Aztec Gems – An Overview
Pragmatic Play return with yet another glowing success, this time with an Aztec theme running the show. However, there isn’t as much pizzazz as you might expect with all these glittering jewels in the game.
Instead, the developers have gone for a back-to-basics gameplay that is nonetheless intifuing to all types of online players. You’ll find yourself in the heart of a South American jungle with a brightly coloured grid full of shiny objects to keep you mesmerised throughout your playtime. The setting is nighttime, with flickers of fireflies delicately lighting up the background for you.
A dramatic soundtrack adds a bit of atmosphere to the opulent aesthetic of the game. This is going to change according to what’s happening on the reels, adding to the theatre of the game. For that final jungle effect, you will hear one or two soft animal noises in the distance.
The setup is incredibly simple. You’ve got a 3x3 slot that comes with a multiplier reel that is triggered with each spin. The slot is filled with a glorious cluster of jewels for symbols and a golden Aztec coin. To add to its simplicity, Aztec Gems only has five paylines, and you won’t find any bonus features or free spins.
Symbols to note in Aztec Gems
There are seven standard symbols in Aztec Gems. In keeping with old-school simplicity, Aztec Gems only gives you a payout when you form three identical symbols on the same payline. There are just five paylines in Aztec Gems, and they only pay from left to right.
The sparkling gemstones are the higher-paying symbols in this game. Green emeralds pay you 2x, while sapphires will get you 2.4x. Higher up the scale is the amethyst, which provides a payout of 3x. At the very top, you’ll find the ruby, the highest-paying symbol in Aztec Gems. This gem will award you 4x.
In addition to these beauties, there’s the very pretty Aztec coin, a wild symbol with an Aztec mask embossed onto it. This gold coin will substitute for any symbol - except for the multipliers - to help you to complete a winning combination. This wild always shows up as stacked, increasing the likelihood of making up several other combinations.
Special Features in Aztec Gems
Admittedly, there are no free spins or bonus features in Aztec Gems. It’s part of its charm, although the game does make up for it with the fourth reel on the grid. This is the Multiplier reel, and it's one that is perennially in operation throughout the game with each spin. It’s a reel that only features multipliers, and with every winning combination, the multiplier that lands is applied to your winnings. The multiplier values go from a useless x1 to a delectable x15.
It's worth mentioning again that there are no free spins in Aztec Gems.
Playing Aztec Gems at Royal Panda
Once you’ve entered the Royal Panda lobby, you’ll have to look up the title of the game in the database. Once you’ve found it, click on its icon and the game will launch. You might have to sign into your account if you haven’t already. Once you’ve set everything up, you’re good to go!
The idea behind Aztec Gems is offering a seamless online slot to those players who appreciate a mix of simple features and an easy to navigate game inteface. The interface is very clearly laid out and responsive, which is typical of any Pragmatic Play slot. Whether you’re using your mobile device or desktop, playing requires you to click on the Spin button. Alternatively, for a more sit-back-and-watch approach, Aztec Games offers the Autospin option, where you can choose up to 1000 autospins while you sit back and watch the reels turn.
Naturally, before you start playing Aztec Gems, you’ll need to choose a bet amount with which you are comfortable. This can be adjusted from the ‘-’ or ‘+’ buttons on either side of the ‘Spin’ button.
Aztec Gems – summary
There is a lot to like about Aztec Gems, despite the lack of bonus rounds and free spins. This is a quirky game with a generous multiplier reel, shiny symbols and a very cool soundtrack. It delivers superb graphics and fast-paced action, with no interruptions or unnecessary animation detracting from your playtime.
Other Games at Royal Panda
Because Aztec Gems has been such a success among the slot community, Pragmatic Play jumped at the opportunity to bring forth a sequel for its loyal fans. Aztec Gems Deluxe comes with the original’s winning personality, but to appease the public, they’ve also included a respin feature and the chance to win the top prize of 22,519x.
The Aztec theme is not uncommon among developers, and there’s definitely a thirst for it. If you’re a fan of this theme but wish to explore more enhanced slot games, Royal Panda’s online pokies lobby has much to offer. If you like games with free spins, you can move on to the unbeatable Book of Dead. There is also NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest, an online pokie that makes excellent use of cascading symbols and opulent 3D animations.