Introduction to Wonder Train
Wonder Train is a casino slot from ELK Studios offering a ride among Multipliers Tracks and carts filled with gold. ELK Studio seems to be on a roll lately, delivering high-quality releases such as Propaganda 2 and Quackers. This time, we get a ticket to one of Wilbur’s Gold Company’s trains, fitting nicely with the game’s mechanics. The gameplay revolves around collecting Coins, increasing Multipliers, and Wild Symbols, all of which reach their peak during the two Bonus Games. Although a lot is happening in the game, the studio has done a good job in creating an easily navigated design that keeps track of the game’s progression, giving each spin the potential to move the train further along.
Theme, Gameplay, & Payouts
Wonder Train is a video slot by ELK Studios that features 5 reels, 4 rows, and 20 paylines. You can select bet sizes ranging from 0.2 to 100, with a default RTP of 96%. However, casino operators can choose 94%, 92%, 90%, or 87%. This game has medium volatility and a hit frequency of 25.2%, offering potential wins of up to 10,000X your bet.
The game’s design is based on a train theme, featuring the quirky Wilbur as he collects gold. The 5x4 game grid is in the middle of the screen, set in a green landscape with Wilbur’s train behind the reels. Above the game grid, you’ll see the Multiplier Track, and if you want to boost the gaming experience for a cost, activate the Feature Buy button. All other buttons, including Spin and Bet Size, a below the reels. You can play Wonder Train on all mobile devices, desktops, and notepads. You create a winning combination by landing 3 or more of the same symbol types on adjacent reels starting at the leftmost reel.
The lower-paying symbols are J, Q, K, and A. Landing 5 of the same symbol type pays 0.25X. The higher-paying symbols are an oil, a suitcase, a clock, and a gold bar. Landing 5 of the same symbol type pays between 0.4X and 2.5X.
The game’s Wild Symbol has the design of a “W,” and the Scatter Symbol is a train with the text “Bonus.” Landing 3 or more Scatter Symbols will trigger the Bonus Game. Whenever the golden Coin Symbol lands in view, it gets collected, and collecting 3 during one spin triggers Wilbur’s Coin Fever. Let’s find out what kind of features this game has to offer.
Special Features & Slot Mechanics
What is the max win in the slot of Wonder Train?
The max win is 10,000X the bet.
What features are available in the slot of Wonder Train?
The features of this slot game are Winning Frames, Wild Symbol, Multiplier Track, Bonus Game, Wilbur’s Coin Fever, and Feature Buy.
Winning Respin
This feature is activated when a win is created, locking the winning symbols in place on the reels while the rest of the reels spin. This allows new winning symbols to be created during the following respin. A respin continues when at least one frame is part of a new win.
Wild Symbol
The Wild Symbol substitutes all symbols except the Scatter and Coin Symbol and helps you create winning combinations.
Creating a win with Wild Symbols pays as the game’s highest paying symbol type.
Multiplier Track
The Multiplier Track is displayed above the reels and is reset with a random multiplier after each spin. This track moves one step to the left for every new winning combination.
A winning combination will add the leftmost Multiplier Track value to the Global Multiplier Bell, which is applied to the total win of the spin. The Global Multiplier value is reset after each spin.
Bonus Game
This feature can be triggered by landing 3 or more Scatter Symbols during the Base Game. Depending on whether you land 3 or 4 Scatter Symbols, you will be awarded 10 or 15 Free Spins. Triggering the feature with 5 Scatter Symbols awards 15 Free Spins + Multiplier Wild Meter, which starts on a higher level, respectively. Landing a Scatter Symbol during the feature grants +2 additional Free Spins.
For every Free Spin, the Multiplier Wild Meter increases by +1 until it reaches level 10. The value is applied to the Wild Multiplier when it’s part of a winning combination. The Wild Multiplier gets locked and changes to a regular Wild after this action.
Whenever a Wild Multiplier is a part of a win, the leftmost Wild adds its value to the Global Multiplier Bell, and the following Wild Symbols add their value to the Multiplier Track Cars.
Wilbur’s Coin Fever
This feature can be triggered by landing 3 Coin Symbols during the Base or Bonus Game, awarding 3 respins. The feature starts with a 5x2 game grid, with three locked rows beneath it.
Only blanks, Coin, Dealer, Collector, and Pressure Symbols can appear on the reels. Whenever a symbol (except a blank) lands on an unlocked row, it resets the spins to 3.
The symbols are:
Coin Symbols = Can land as Bronze, Silver, or Gold Coins. The provider has not announced the values.
Pressure Symbols = Unlocks 1 additional row. A maximum of 3 Pressure Symbols can land, unlocking up to 5 rows in total. After performing its action, the Pressure Symbol turns into a Coin.
Dealer Symbol = Adds its value to all symbols in view and then turns into a Coin.
Collector Symbol = Collects the value from all symbols in view and then turns into a Coin.
When all rows have been unlocked, the 5th row multiplies all Coin Symbols on that row by 2X.
Feature Buy
If you want to take advantage of the Bonus Game immediately, you can use the feature buy option:
2.5X (Bonus Hunt) = Activates a spin with over three times the chance of activating a Bonus Game.
5X (Mega Hunt) = Activates a spin with over three times the chance of activating a Bonus Game.
50X (Wilbur’s Coin Fever) = Activates Wilbur’s Coin Fever.
100X (Bonus Game) = Activates the Bonus Game with 10 Free Spins.
250X (Super Bonus Game) = Activates the Bonus Game with 15 Free Spins, and the Multiplier Wild Meter starts on level 5.
Final Thoughts on Wonder Train
ELK Studios delivers a fun train theme with a memorable backstory, featuring the eccentric Wilbur and his gold company. We’ve seen this theme in games like the Money Train series, and here the studio makes plenty of solid connections to the gameplay, such as the Multiplier Track. The playful design gives a retro vibe, while the easily navigable layout makes it simple for us to keep track of all the action despite the number of mechanics at play.
Looking at the gameplay, there’s plenty to keep you occupied, from Winning Respins, Multiplier Track to the two Bonus Games. Starting with the Bonus Game, it features a Wild Multiplier Meter that can boost winning potential as it fills. This adds another layer to the gameplay and sets it apart from regular wins, making the Bonus Game feel like an actual bonus. The Global Multiplier is another key feature, as it can build up during a spin before its value is applied to the total win, giving winning combinations an extra boost. During the Wilbur’s Coin Fever, we’re met with a Hold & Win mechanic, but with an added twist, such as an expanding game grid and special symbols. Even though it doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking, it’s nicely packaged with an impressive balance between busy gameplay and excitement.
Overall, Wonder Train is a fun ride and offers feature-packed gameplay that’s well connected to the theme. The combination of its polished design, progression mechanics, and varied Bonus Games makes it an enjoyable slot experience that earns a good rating. However, the familiar mechanics and busy gameplay hold it back from an even higher rating.
Wonder Train may not reinvent the wheel, but it makes for an enjoyable ride from start to finish, thanks to the Global Multiplier and Multiplier Track.
