Bounty County

Bounty County: Bonus Features Overview

Setting the Scene: Bounty County’s Wild West Atmosphere

Bounty County doesn’t just present a theme; it crafts an environment. The game successfully evokes the rugged, untamed spirit of the American Frontier, where justice was often a personal affair, and fortunes could be made or lost with the flash of a gun.

Visual Presentation and Graphics

The visual execution in Bounty County is a strong point. Relax Gaming has opted for a stylized, almost comic-book aesthetic that brings the characters and setting to life with vibrant detail. The backdrop shifts from sun-scorched daytime canyons during the base game to more intense, moodily lit scenes during bonus features, effectively heightening the drama. Characters, from the various determined-looking bandits to the player-character implicitly acting as the bounty hunter, are well-drawn and animated. The design of the crates and the explosive effects of the TNT add a satisfying layer of visual feedback to the gameplay. Even the lower-value card symbols are given a rustic, wooden texture, fitting seamlessly into the overall design. The Wanted Posters, which display the different reward tiers for Boss Bandits, are a particularly nice thematic touch.

Sound Design and Musical Score

Complementing the visuals is an immersive soundscape. The primary musical theme is a twangy, guitar-driven piece reminiscent of classic Western film scores, setting an adventurous and slightly tense mood. This is punctuated by a host of sound effects: the crack of gunfire from the Guns Crates, the satisfying thud of hits landing on bandits, the clatter of cascading symbols, and the booms from TNT explosions. During significant wins or feature triggers, the audio swells, enhancing the excitement. The jingle that plays upon entering the bonus round or achieving a Super Bonus effectively signals a shift to a higher-stakes phase of the game. Overall, the sound design is crisp and contributes significantly to the player’s engagement with the Bounty County world.

Understanding the Bounty County Gameplay

At its core, Bounty County operates on a unique grid structure and a Scatter Pays system, enhanced by cascading wins that can lead to chain reactions of payouts and feature activations.

Game Grid and Scatter Pays Mechanic

The game unfolds on a 6×6 grid, but it’s crucial to understand its two distinct areas. The central 4×4 portion is where standard paying symbols land and form winning combinations. Bounty County utilizes a Scatter Pays mechanic, meaning wins are achieved when four or more identical symbols appear anywhere within this 4×4 inner grid; they do not need to be on specific paylines or adjacent in clusters initially, just present. The outer perimeter, known as the Special Symbol Area, is reserved for the various Bandit symbols and interactive Crate symbols, which play a pivotal role in the game’s features.

Cascading Wins: Keeping the Action Going

Following any win on the 4×4 inner grid, the Cascading Wins feature activates. All symbols involved in the winning combination are removed from the grid. Subsequently, existing symbols above them fall down to fill the empty spaces, and new symbols drop in from the top to fill the newly vacated positions. If these new arrangements result in further winning combinations, the cascade process repeats. This continues until no new wins are formed. This mechanic not in only offers the potential for multiple wins from a single spin but is also key to interacting with the Special Symbols on the perimeter.

Symbols and Payouts

The symbols in Bounty County are thematically designed, ranging from classic card royals to iconic Western imagery and character portraits. Payouts are awarded based on the number of matching symbols appearing anywhere on the 4×4 inner grid, thanks to the Scatter Pays system.

The lower end of the paytable is represented by stylized card ranks: Jack (J), Queen (Q), King (K), and Ace (A). These symbols appear frequently and offer smaller, more consistent payouts, helping to maintain a steady flow of action. For these, landing 4 identical symbols typically awards 0.1x the bet, scaling up to 1.0x for 9 or more.

Stepping up in value are thematic items: a gleaming Horseshoe, a bottle of what one might presume is strong Whiskey, and a lucky four-leaf Clover. These symbols bridge the gap between the low and high pays, offering more substantial rewards. Payouts for these might range from 0.2x for 4 symbols up to 2.0x for 9 or more.

The most lucrative standard symbols are three distinct character portraits. These appear to be a rugged male cowboy with a brown hat, a determined cowgirl with a purple hat, and a stern-looking older gentleman with a blue hat and white beard, perhaps a seasoned lawman or an established rancher. Landing 9 or more of the top-paying character can award as much as 50x the stake.

The Wild symbol, which can be revealed from Blank Crates, plays the traditional role of substituting for any other paying symbol to help form or enhance winning combinations on the 4×4 inner grid. It cannot substitute for any of the special perimeter symbols (Bandits or Crates).

