Wanted Dead or Alive is a popular casino slot machine developed by Net Entertainment (NetEnt), one of the leading software providers in the online gaming industry. This 5-reel, 4-row video slot has been well-received by click here players and critics alike since its release, thanks to its engaging theme, stunning graphics, and exciting gameplay features.
Theme
The game’s theme is centered around a band performing live at a sold-out concert. The background of the reels shows a packed arena with excited fans cheering for the band, while the symbols on the reels are inspired by music instruments, musicians, and related icons. This design choice adds to the overall excitement and energy of the game.
Design
As mentioned earlier, Wanted Dead or Alive features 5 reels, each containing up to 4 rows of symbols. The reels are positioned against a dynamic background that changes with every spin, adding to the immersive experience. The game also includes animations and special effects that enhance its visual appeal. For example, when winning combinations occur, the corresponding symbol explodes in a shower of sparks.
Symbols
The slot’s symbols include both low-paying card values (9-Ace) as well as high-value icons inspired by music instruments and performers. These higher-paying symbols are:
- Electric Guitar: 4x, 50x
- Drum Set: 12x, 150x
- Music Stand: 8x, 100x
- Bass Guitar: 40x, 400x
- Keyboard/Drummer/Promoter Icon: 10x, 250x
Payouts
The payouts for winning combinations are determined by the number of symbols that appear on adjacent reels from left to right. For example:
- A single Electric Guitar symbol pays out 4x the total bet.
- Three or more Music Stand icons pay out between 8x and 100x.
It’s worth noting that this game follows a traditional slot machine structure, with no bonus rounds or progressive jackpots. Instead, it relies on its numerous free spins features to offer significant wins (as explained below).
Wilds
The Wild symbol in Wanted Dead or Alive is represented by the Music Stand icon. This icon has the ability to substitute any other symbol (except Scatters) to create winning combinations.
Scatters
As mentioned earlier, the Scatter Icon is one of three performer icons. These symbols pay out a scatter win whenever they appear 2-5 times anywhere on the reels, awarding payouts between 10x and 250x the total bet.
Bonus Features
One of Wanted Dead or Alive’s defining features is its "Free Spins" mode. To activate this feature, players must hit at least three Scatter icons simultaneously on adjacent reels (from left to right). Doing so rewards a minimum of 12 Free Spins with an additional Wild symbol added during the bonus round.
Players can further enhance their winnings by hitting four or five Scatters, which increase the number of free spins and add extra features:
- Four Scatters: Upgrades all non-Wild symbols on reels to High-Paying ones (i.e. Drum Set, Electric Guitar) for a short period of time during free spin rounds
- Five Scatters: Increases the number of Wild Symbols appearing in the game area
These added bonuses increase the potential payouts and create more complex gameplay dynamics.
RTP & Volatility
As is common with many modern slot machines, Wanted Dead or Alive features an RTP (Return to Player) that’s higher than average. The exact RTP isn’t provided by NetEnt but it averages 96% in testing conditions – which is high enough for experienced players looking to win more often.
Volatility-wise this title operates on the "Medium" side of things, giving regular payers a sense of winning stability and also room for big hits when those appear. The RTP is calculated over many simulated spins with different sets of random number generator combinations fed into it – an average figure resulting from multiple testing procedures by various gaming sites & companies.
Betting Range
In terms of betting options, Wanted Dead or Alive offers a generous range that allows both casual and high-roller players to participate. The game’s minimum stake is set at €0.20 per spin (at standard RTP), making it accessible for budget-conscious players looking for low-stakes action.
The maximum bet is set higher than some might expect: £500/€625 (in EUR, since NetEnt is a European software provider) – clearly targeting the high rollers that have enough to spend on bigger bets but still want an exciting gameplay experience in this new title from one of online gaming’s leading developers.
Max Win
One aspect worth noting before we dive deeper into game mechanics & additional features are max win conditions which award up-to 2,800x.
