Wanted Dead or a Wild is an online casino slot game developed by NextGen Gaming. Released in 2014, it has become a staple in many online casinos and continues to attract players with its unique blend of classic Western themes and modern gameplay mechanics.
The game takes place in the lawless American West, where cowboys and outlaws roam free. The backdrop is a dimly lit saloon, complete with wooden barrels, swinging doors, and a wanted poster for "Wanted Dead or Alive" featuring a rugged cowboy named Billy the Kid’s lookalike. The slot features five reels, Wanted Dead Or A Wild three rows, and 25 paylines, offering players ample opportunities to win big.
Theme and Design
The game’s theme is undeniably Wild West-inspired, with characters, symbols, and sound effects designed to transport players to a bygone era of gunfights, poker games, and outlaws on the run. The graphics are vibrant but not overly garish, creating an immersive atmosphere that complements the gameplay.
Players can choose from various betting options, ranging from £0.20 to £100 per spin, making Wanted Dead or A Wild accessible to both casual players and high rollers. With a maximum payout of 1,000x the player’s stake, there is certainly potential for substantial wins in this game.
Symbols
The game features an array of standard symbols, including card ranks from 9 through Ace, as well as higher-value characters such as a Sheriff’s Badge, a Pistol, and a Quail. These symbols pay out based on standard slot machine rules, with rewards ranging from 1x to 100x the player’s stake.
In addition to these basic symbols, Wanted Dead or A Wild includes several special features that contribute to its high-stakes gameplay. The most notable is the Wanted Poster symbol, which serves as both a wild and scatter. This highly sought-after character triggers bonus games and free spins when landing on consecutive reels 1-3 in any order.
Other symbols include:
- A Sheriff’s Badge: 2x to 50x payout
- A Pistol: 2x to 40x payout
- A Quail: 2x to 30x payout
Payouts
As mentioned, the game features a maximum payout of 1,000x the player’s stake. To put this into perspective:
A bet of £20 could yield up to £20,000 in winnings.
This impressive top prize is achieved when three Wanted Poster symbols land on consecutive reels 2-5 in any order.
However, other payouts are not as substantial, with some combinations offering as little as 1x the player’s stake. Here are a few examples:
- A sequence of five 9s pays out 50x
- Landing three Sheriff Badges yields 30x
To achieve larger wins, players should prioritize triggering bonus games and free spins.
Wilds
The Wanted Poster symbol serves as both a wild and scatter. As a wild:
It replaces all other symbols except the Scatter (represented by the Quail) to create winning combinations. Multiple Wilds in a single combination can pay out up to 1,000x the stake
Additionally, when three or more Wanted Posters land on consecutive reels 2-5 in any order, they trigger bonus games and free spins.
Scatters
The Quail symbol serves as a Scatter. When two or more Scatters appear anywhere on the reels, players receive:
- Ten Free Spins with up to x7 multiplier applied
- Up to 10 additional Wilds added for each Scatter
Bonus Features
Players can trigger several bonus features when landing specific combinations of symbols.
When three Wanted Posters land on consecutive reels in any order, the Wanted Dead or a Wild Bonus Game begins. Players participate in a series of challenges and games against opponents to win prizes.
Additionally:
- Landing six Scatter (Quail) symbols initiates 10 Free Spins with a multiplier applied.
- Two or more Scatters on consecutive reels initiate an additional bonus feature called Deadly Showdown
In this game mode, players participate in shooting gallery challenges and free spins with varying multipliers.
Free Spins
During the main game:
Players can trigger up to 50 Free Spins by landing two or three Scatter (Quail) symbols on consecutive reels. During these bonus rounds:
- Multiplier x1 is applied for each Spin
- Up to six additional Wilds can be added
- Additional Scatters may initiate further free spins and bonus games.
RTP
The Return to Player (RTP) rate of Wanted Dead or A Wild stands at 95.02%, slightly above the average for a slot machine. However, actual wins may vary due to individual player performance and stake amounts.
Volatility
This game exhibits medium-high volatility, offering an estimated payout range of £0.60-£40 on every bet. This makes Wanted Dead or A Wild appealing to risk-takers seeking significant payouts but less appealing for players prioritizing more modest gains.
Betting Range
The minimum betting option is £0.20 per spin:
- Up to 25 paylines are available in this game
However, it is not recommended to exceed the maximum bet of £100 on single spins due to its volatility and potential for significant losses.
Max Win
A maximum payout of up to 1,000x can be achieved when landing three consecutive Wanted Posters symbols on reels two-five or five consecutive Scatters in any order:
In both scenarios, the game’s progressive multiplier applies. For reference:
- A bet of £20 could yield a top prize worth up to £20,000
However, such wins are extremely rare and may be subject to additional wagering requirements.
Gameplay
While gameplay is straightforward for experienced players, some users might find it helpful to refer back to the rules or consult an online slot guide for clarification:
- Bet amounts can range from £0.20-£100.
- Minimum five consecutive reels in any order required to trigger top payouts
- Free Spins and Bonus Games may initiate by landing multiple Scatters on specific reels
Mobile Play
Wanted Dead or A Wild is available across multiple platforms:
It can be played online using desktop software, mobile web browsers, iOS devices via the app store, and Android devices through Google play.
However,
Players should exercise caution when operating slot machines while engaged in other activities due to potential for distraction.
The mobile-friendly design does not detract from gameplay or visual clarity. The controls remain easy-to-use:
- Users can adjust bet amounts, mute sound effects, and switch between game modes using intuitive controls on both desktop and handheld devices.
Player Experience
Reviews of the slot reveal an overwhelmingly positive sentiment among users: Many report winning combinations exceeding £1000 within a short session while others praise its unique blend of high-stakes gameplay with exciting Wild West themes:
- User consensus suggests it is possible to win several hundred pounds in under two hours, especially when relying on luck and probability.
- Players appreciate the thrilling atmosphere created by sounds effects like gunshot echoes and wild west tunes.
However,
Some players may experience frustration due to the game’s volatility or inability to land significant wins.