The Hunt Begins: Core Mechanics and Special Symbols

The true distinctiveness of Bounty County lies in its interactive perimeter, the Special Symbol Area, and how players engage with the Bandits and Crates found there. At the start of each spin, 5 to 7 Bandit symbols will randomly populate positions in this outer area.

The Special Symbol Area: Where Bandits Lurk

This outer ring transforms the game from a simple slot into a more engaging hunt. Special symbols here are “hit” or destroyed when a winning combination of paying symbols occurs directly adjacent to them (horizontally or vertically) on the inner 4×4 grid. Corner special symbols have a unique activation: they are hit or destroyed if a paying symbol in the corresponding corner of the 4×4 grid forms part of a win. This mechanic encourages players to not just look for wins, but to consider their positioning relative to these valuable outer symbols.

Crates of the County: Uncovering Surprises

Interspersed with the Bandits are various Crate symbols. These act as feature activators when destroyed by adjacent wins or hit by a Guns Crate. Each Crate requires one “hit” to be destroyed and reveal its contents.

When a Blank Crate is destroyed, it can either reveal a valuable Wild symbol, which then participates in any potential wins on the inner grid for that cascade, or it may contain nothing, adding an element of anticipation.

Destroying a Guns Crate is a pivotal moment. It reveals a firearm (like a shotgun or rifle) that then “shoots” 3 to 6 times. These shots are randomly distributed among the visible Bandit symbols, reducing their hit points. A Guns Crate can also target and destroy a TNT Crate, potentially triggering a larger chain reaction.

TNT Crates, when destroyed, unleash an explosion. A Light TNT deals 1 hit point of damage to all other Special Symbols (Bandits or other Crates) in the same row and column. A Heavy TNT is more potent, dealing 3 hit points of damage to all Special Symbols in its row and column. This can be a highly effective way to damage multiple Bandits or destroy several Crates simultaneously.

The Outlaws: Understanding the Bandits

The various Bandit symbols are the primary targets in the Special Symbol Area. Each has a set number of hit points and offers a different reward or effect when their hit points are reduced to zero (destroyed).

The Cash Bandit requires 3 hits to be destroyed. Upon its destruction, it awards an instant cash prize of 0.1x, 0.2x, or 0.3x the player’s total bet. These provide small, frequent boosts to the balance.

Also requiring 3 hits for destruction, the Multiplier Bandit is key to increasing overall win potential. When destroyed, it adds +1 to a persistent Total Multiplier that applies to all subsequent Scatter Pays wins during that spin’s cascade sequence and carries over into the Bonus Game if triggered on that spin.

The Free Spin Bandit, another 3-hit target, contributes to the Free Spins feature. If destroyed during the base game on the spin that triggers the Bonus Game, it awards 1 additional Free Spin to the starting total. If destroyed during an active Bonus Game, it simply adds 1 more Free Spin to the remaining count.

The Main Showdown: Bonus Game and Super Bonus Game

The pinnacle of the hunt in Bounty County is the activation of its Free Spins features, offering enhanced opportunities for accumulating significant rewards.

Triggering the Bonus: Defeating All Bandits

The primary Bonus Game is triggered when all Bandit symbols currently present in the Special Symbol Area are destroyed within a single paid spin sequence (including all cascades). This signifies a successful roundup of the outlaws.

Choosing Your Path: Easy, Medium, and Hard Modes

Upon triggering the Bonus Game, players are awarded an initial 6 Free Spins. Before the round commences, a crucial choice must be made between three distinct modes, each altering the types of Bandit symbols that can appear in the Special Symbol Area during the Free Spins:

In Easy Mode, only Free Spin Bandits will populate the Special Symbol Area alongside Crates. This mode is geared towards players who prefer a higher chance of extending the bonus round duration through additional spins, though it lacks the potential for win multiplication from Multiplier Bandits.

Medium Mode offers a mix: both Free Spin Bandits and Multiplier Bandits can appear. This provides a balance between potentially earning more spins and building a win multiplier, appealing to players who appreciate a moderate risk-reward profile.

The Hard Mode is designed for those seeking higher volatility and larger win potential. In this mode, only Multiplier Bandits will appear in the Special Symbol Area (along with Crates). While the chance of retriggering spins is eliminated (as Free Spin Bandits are absent), the focus is entirely on accumulating the highest possible win multiplier.

During all bonus modes, any undestroyed Special Symbols (Bandits or Crates with remaining hit points) and the accumulated Total Multiplier from the triggering spin carry over and persist between Free Spins until they are destroyed or the round ends.

