NetEnt’s first platinum online video slot is based on the conquistador Gonzalo Pizzaro’s quest to find the mythical city of El Dorado. Driven by greed and unprepared for the hardships they were to encounter on their journeys, countless Europeans lost their lives in search of this evolving legend, which was originally based on a tribal chief- turned city – turned kingdom – turned empire, all known as “El Dorado”.
Uncover a Legend: El Dorado
In 1541 Pizzaro also attempted this impossible feat. Though this turned out to be a fruitless exhibition as far as gold was concerned, historically speaking it was very valuable since gave way to the discovery of the Amazon River.
Nerdy facts aside… Fast forward to 2010 in which NetEnt, the well-known Scandinavian software house, released the megahit Gonzo’s Quest online slot. Now you too can join Gonzalo on his quest for riches from the safety of your own computer or mobile device- minus the mosquitos and attacks by the natives. The slot’s introductory video sets the scene while its superb graphics and soundtrack transport you deep into the jungles of Peru where the enchanted city was rumoured to have been located.
Unlike historical descriptions of Pizzaro, NetEnt’s depiction of the conqueror is anything but angst-inducing. For instance, this comical character expresses his excitement of winning by twirling his morion on his finger or doing the Moonwalk. He occasionally holds the map the wrong way up, babbling unintelligibly while turning it the right way around. Hardly the bloodthirsty brute he was painted out to be!
Though Pizzaro might originally not have found El Dorado, with NetEnt you can finally help him to hit the jackpot! Read the Gonzo’s Quest slot review to find out how.
Gonzo’s Quest Technical & Special Features
It is difficult to pinpoint the ordinary technical features present in Gonzo’s Quest since it is truly one of a kind which has most definitely contributed to its popularity. The 5-reel, 3-row, 20- line online slot offers between 1 and 5 bet levels and different coin denominations. It can be played for fun or for real money and its (advanced) Autoplay feature gives you the option to sit back, relax and enjoy the expedition.
Gonzo’s Quest online slot can be classified as medium to high variance slot meaning that the chances of a high payout are slim but when you win, you win big! That being said, the return to player is 96 %, so the payout percentage is nevertheless rather high.
Instead of spinning reels, symbols fall into place. When at least three matching symbols appear consecutively from the leftmost to the rightmost reel, they explode and disappear, giving way to new symbols that replace them. This so-called Avalanche feature resembles that of Tetris or Candy Crush and is unique for video slots! Wins are multiplied with each new Avalanche (x1, x2, x3) until the maximum multiplier (x5) is reached. The Wild symbol (the question mark) can act as substitute for any symbol but only appears on reels 2, 3 and 4.
In keeping with the cascading symbols theme, free spins are appropriately referred to as Free Falls.
- A Free Fall symbol (a golden block) can only appear on reels 1, 2 and 3 and the presence of 3 successive symbols activates 10 Free falls.
- The Avalanche feature is active during the Free Falls, as is the multiplier (x3, x6, x9). The maximum multiplier in Free Fall is x15.
- Additional Free Falls can be won during Free Falls, leading to an even greater payout!
Gonzo’s Quest: Symbols & Payout Table
The symbols in Gonzo’s Quest online slot are engraved blocks of stone obstructing the path to El Dorado. When an Avalanche occurs, you catch a glimpse of the golden city in the background. To give you an example of the payout, 3 identical symbols with the highest value on an enabled payline will award you with 50 coins, 4 with 250 and 5 with 2,500.
The lowest will award you with 3 coins for 3 symbols, 10 for 4 and 50 for 5. The payout table (see below) provides you with more information about the appearance of the symbols and their coinciding values so that you know how much you’re earning when those blocks begin to explode!
You can always count on NetEnt for innovative twists, original themes, and an overall exciting gaming experience! Gonzo’s Quest online slot is no exception. Its special Avalanche feature and Free Falls provide a welcome change from conventional online slots, making it a pleasure to play for newcomers and seasoned players alike. Though the fabled city might have been impossible for Gonzalo to find, getting tangible wins with Gonzo isn’t. So put on your helmet, grab your insect repellent and accompany our cordial conquistador on his lucrative quest.
