Romanov Riches Slot

Graphics

In theory there was a lot of potential in what could go into this slot. However, the wiping out of the Russian royal family and Rasputin aren’t really ready to come to life on the slots yet. Maybe after a blockbuster film is made (and we know Microgaming will be all over that). Instead, Microgaming and Fortune Factory Studios takes a different approach, focusing on the “riches” aspect.

That’s why Romanov Riches is similar to other gem-based slots out there. We get Purple, Blue, Red and Green Gems appearing as the high paying symbols, along with the traditional card values, in a mixture of violet and red colours. The reels are set within a jewellery box but that doesn’t disguise the fact that slot is still another ‘gemmer’ (our new term for gem-themed slots).

But by putting the emphasis on this jewellery aspect, it brings to life the elegant nature of the Romanovs and, when we land Mystery Stacks of matching symbols, these reels literally burst into bright and vivid life - as do our gaming wallets.

Gameplay

Romanov Riches is all about the Mystery Stacks feature. At any time on any spin, reels 1 and 2 can fill with Mystery Symbols, that is one of the game symbols chosen at random. Let’s take the oft forgotten Jack symbol as an example. Reels 1 and 2 fill with Jacks as Mystery Symbols, then reel 3 lights up and can form another Mystery Reel with matching symbols.

This continues, meaning the Mystery Reels can end up taking over all five reels until we’re left with a giant Jack (or any other game symbols) occupying the full reel case. When this happens with the Bonus symbol, things get a lot more interesting.

The Bonus symbol locks in place, the reels keep spinning and the wins come in. Then the Wheel Bonus features activate. If we land three Bonus Stacks, then we spin the first Bonus Wheel and win a cash prize. If we hit four Bonus Stacks, we do the same again with Bonus Wheel 2.

However, if we get three, not only do we go through the first two Wheel Bonuses, but we end on one more which awards us a multiplier to our total winnings. As all this is happening, a plethora of colours cascades down the screen, letting us know that this is a jubilant occasion. It is a royal slot after all.

Verdict

At first glance, Romanov Riches might just seem like a gem-themed slot with an oddly named title. But after a few spins we get to see just how different it is.

The Mystery Stacks and the Wheel Bonuses turn a very purple reel case to a rainbow-coloured one, it’s the slot display of delight. Perhaps Microgaming is going political and showing what life was like under the Tsar (purple) while the Bolsheviks brought about the new beginning (Wheel Bonus)? Or maybe we’re overthinking what is essentially one heck of a playable online slot.