The Boss Bandit: The Ultimate Target in Free Spins

A unique element of the Bonus Game is the Boss Bandit. This formidable outlaw only appears during the Free Spins round and requires a substantial 6 hits to be destroyed. Boss Bandits come in three sizes, each offering a significant reward based on the player’s current bet:

• Small Boss ($): Awards 5x to 15x the bet.
• Medium Boss (): Awards 20x to 75x the bet.
• Big Boss ($): Awards a hefty 100x to 500x the bet.

Successfully defeating a Boss Bandit can be a major highlight of the bonus round.

Super Bonus Game: Upping the Ante

Bounty County features an enhanced version of the free spins known as the Super Bonus Game. This is triggered if the standard Bonus Game is activated on a base game spin where at least one Multiplier Bandit or Free Spin Bandit was already present (and thus contributed to the triggering spin’s outcome, e.g., by adding to the initial multiplier or spin count). According to Relax Gaming, the Super Bonus is, on average, more rewarding than the regular Bonus Game, implying a higher frequency or value of beneficial Special Symbols during its course.

Strategic Options: Double Bet and Feature Buy

For players looking to alter their gameplay experience or directly access the main features, Bounty County offers two distinct options: the Double Bet and the Feature Buy.

The Double Bet: Increasing Your Odds?

The Double Bet is an optional wager that players can activate before any spin. Engaging this feature doubles the current stake. In return, Relax Gaming states it offers several advantages:

• The overall hit rate increases from the standard 27.29% to 43%.
• The frequency of triggering the Bonus Game is more than doubled.
• Crucially, when the Bonus Game is triggered with Double Bet active, 2 out of 3 instances are expected to be the more lucrative Super Bonus.
• Multiplier Bandits, Free Spin Bandits, and special Crates (Guns, TNT) are also said to appear more frequently.

The RTP when playing with Double Bet active remains at 96.10%. This option caters to players willing to invest more per spin for a potentially more feature-rich and higher-potential experience.

Feature Buy: Direct Access to the Action

For those who prefer to bypass the base game grind, Bounty County provides a Feature Buy option. Players can choose to directly purchase entry into:

• Bonus Game: For a cost of 50 times their base bet.
• Super Bonus Game: For a cost of 100 times their base bet.

When a feature is bought, the game typically presents a setup on the triggering spin that guarantees the activation of the respective bonus, and the player is then taken directly to the bonus mode selection screen (for Bonus Game) or into the Super Bonus. The theoretical RTP for the Bonus Buy feature is 96.50% for both options. This provides immediate access to the game’s most exciting phases, albeit at a premium.

Key Game Statistics: RTP, Volatility, and Max Win

Understanding the statistical profile of Bounty County is essential for players to align the game with their risk tolerance and payout expectations.

Understanding Bounty County’s RTP

The theoretical Return to Player (RTP) for Bounty County is stated as 96.10% for its default configuration. This figure represents the percentage of all wagered money that the slot is expected to pay back to players over a vast number of spins. It’s a long-term average and doesn’t guarantee specific outcomes in short sessions. Relax Gaming also notes that versions with 94% and 86% RTP may exist, so players should verify the specific version at their chosen casino. The RTP for the Bonus Buy feature is slightly higher at 96.50%.

Navigating Medium Volatility

Bounty County is classified as a medium volatility slot. This suggests a balance between the frequency of wins and the size of payouts. Compared to high volatility slots, players might experience wins more regularly, but massive, game-changing payouts might be less common, though still possible. Medium volatility often appeals to a broad range of players, offering a good mix of entertainment and win potential without the extreme swings of very high or very low variance games. The choice of Easy, Medium, or Hard modes in the bonus game can also influence the perceived volatility during that feature.

Chasing the 5,000x Maximum Win

The maximum potential win in Bounty County is capped at 5,000 times the player’s bet. If the sum of all values won in a single game round (including all cascades and bonus features) reaches or exceeds this amount, the game round will end, and the player will be awarded 5,000x their bet. This is a respectable maximum payout, offering a significant prize for lucky bounty hunters.

Bounty County Versus the Wild West: Slot Comparisons

To truly appreciate Bounty County’s position in the crowded slot market, it’s useful to see how it stacks up against other notable titles, both from Relax Gaming’s own portfolio and from other developers specializing in the Western genre.

