Pragmatic Play brings back the allure of the ancient Greek myth with Hand of Midas 2, a sequel that promises to captivate slot enthusiasts with enhanced visuals, refined gameplay mechanics, and increased win potential. This review delves into every aspect of the game, highlighting why Hand of Midas 2 stands out in the crowded slot market.
Gameplay and Features
Visuals and Symbols
Hand of Midas 2 retains the rich, blue-hued backdrop filled with golden artifacts, reminiscent of its predecessor. The game features a 5×3 grid with 20 paylines, showcasing symbols that include rock-hewn card royals (10, J, Q, K, A), cups, fruits, treasure chests, and premium icons such as the golden lady, bearded gentleman, and King Midas. The premium symbols offer significant payouts, with King Midas himself offering up to 20x the bet for a 5-of-a-kind combination.
Base Game Mechanics
The base game sticks to the classic slot formula, forming winning combinations from left to right. Wild symbols, appearing on reels 2, 3, and 4, substitute for all regular paying symbols and come with multipliers of 2x, 3x, 5x, or 10x. These multipliers are cumulative, significantly enhancing the potential payouts when multiple wilds land.
Free Spins Feature
The free spins feature is the highlight of Hand of Midas 2. Triggered by landing three scatter symbols on reels 1, 3, and 5, players enter a round where mini reels determine the number of free spins awarded, ranging from a minimum of 9 to a maximum of 27. During the free spins round, wild symbols stick to the reels and carry multipliers that are added to the overall win multiplier, creating opportunities for exponential payouts.
Bonus Buy Option
For players eager to dive directly into the action, Hand of Midas 2 offers a bonus buy feature. At a cost of 100x the bet, players can purchase entry into the free spins round, ensuring a minimum of 4, 5, or 6 scatter symbols. This feature caters to those who prefer an immediate chance at the game’s most lucrative rewards, though it comes with a slightly lower RTP of 96.04% compared to the base game’s 96.07%.
Volatility and RTP
Hand of Midas 2 is characterized by its high volatility, making it ideal for players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay. The default RTP stands at 96.07%, providing a fair return to players over time. However, operators can offer versions with RTPs of 95.05% or 94.06%. The maximum win potential has been significantly increased from 5000x in the original game to 8000x the bet, providing an added incentive for high-stakes players.
Comparing to the Original
While Hand of Midas 2 retains much of what made the original game popular, it introduces several key enhancements. The increased maximum win potential and the refined multiplier mechanics in the free spins round are notable improvements. However, the core gameplay remains familiar, ensuring that fans of the original will feel right at home while exploring the new features.
Bottom Line
Pragmatic Play’s Hand of Midas 2 successfully builds on the strengths of its predecessor while introducing exciting new features and higher win potential. The combination of engaging visuals, high volatility, and the potential for substantial payouts makes this slot a compelling choice for both new and experienced players. Whether you’re drawn by the mythological theme or the thrill of high-stakes gameplay, Hand of Midas 2 offers a golden opportunity to strike it rich.