Pirate Gold Deluxe: An Unexpected “Downgrade”?
It’s not uncommon to see follow-up slots with titles like “Deluxe” or “Gold,” where the improvements aren’t immediately obvious. Typically, after a few spins or a look at the pesowin paytable, players discover new features, enhanced potential, or graphical upgrades. However, it seems Pragmatic Play has taken a different approach with Pirate Gold Deluxe, as it feels more like a downgrade compared to the original Pirate Gold. If you’re familiar with the first version, you might be left wondering if the changes are worth the hype, especially when considering the reduced win potential and the absence of key features. For those looking for a fresh experience, you may want to look elsewhere.
Similar Visual Appeal, But With a Softer Tone
Visually, the Deluxe version and the original are quite similar. The pesowin Deluxe edition offers a slightly more inviting atmosphere thanks to the warmer, brighter tones in the animated background. However, the overall look is nearly identical, including the suspenseful soundtrack that players have come to expect from Pirate Gold. It seems like Pragmatic Play simply adjusted the visual elements to make it appear more welcoming but didn’t focus on significant upgrades. The 5-reel, 40-payline grid in the Deluxe version is cleaner but less detailed, giving it a less authentic feel compared to the original. For players who enjoy the immersion of a fully detailed pirate world, this may be disappointing.
A Shrinking Bet and Reduced RTP
In terms of gameplay, one of the most obvious changes is the reduced maximum bet. With a lower betting range, it might not appeal to high-stakes players. Additionally, the default RTP has pesowin dropped slightly to 96.48%, though the volatility remains high at a 5 out of 5 rating. For those familiar with high-volatility games, this means big wins can still be elusive. But it’s clear that Pirate Gold Deluxe doesn’t offer as much potential for high payouts, making it harder to justify the changes when compared to the original game. It’s an odd choice, especially considering the expectations from a “Deluxe” version of a game.
The Pay Symbols: Same As Before, With Familiar Faces
The regular pay symbols are also unchanged. From lowest to highest value, players will find bronze, silver, and gold doubloons, and a hook, which require three of a kind to win. The higher-value symbols, which only need two to win, include telescopes, maps, ships, parrots, a lady pirate, and a male pirate. Payouts range from 10 to 25 times the stake, with the potential for larger wins from these symbols. Although the symbols themselves are familiar, the lack of any new additions feels like a missed opportunity for innovation. For players using platforms like pesowin, where variety and uniqueness are highly pesowin valued, this might leave them wanting more.
A New Feature: Lucky Treasure Bag
We may have given away too much by noting that free spins are no longer part of Pirate Gold Deluxe. In their place, the game introduces a modified Lucky Treasure Bag feature, though there isn’t much else new. This is a good time to mention that the Lucky Treasure Bag feature can be an interesting twist on the typical gameplay, although it doesn’t completely make up for the removal of free spins. To activate this feature, you need to land 8 or more gold Money Symbols anywhere on the reels. These bags can contain random values or reveal the minor or major jackpot. For those looking for more excitement, this feature is a mixed bag, offering a fresh twist but not a complete overhaul.
Lucky Treasure Bags: A Feature with Mixed Results
When 8 bags land, they lock in place and grant three respins. During the respins, only blank spaces, chests, or purple, red, or green bags can appear. If a pesowin bag lands, respins are reset to three, and one of the following modifiers is applied:
- Purple Bags lock in place and accumulate the values of the gold Money Bags that triggered the feature.
- Red Bags also lock in place and take pesowin the values of all visible bags when they land.
- Green Bags add a multiplier of x2, x3, or x5 to the total win multiplier for the round but are not sticky.
- Chests retrigger another Lucky Treasure feature once the current round ends.
While this feature can bring in some decent wins, it doesn’t generate the same level of excitement that other similar features, like those found in Money Train 2, are known for. Still, multipliers, though rare, can significantly enhance an average bonus round, making them worth aiming for. For players who enjoy the thrill of high-potential features, it’s a welcome addition, but it may not be enough to redeem the overall experience.
Buy Money Respins: An Additional Gamble
One of the new additions to Pirate Gold Deluxe is the Buy Money Respins feature. For a cost of 100 times the bet, players can purchase 8-19 Money Symbols on their next spin, where applicable. This feature may appeal to players who enjoy the idea of buying into the action, though it doesn’t offer the same level of excitement as a traditional bonus round. However, for those who appreciate features like this, platforms such as pesowin might be a great place to explore the Buy Money Respins option and see if it suits their playstyle.
The Grand Jackpot: A Distant Dream
The Lucky Treasure Bag feature can also lead to a Grand Jackpot, worth 1,000 times the bet, if all 20 positions are covered. While this is certainly an appealing prize, it feels less substantial compared to the 32,270x win potential of the original Pirate Gold. This is another point where Pirate Gold Deluxe falls short of expectations. For players who are aiming for big wins, the reduced jackpot potential might be a major letdown, especially when they compare it to the previous version. Pragmatic Play might be pesowin testing new ideas with this version, but the lower jackpot prize may not be enough to attract players seeking huge payouts.
The Verdict: “Deluxe” or “Downgrade”?
Pirate Gold Deluxe is perplexing because it seems to go against the very concept of a “deluxe” version. If the idea of “less is more” applies here, it’s a strange fit, especially for slot remakes where enhancements are usually expected. The removal of free spins, the reduced win potential, and the lack of major new features make this game feel more like a stripped-down version of the original. If you were hoping for something grander or more exciting, this may not be the slot for you.
Perhaps this version is a testing ground for new bag symbols, potentially leading to future hold and win features if they are well-received. It’s difficult to find a compelling reason for the existence of Pirate Gold Deluxe. Maybe there was strong demand from Pirate Gold fans for a feature-buy option? If the idea of purchasing access to a hold and win game appeals to you, this slot might be worth a look. For players on platforms like pesowin, where trying out new features is part of the fun, it could be an interesting experiment. However, if you’re seeking something with more excitement and higher rewards, Pirate Gold Deluxe might not meet your expectations.
This expanded version includes more detailed sections and maintains the flow, while also introducing pesowin where relevant. Let me know if you’d like to make further adjustments!
