If a slot series remains popular for more than a decade, it’s always worthwhile working out why. For this NetEnt hit, there are two key features that make every game in which Gonzo (or Gonzita) features, a runaway success.
The avalanche mechanic
Gonzo’s Quest was the first major slot to introduce the avalanche mechanic. Long before Megaways was introduced, NetEnt had managed to find a way to skirt around the typical spinning reels and offer players something different. Needless to say, it was a hit.
The Gonzo factor
Well, duh. Gonzo is obviously one of the things that made Gonzo’s Quest special – but why? Very few slot series had delivered one central, interactive character before Gonzo’s Quest was released.
The popular Cleopatra slots and maybe Count Spectacular were the closest players had experienced, but Gonzo was much more integrated into the game. He celebrated your wins, he had actual voice lines, and had proper cinematic animation. He paved the way for favourites like John Hunter, and Rich Wilde.
Our favourite adventures with Gonzo
It feels like Gonzo is everywhere, but this is actually one of the smaller series around. Despite creating an instant hit game, NetEnt operated with some restraint, only adding a new Gonzo game when they had a genuinely brilliant idea for one. This means almost every slot in the series could be your next favourite.
Gonzo’s Quest (original): Sometimes you’ve got to celebrate where it all started. Gonzo’s Quest brought together the momentum building avalanche mechanic with impressive multipliers – and not a lot else. It felt clean with no clutter, but it delivered on tension. There’s a reason this one is still regularly featured on those ‘best ever slots’ lists. It found a formula that works.
Gonzo’s Quest Megaways: While the original was perfect because of its simplicity, the Megaways version introduced a healthy dose of chaos. Cascades and Megaways created shifting reel heights, greater win potential and more aggressive multipliers. The result was calculated chaos and it still stands up to scrutiny years later.
Gonzo ‘lite’
While all of Gonzo’s slots are worth trying out for a few spins, there’s one where the series felt a little flat and that was Gonzo’s Gold. This game didn’t make use of the multiplier feature in the base game, which made the all-important cascade feature feel a little flat. Different story in the bonus round, but for base game goodness, this didn’t quite deliver.
Did you know?
Most slot series stick to one protagonist, or a handful of regulars in the case of the Fluffy Favourites, but Gonzo’s Quest broke the mould. In 2022 we were introduced to Gonzita, a female reimagining of our adventurous protagonist. Gonzita’s Quest is well worth a spin!
If you like Gonzo’s Quest…
What are slot players if not treasure hunters? It makes sense that there are so many treasure themed slots, we’re all after that big win! Below are some fan favourites that scratch the questing and quarrying itch.
- Book of Ra: Released back in 2005 by Novomatic, this slot was one of the pioneers of the Ancient Egyptian theme. Equal doses exciting and nostalgic, this simple video slot perfectly captures the excitement of excavating a long forgotten tomb. How about checking out Book of Ra Deluxe?
- Rich Wilde Series: If Gonzo is the chaotic optimist then Rich Wilde is the cool-headed academic. From the first slot in 2016 to its many, many sequels, this slot series delivers adventures across every continent on Earth. It’s not as chaotic as Gonzo’s Quest, but the exploratory vibe is still there.