Mustang Trail

Pragmatic Play’s Mustang Trail immerses players in the ambiance of the Wild West, focusing on the raw beauty of the North American landscape and its iconic wildlife. The game’s backdrop presents a detailed depiction of a Native American settlement, complete with traditional teepees and a vast, open sky. The art style evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of classic Western films, but with a modern, polished aesthetic. The sound design complements the visuals, with natural ambient noises and a subtle, thematic score that enhances the overall experience without overpowering it.

The core thematic elements revolve around the majestic mustang, a symbol of freedom and untamed spirit. This is visually represented not just in the symbols, but also in the subtle animation of mustangs galloping in the distance, adding a dynamic element to the otherwise static backdrop. It is interesting to note that the developer attempted to make the game world more alive, but this attempt seems half-hearted.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

Mustang Trail utilizes a 5×3 reel structure with 10 fixed paylines. This setup is a staple in the world of online slots, offering a familiar foundation for seasoned players. However, the game deviates from the mundane with its high volatility, meaning wins may be less frequent, but the potential for substantial payouts is significantly increased. This is a game that rewards patience and a strategic approach to bankroll management.

Wins are awarded for matching symbols from left to right, starting from the leftmost reel. The paytable is a mix of classic card symbols (10, J, Q, K, A) and thematic icons like lizards, rams, eagles, buffalos, and the prized mustang. The mustang symbol is the highest paying, offering a 150x payout for five on a payline.

Wild Symbol Dynamics

The wild symbol, depicted as a silhouetted rider on a mustang, serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it acts as a substitute for all regular paying symbols, aiding in the completion of winning combinations. Secondly, it carries its own payout value, matching the mustang symbol’s 150x reward for a five-of-a-kind win. This dual functionality makes the wild a highly desirable symbol on the reels.

What sets Mustang Trail apart is the random addition of extra wilds to the reels whenever a wild symbol lands during the base game. This feature injects an element of surprise and can significantly boost the potential for winning combinations on any given spin. It’s like a sudden stampede of opportunity, transforming a standard spin into a potentially lucrative event.

Free Spins and Scatter Collection

The free spins feature is the heart of Mustang Trail’s bonus mechanics. Triggered by landing three scatter symbols (golden mustang) on reels 1, 3, and 5, this feature awards an initial 8 free spins. The scatter symbol is a golden mustang framed in a horseshoe, and it appears on reels 1, 3, and 5. During free spins, it can land on all reels. During the free spins, the game introduces a collection mechanic where each scatter that lands are accumulated in a meter above the reels.

Every third scatter collected results in a retrigger, granting an additional 5 free spins. Additionally, a sticky wild is added to a random position on the reels with each retrigger, remaining in place for the duration of the free spins round. This mechanic can lead to a significant accumulation of wilds, dramatically increasing the potential for massive wins as the feature progresses. Should you need clarification on how this mechanic operates, try launching the demo version of the slot and accessing the in-game help by pressing the “(i)” button.

Bonus Buy Feature

For those who prefer a more direct route to the action, Mustang Trail offers a Bonus Buy option. At a cost of 50x the current bet, players can instantly trigger the free spins feature. This is a high-risk, high-reward proposition, as the cost is substantial, but the potential for significant returns is equally high. The RTP when using the bonus buy is 96.05%, which is almost the same as the standard RTP of 96.04%.

The Bonus Buy feature is a testament to the game’s catering to experienced players who understand the dynamics of high-volatility slots and are willing to take calculated risks. It should be noted that according to our research, the organic bonus round hit rate is 1 in 120 spins, which is better than average.

The maximum win in Mustang Trail is capped at 5,000x the bet. This limit applies to both the base game and the free spins feature. If the total win of a round reaches 5,000x the bet, the round immediately ends, the win is awarded up to the cap, and all remaining features are forfeited.

While the game’s high volatility and the potential for a 5,000x payout are attractive, it’s important to approach Mustang Trail with a realistic mindset. The journey to significant wins can be a long and winding one, and the game’s mechanics are designed to provide a thrilling, yet unpredictable experience. It’s a game that demands respect for its volatility and an understanding of its intricate bonus features. I believe this slot is worth trying, although it is unlikely to become a favorite game.