Dead or Alive? – What You Need to Know Before Playing
In the vast world of online slots, few games have captured the imagination and wallets of players quite like NetEnt’s Dead or Alive . This 5-reel, 9-payline game has been a staple in many an online casino since its release in 2014, with its Wild West theme and volatile gameplay. But what play demo makes this game so popular, and is it worth playing? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the mechanics of Dead or Alive , including its features, paytable, and return-to-player (RTP) rate. We’ll also explore some tips for playing and highlight some alternatives to consider.
Gameplay Mechanics
The gameplay in Dead or Alive is straightforward but challenging, making it appealing to both casual players and seasoned high-rollers. The game’s volatility is high, with a maximum win of 2400 times the bet. While this may sound daunting, NetEnt has implemented various features to help mitigate risk.
One of these features is the Wild West scatter symbol, which triggers free spins when three or more appear on the reels. Players are awarded either 12 or 16 free spins, depending on the number of scatters landed. During free spins, wilds multiply wins up to x2, increasing the potential for big payouts.
Another feature is the Gunslinger wild symbol, which can replace all symbols except scatter in winning combinations. When two Gunslingers appear on reels 1 and 5 simultaneously, they will swap positions with each spin, significantly boosting win potential.
Paytable
The paytable in Dead or Alive is standard for a NetEnt game, with no progressive jackpot to speak of. The highest-paying symbol is the sheriff’s star, which awards up to 300 coins for five on a payline. While the payouts may not be spectacular, they’re more than enough to keep players engaged throughout their session.
Here’s a breakdown of the top-paying symbols:
- Sheriff’s star: up to 300 coins
- Sheriff: up to 200 coins
- Outlaw: up to 150 coins
- Pistol: up to 100 coins
Return-to-Player (RTP) Rate
The RTP rate in Dead or Alive is set at 96.8%, which is above average for an online slot game. While the payout percentage may not be as high as some other games, it’s more than compensated by the potential for large wins.
Tips and Tricks
While Dead or Alive is a straightforward game to play, there are a few strategies that can increase your chances of winning:
- Bet big on free spins: The Gunslinger feature can significantly boost win potential during free spins. Betting big increases your chances of landing two Gunslingers.
- Conserve your balance: With high volatility comes the risk of losing your entire balance quickly. Make sure to set a budget and stick to it, even if you’re on a hot streak.
Alternatives
While Dead or Alive is an excellent game in its own right, there are many other slots that offer similar gameplay mechanics. Here are a few alternatives worth considering:
- Blood Suckers : A vampire-themed slot from NetEnt with high volatility and a 98% RTP rate.
- Jack Hammer : Another NetEnt game with a cartoonish theme and a 97% RTP rate.
- Gunslinger Reloaded : A sequel to the original, with improved graphics and mechanics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dead or Alive is an excellent choice for players who enjoy volatile gameplay and large payouts. While its high volatility may deter some, NetEnt has implemented various features to help mitigate risk and increase win potential. By betting big on free spins and conserving your balance, you can maximize your chances of winning. If you’re new to the game or prefer more manageable bets, there are many other slots worth exploring.