Introduction
Hero's Hunt Megaways is just one of the Fantasma online pokies to use the Megaways mechanics. There are six reels instead of the standard five and a variable number of ways to win; in this case, the number can rise to 46,656!. You also have an exciting avalanche feature instead of regular spins to make the symbols fall.
The complexity continues with the symbols. In addition to four low-paying gems, three mid-paying themed symbols and four higher-paying characters, there are chests to help you gain experience, keys to collect to unlock free spins, and block symbols that don’t pay at all. In addition to two types of free spin, you have three specialised character features. This all adds up to a pokie full of depth and potential.
Theme, graphics & soundtrack
The fantasy theme of Hero’s Hunt Megaways takes its inspiration from roleplay games such as Dungeons and Dragons, complete with a quest to collect experience and artefacts as you try to reach higher levels. You can even unlock three different heroes - Wizard, Warrior and Archer - reminiscent of the different character classes available in many RPGs.
Follow your characters into a vast cave for a vivid and atmospheric experience. There is even stirring music. The one possible disappointment is that as the 6x6 grid means a lot more symbols in view, they are often smaller than in other pokies and it can be harder to appreciate the details. This pokie is very different from the Micro Knights pokie, but both are very inventive and great fun.
Hero's Hunt Megaways RTP & volatility
Hero's Hunt Megaways has a fairly high RTP of 96.65 per cent alongside a high volatility. This means it has the potential for big wins, although they may be far apart.
How to play Hero's Hunt Megaways
1. First, you will be given the option to choose your character: Wizard, Warrior or Archer. The other two characters will remain lost until you have enough experience points (gained from finding chest symbols, just like an RPG).
2. Set your bet. There is a stack of coins on the right of the screen - if you click it, it will open a list of options for how much you can wager on each spin.
3. This is all you have to do before you start playing, but you will probably want to check out the game rules in a bit more detail. You can find the menu to the bottom right of the screen, complete with the paytable.
4. Your balance, win and bet are all displayed at the very bottom the screen, so you can keep an eye on them once you get started.
5. The spin button is large and right in the centre of the right-hand controls. It even spins as you watch to make it clear this is how you set the reels turning.
6. Alternatively, there is an autoplay button just above the spin button. You can set 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100 automatic spins. If you are worried about missing any big wins or going over your budget, you can set it to stop after big wins or losses.
Bet & win sizes
There is a fairly large bet range available in Hero’s Hunt Megaways, starting at 0.20 and rising to 100.00.
If you start at the lowest bet, the maximum six matches for each symbol will pay as follows:
- Dark blue gem - 0.20
- Light blue gem - 0.25
- Purple gem - 0.40
- Green gem - 0.50
- Coin, crown - 0.80
- Archer - 1.20
- Wizard - 1.60
- Warrior - 2.00
- Dragon - 4.00
Hero's Hunt Megaways bonus features & free spins
This pokie is laden with different bonuses and ways to activate them. Here are the extras attached to your character choice:
Wizard - explosion feature
When the explosion symbol lands on the reels, it will explode, destroying not just itself but other regular and block symbols around it in either a 2x2 or 3x3 grid. This will cause an avalanche whereby identical symbols will fall into the empty spaces.
Warrior - expanding wild feature
An expanding wild will fill an entire reel; what’s more, in the same way as a regular wild, it will act as a substitute to potentially help you fill a payline. Expanding wilds also come with a multiplier of between 1x and 6x.
Archer - respin feature
The crossed arrows form a respin symbol. When these arrows are fired, their position on the reels will clear for another avalanche. Six to 12 symbols will fall and potentially give you more winning lines.
There are also two different kinds of free spin:
Mimic free spins
Mimic free spins are triggered by what looks like a treasure chest but then opens its mouth to reveal sharp teeth and a red tongue. You will be awarded 10 free spins, during which all three characters will be unlocked.
Dragon free spins
Dragon free spins are a bit harder to find. Once you have unlocked all three characters in the base game, key-shaped symbols can start to appear on the reels. Collect three keys and release the dragon for 10 free spins. Additional Dragon free spins can be won by triggering character features.
Our verdict
This is a complicated and fascinating pokie that does a good job of recreating some of the feel of fantasy RPGs such as Dungeons and Dragons. You genuinely feel that you are on a quest with a defined narrative. Combined with the Megaways mechanics and range of extra features, Hero’s Hunt Megaways is a thrilling offering from Fantasma.