SunTide Slot

SunTide Slot Machine

If, like me, you are eagerly anticipating the arrival of summer, looking forward to the endless days spent lounging on the beach or at BBQs with friends, then Microgaming has just the perfect new release to keep you entertained this spring. Dust off your Wayfarers or Aviators because this vibrant new 5-reel, 3-row video slot is set to launch at many reputable online casinos in March.

Featuring 9 paylines, expanding gold medallion wilds, and the potential for up to 30 retriggerable free spins, this tropical-themed slot promises to bring plenty of heat and excitement. Microgaming appears to be fully geared up for the summer of 2016, having recently introduced Bikini Party – a slightly more daring summer-themed game.

Our preview uncovered coin values ranging from 0.09 to 22.50 across the 9 lines, with an 8000 coin jackpot up for grabs. However, we’ll have to wait for the full release of the game to explore the final results and paytable. Like other recent titles, this slot is expected to offer full compatibility with Windows, iOS, and Android devices, so you can experience that summer vibe wherever you are.

Theme

In an effort to keep up with other developers in producing visually stunning games, this simple slot kicks off with a captivating 3D video sequence. Be prepared – it’s vividly bright. A yacht glides across a sunset-tinged ocean, and the final image serves as both the backdrop for the reels and the image on the scatter symbol.

The game’s music is pleasant, reminiscent of a club med or cruise lounge ambiance – lively, fun, and tropical. Gentle chimes signal big wins, offering an immersive experience without being overwhelming or intrusive. While it may not be as engaging as some other titles in this aspect, the music hardly detracts from the game’s overall theme.

Microgaming has opted for classic summer fruit symbols for the lower-paying icons, eschewing traditional playing card values. Expect to encounter frequent appearances of Strawberries, Cherries, Watermelon, Oranges, and Lemons. As for high-value icons, look out for Gold bars, sevens, and diamonds. A quick glance at the pay table upon the game’s release will unveil all the details!

The symbol you’ll be most eager to see is the solid gold medallion. While its connection to the summer theme remains somewhat enigmatic – unless it’s a subtle nod to Egyptian sun god symbology – this symbol serves as the expanding wild, unlocking the potential for significant wins.

Features

SunTide isn’t a complicated video slot; just spin the 5 reels and aim for at least 3 matching symbols from left to right to secure wins. Combinations of 4 or 5 symbols will offer even larger, sun-soaked rewards. While a few more paylines could have added complexity, this format is easy to follow. In contrast, some 1024 multi-way games can be so intricate that you find yourself waiting for the game to confirm a win, as remembering where symbols need to align for a prize becomes challenging!

In the base game, you could snag a sizzling prize of up to 1222 times your wager, but landing 3 scatters anywhere on the reels triggers the free spins round. Here, the maximum possible payout skyrockets to a scorching 3333 times your total bet for the 15 awarded spins.

The expanding wild in the summer spins bonus round elevates the excitement. While in normal gameplay it expands on the middle reel only, creating a wild reel, during the bonus round it can expand on all 3 middle reels, setting the stage for some truly fantastic winning combinations. Landing 3 or more pictorial scatters during the spins game will retrigger the feature for a maximum of 30 spins.

Summary

SunTide falls into the low to medium variance category, offering a relatively low minimum bet and a respectable maximum bet value to cater to various types of players. The features may be limited, with the free spins bonus being the primary path to substantial wins. While not the most exhilarating release from Microgaming in recent times, SunTide is still worth a few spins as we eagerly await the hottest summer games.

Jesse Miller iGaming Writer

Last Updated: December 20, 2024