Bounty County vs. Other Relax Gaming Hits

Relax Gaming is renowned for its innovative mechanics and popular series. When comparing Bounty County to a powerhouse like Money Train 4 (released Sept 2023), the differences are stark. Money Train 4 is known for its extremely high volatility and complex, symbol-collecting bonus round with a massive max win potential (150,000x). Bounty County, with its medium volatility and 5,000x max win, offers a more accessible, less punishing experience. While both feature intricate bonus mechanics, Bounty County’s interactivity is more tied to the base game grid’s perimeter, whereas Money Train’s core excitement is almost exclusively in its hold-and-win style bonus.

Compared to a title like Temple Tumble 2 Dream Drop (released May 2022), which features cascading mechanics and a progressive jackpot, Bounty County shares the cascading wins but focuses its feature set on direct interaction and strategic choices in its bonus modes rather than jackpot chasing. Temple Tumble 2 has selectable free spin modes (multipliers & extra spins; persistent wilds; combined), which bear some resemblance to Bounty County’s Easy/Medium/Hard mode choice, though the underlying mechanics differ. Bounty County’s “hit point” system for bandits is a more direct combat-style interaction than the stone block clearing in Temple Tumble.

Bounty County vs. Popular Western Slots

The Wild West theme is a perennial favorite. Against Hacksaw Gaming’s Wanted Dead or a Wild (released Sept 2021), Bounty County presents a more structured, less raw gameplay feel. “Wanted” is known for its high volatility and distinct bonus features (The Great Train Robbery, Duel at Dawn, Dead Man’s Hand) that can deliver substantial payouts (up to 12,500x). Bounty County’s interactive perimeter and bandit takedown system offers a different kind of engagement than Wanted’s more traditional reel-spinning approach combined with potent sticky wild and multiplier mechanics in its bonuses.

Compared to Nolimit City’s Deadwood (released May 2020), another high-volatility Western classic with a max win of 13,950x, Bounty County feels less edgy but perhaps more broadly appealing due to its medium variance. Deadwood is famous for its xNudge Wilds and multiple intense free spin features (Hunter Spins, Gunslinger Spins). Bounty County’s core gameplay loop of clearing bandits through adjacent wins and crate features is unique, whereas Deadwood relies more on its specialized wild mechanics and multi-stage free spins. Bounty County’s more stylized, almost cartoonish graphics also contrast with the grittier presentations of both Wanted Dead or a Wild and Deadwood.

Ultimately, Bounty County carves its own niche by blending the Scatter Pays and cascading mechanics with a highly interactive “Special Symbol Area” and strategic bonus mode choices, offering a distinct flavor of Wild West action.

Playing Bounty County on the Go: Mobile Compatibility

Relax Gaming develops its slots with a mobile-first approach, and Bounty County is no exception. The game is fully optimized for play across a wide range of devices, including smartphones and tablets running on iOS, Android, or Windows operating systems. The interface adapts seamlessly to smaller screens, with controls typically reconfigured for easy touch interaction. The 6×6 grid with its central 4×4 action area remains clear and legible, and the special symbols on the perimeter are easily distinguishable. Performance is generally smooth, provided a stable internet connection. Whether you’re waiting in line or relaxing on the couch, the Bounty County experience translates well to mobile, allowing aspiring bounty hunters to pursue their quarry anytime, anywhere, without any significant loss of features or visual fidelity compared to the desktop version. The clear iconography for bets, spin, and feature buy options ensures that mobile play is intuitive.

Tips and Strategies for Aspiring Bounty Hunters

While slot outcomes are ultimately governed by Random Number Generators, understanding Bounty County’s mechanics can enhance your gameplay experience.

For the Casual Player

If you’re playing primarily for entertainment and to enjoy the theme, start with smaller bets to familiarize yourself with how the Crates and Bandits interact. The base game can be quite engaging on its own with the cascading wins and perimeter action. The Easy or Medium modes in the Bonus Game might be preferable initially, as they offer a good balance of potential extra spins and some multiplier chances without the higher volatility of the Hard mode. Don’t feel pressured to use the Double Bet or Feature Buy unless your budget comfortably allows and you understand the increased risk/reward. The key is to enjoy the narrative of the hunt and the satisfaction of clearing the bandits.

