Gonzo’s Quest is a medium to higher volatility jackpot slot from Netent.
The Gates of Eldorado
As Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest from Netent has survived the test of time and is still going strong. It was originally released in 2011 and is one of the most well-known slots ever! It follows the Spanish explorer whose desire for gold has taken this loveable misfit to the far reaches of the earth in search of the lost city of Eldorado. A little-known fact is that this is the first slot to do away with the traditional spinning reel and replace them with the now iconic Avalanche feature.
Game Highlights
Gonzo’s Quest is a 5-reels and 20 fixed paylines slot from Netent. Besides having staying-power, it offers a maximum win of £93,750! It follows the adventure of the conquistador Gonzalo Pizarro. He is loveable but perhaps not the sharpest pencil in the case – if players understand my meaning!
The Gonzo’s mobile slot is set in the dense Peruvian jungle and there are plenty of animal sounds to reinforce the wild theme. There are carvings on the stone walls to the left and right of the reels representing the ancient gods. A 3D Gonzo stands against the left size looking just a little lost. There are a total of 7 symbols which are the head carvings of gods in different coloured stones. There is the odd bit of thematic music and other additional sound effects.
Gonzo’s Quest slot has an RTP of 95.97% and can be played with wagers starting from £0.20 and going as high as £50.
The slot has an RTP of 95.97%.
Avalanches + Multipliers
The slot is the first to use the Avalanche Feature where symbols cascade down rather than spin on the reels. A winning payline destroys the symbols involved which creates spaces that are replaced by symbols above and that cascade down from the heavens. This process can repeat for as long as new paylines are created at no wager cost. On each successive avalanche, a multiplier is applied as follows:
- 1st avalanche: x1
- 2nd avalanche: x2
- 3rd avalanche: x3
- 4th+ avalanche: x5
10 Free Falls Spins
A special symbol, intricately designed in gold, is designated as the Free Falls symbol. Collect 3 of these symbols left to right to trigger 10 Free Falls. On each successive avalanche, a Free Falls multiplier is applied as follows:
- 1st avalanche: x3
- 2nd avalanche: x6
- 3rd avalanche: x9
- 4th+ avalanche: x15
The maximum payout can only be achieved during this feature, which was difficult to trigger.
Features include wilds, Avalanches, Free Falls free spins and multipliers.
Wilds
The wild symbol can appear on the 2nd to 4th reels to replace all the other symbols including the Free Falls symbol. Unfortunately, the wild symbol does not create its own winning payline.
NetEnt hits
NetEnt is probably no stranger to you. What are your favourite NetEnt slots? It’s hard to answer this question, but in addition to Gonzo’s Quest, if I had to choose two other games, it would be the inevitable Starburst and the progressive jackpot of Mega Fortune.
Gonzo’s Quest verdict: Surviving the test of time
I usually prefer the modern slots since the graphics, audio and features of today are hands down superior to those from 2011. Having said, Gonzo’s Quest is a slot that has aged gracefully and I thought it was every bit as entertaining as the slots of today. I found the multiplier mechanics an interesting feature but it’s really in the Free Falls free spins where we can do the most damage which I found very difficult to trigger. This was despite the help of wilds that can substitute for the Free Falls symbol. For players who like classic slots, with a medium to high volatility, I would thoroughly recommend this one.
