Although initially released back in 2010, Gonzo's Quest from NetEnt remains wildly popular even today. The enduring story follows a Spanish Conquistador searching for the lost Golden City of El Dorado using a stolen map.
Experience Gonzo's Peruvian Jungle adventurer on this 5×3 (reels x rows) and 20 paylines slot containing prizes that can reach up to 2,500x your bet!
One reason for Gonzo's Quest's success is undoubtedly the silky-smooth 3-D graphics and animation along with an engaging soundtrack. A total of 7 colourfully drawn stone face carvings of Incan Gods make up the regular-paying symbols. The artwork is elaborate and remains high-end even by today's standards. An animated Gonzo stands to the left of the reels adding to the engaging atmosphere.
This lovable character has, in fact, become so popular that he now has his own page on Wikipedia. Interestingly, Gonzo's character is based on the 16th-century Spanish Conquistador, Gonzalo Pizarro. The original subject is not without controversy, given Gonzalo has been described as brutal, corrupt and ruthless. Still, Gonzo's character is definitely a sweetheart.
A gold question mark on a patterned silver background is the wild symbol that substitutes all regular-paying symbols. It can appear on reels 2-4 and is an exciting feature because it can deliver surprising wins.
Rather than boring reels that spin, each of the 15 symbols fall into place. When creating a winning payline, the innovative AvalancheTM feature is triggered. Here, winning symbols disappear, leaving a gap for another avalanche of symbols. It's fun to watch the Avalanches continue until there are no further wins.
What makes the feature even more exciting is the win multiplier applied to each win. During the main game, the multiplier value increases to 2x, 3x and 5x by the 4th avalanche.
Free Fall symbols can appear on reels 1-3. When 3 of them appear on a bet line from left to right, 10 Free Falls are triggered. An even more exciting version of the Avalanche feature is active in this mode. Here, the multiplier begins at 3x on the initial avalanche and increases to 6x, 9x and 15x by the 4th avalanche.
If you're really lucky, then you'll re-trigger an additional 10 Free Falls. Watching the multiplier grow, especially during Free Falls, on each consecutive avalanche is definitely a thrill!
Gonzo's Quest has an RTP of 96.0 % and medium-high volatility. Above-average volatility slots imply that the frequency of wins may be less on average. Still, there is the possibility of winning a much larger amount than a low volatility slot.
Ever since Gonzo landed on the Peruvian shoreline, he has been a smashing success for NetEnt. The slot is well-balanced with incredible artwork, a supporting soundtrack and entertaining features. Gonzo is an amusing animated character whose mumbling is part of his oddity.
It's hard to find casino games like Gonzo's Quest that continue going strong after so many years of entertaining players. Gonzo's Quest introduced the world to the AvalancheTM feature. Until then, slots were using spinning reels. This feature (under different names) has since taken off and is found in many games from other developers.
In July 2020, NetEnt finally released an update called Gonzo's Quest Megaways. The most significant difference is the addition of the MegawaysTM mechanic, under licence from BTG, where ways to win can reach up to 117,649. Incredibly, the maximum payout potential can reach up to 20,000x your bet!
Themes based on ancient Incan civilization have become so popular that hundreds of slots can easily be found. Still, a strong argument can be made that none have been able to hold a candle to the legendary Gonzo's Quest.