For the Strategic Player

Players looking to optimize their approach might consider a few points:

• Understanding the Double Bet: While it doubles your stake, the stated increase in bonus frequency (especially Super Bonus) and valuable special symbols might justify its use if your bankroll strategy accommodates it. The RTP remains the same, so it’s about altering the game’s rhythm and feature concentration.
• Bonus Mode Choice: The Hard Mode, focusing solely on Multiplier Bandits, theoretically offers the highest win potential in the bonus game due to the compounding effect of multipliers, but it also comes with the highest risk of a quick, low-paying bonus as free spins aren’t retriggered through bandits. If your strategy is to maximize the chance of hitting the game’s upper win potential, Hard Mode is the logical, albeit volatile, choice. Medium Mode offers a more balanced path to building both spins and multipliers.
• Bankroll Management: Given the medium volatility and the cost of Feature Buys/Double Bet, careful bankroll management is crucial. Set limits and stick to them. The 5,000x max win is enticing, but it’s a long shot.
• Demo Play: Utilize the Bounty County demo version extensively to understand how frequently different features trigger, how the different bonus modes play out, and the impact of the Double Bet before committing real funds. This allows for risk-free testing of different approaches.

No strategy guarantees wins, but being informed about the game’s mechanics can lead to more enjoyable and potentially more calculated gameplay decisions.

Pros and Cons of Bounty County

Every slot has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a balanced look at Bounty County:

Pros:

• Innovative Gameplay Loop: The Special Symbol Area with its interactive Bandits and Crates creates a highly engaging and unique core mechanic that sets it apart.
• Strategic Bonus Mode Choice: Offering Easy, Medium, and Hard modes in the Free Spins allows players to tailor the bonus volatility to their preference.
• Super Bonus Feature: The chance to trigger an enhanced Super Bonus adds an extra layer of excitement and reward potential.
• Engaging Theme and Presentation: The Wild West theme is well-executed with quality graphics, animations, and an immersive soundtrack.
• Scatter Pays and Cascading Wins: These popular mechanics provide dynamic action and the potential for multiple wins from a single spin.
• Double Bet Option: Provides a way to potentially increase feature frequency for players willing to accept the higher stake.
• Feature Buy Availability: Direct access to both Bonus and Super Bonus rounds is a welcome option for some players.
• Respectable Max Win: A 5,000x maximum payout offers good winning potential for a medium volatility game.

Cons:

• Complexity for Newcomers: The number of different special symbols, crate types, and bandit interactions might feel a bit overwhelming for players new to more complex slots.
• Medium Volatility Might Not Suit All: Players seeking extreme high-octane thrills or very low-risk, frequent small wins might find the medium variance less appealing.
• RTP Variability: The existence of lower RTP versions (94%, 86%) means players need to be mindful of checking the specific version they are playing at their chosen casino.
• Inner Grid Size: While Scatter Pays helps, some might find the 4×4 inner symbol area for standard wins a bit constrained visually, even if functionally adequate.
• Dependence on Feature Triggers for Big Wins: Like many modern slots, the largest wins are typically concentrated within the bonus features.

Our Verdict: Is Bounty County Worth the Hunt?

Bounty County from Relax Gaming is a genuinely refreshing addition to the Western slot genre and the broader Scatter Pays category. It successfully moves beyond standard reel-spinning by introducing a highly interactive “Special Symbol Area” that feels like a game within a game. The process of strategically using wins on the inner grid to “attack” bandits and crates on the perimeter is both engaging and rewarding, offering a sense of progression with each hit point depleted or crate destroyed.

The choice of three distinct bonus modes (Easy, Medium, Hard) is a commendable feature, catering to different player preferences for volatility and reward structure during the free spins. The Super Bonus adds another layer of anticipation, promising an even more potent feature if triggered under the right conditions. With a solid RTP of 96.1% (on its default version), medium volatility providing a balanced experience, and a respectable 5,000x max win potential, the game’s core statistics are appealing.

While the array of special symbols and their interactions might take a few spins to fully grasp, the learning curve is part of the enjoyment. The Double Bet and Feature Buy options provide flexibility for those who wish to tailor their experience further.

I find Bounty County to be a well-crafted and thoughtfully designed slot. It offers a level of player interaction and strategic decision-making (especially in bonus mode selection) that is often missing in more straightforward games. The theme is executed with polish, and the core mechanics are both innovative and entertaining.

Therefore, I would certainly recommend giving Bounty County a spin, especially in its demo version on Ispinix.com to fully appreciate its unique features. For players who enjoy thematic depth, interactive elements, and the thrill of a strategic hunt, Bounty County offers a rewarding and memorable adventure in the Wild West. It’s a commendable effort from Relax Gaming that stands out in a crowded market.