Gold Collector Slots
Something seems to go hand in hand with slot games and a gold-digging theme. It is probably because both are equally exciting, both in terms of risk and possible reward. The problem is that when you get too many games with the same theme, people start comparing them, so you have to find a way to set yourself apart from the crowd. Does Gold Collector have what it takes to set itself apart, or is it just one of many?
Head Into the Mine
This game definitely sticks to its aesthetic everywhere it can. The entire background of rocks gives it the illusion that you are deep in a mine. The board is nestled in the center with only a dimly lit vision of mine cart tracks leading into a deep, dark mine. This game employs the Hyper Hold feature, and there is a scale on the left side that indicates the level of prize you achieve. On the right side of the board are your standard settings controls.
The game is a little sparse on symbols, which isn’t exactly entertaining, but it increases the odds of hitting a winning line. You will see the traditional playing card symbols that have a similar look to the boulders that surround the game board. There is also a pick axe, shovel, lantern, a gold cart, and an old miner. The scatter symbol is represented by lit dynamite, the wild symbol is a banner with the game’s logo, and the Hyper Hold feature symbol is represented by a gold coin.
The audio is exactly what you would expect from a game with this theme. There is an upbeat banjo tune consistently playing throughout the game, which isn’t too grating but may get on some players’ nerves after a while. The sound effects aren’t overbearing and mostly consist of the sound of gold coins rattling together.
Features Worth Their Weight in Gold
When you have a pretty common theme, you have to find a way to set yourself apart, and Gold Collector does that with a stable number of extra features. It's always good when the wild symbol, which can replace any standard symbol in the game, is an afterthought regarding the features this game offers. For some reason, the wild symbol is only available on the three middle reels.
The free spins feature is activated when you hit three scatter symbols anywhere on the middle three reels. You automatically get eight free spins worth your stake in the spin that hits the feature. What’s even more exciting is the free spins can be reactivated during the free spins, so there is an opportunity for even more free money.
As is almost always the case with this feature, the Hyper Hold feature is the most coveted one of this game. This feature is triggered when three coin symbols land anywhere on the board. The chances of triggering this feature are higher during the free spins round, so you often get two bonuses for one. For those not familiar with this feature, it starts by locking however many coins activated the feature into their spots and giving you three free spins. For every spin that lands a coin, that coin sticks in place, and the three free spins restart. This continues until the board is full of coins or the free spins run out without landing another coin in an empty slot. Each reel has its own jackpot, and you win the jackpot for each reel that is filled with coins, so the possibility of significant payouts exists.
Grab Your Gear and Get Mining
It is challenging to get excited about a theme that has been thoroughly explored in this industry, but Gold Collector deserves some excitement. The graphics are acceptable, and while it could use a few more symbols, the ones they have fir perfectly and high-definition. Where this game truly shines is with special features that aren’t anything dedicated slot players haven’t seen before, but are still awesome. The first time you hit a free spins feature and have it lead directly into a Hyoer Hold feature, you will understand why so many people love this slot.