soldiers and turn them into either wilds or scatters, offering you even more ways to win.
Gamble Feature
If you enjoy the thrill of gambling, Medusa Megaways has you covered with an optional Gamble side game that follows every winning spin. Before you spin the reels again, you'll see a playing card suit icon glowing just above the Spin button. Click here to be taken to the Gamble screen, where you can predict the color of an upturned card to double your latest win. Or you can try to quadruple your win by correctly guessing the suit of the card.
Demo Play
Medusa Megaways can be played for free at many online casinos, affording you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the game before wagering real money. It's recommended to play between 150 and 200 free games to fully understand the game's mechanics and features.
Similar Games
If you enjoyed Medusa Megaways, there are several other high volatility slots with similar themes that you might like. For instance, 300 Shields is another slot with a Greek theme that focuses on the 300 Spartan soldiers who held off an army of 10,000 Persian men. Rich Wilde and the Book of the Dead is another popular high volatility slot that has an Indiana Jones-style theme. Vikings Unleashed, a Megaways online slot from Blueprint Gaming, also offers 117,649 winning ways and an avalanche feature.
Final Verdict
Medusa Megaways is an exceptional slot game that takes the original Medusa slot to new heights with the introduction of the Megaways mechanic. The combination of its eye-catching graphics, immersive theme, and the host of bonus features makes it an engaging and rewarding gaming experience. Whether you're a fan of the original Medusa slot or new to the series, Medusa Megaways is sure to provide plenty of thrills and potentially lucrative payouts.
Disclaimer: Medusa Megaways trademark/ license is owned by Next Gen. This article is not endorsed by Next Gen.