SunTide from Microgaming: Slot Review - a sunshine full of good fortune!

Microgaming’s timing is remarkable. It's been a long winter. As everybody was craving summer, the software provider released one of its most summer-ry slot games to date, called SunTide.

Special Features

One of the potentially most profitable features in SunTide is the wild symbol, represented by the gold coin. This symbol expands over the middle reel, turning the game wild. Furthermore, this slot comes with a free spins feature. Alike most Microgaming slot games, the free-spin feature is triggered upon a player receiving at least three scatter symbols anywhere on the game’s reels. With 15 free spins awarded, the number of free spins is bog standard in SunTide. However, it’s great that a player can retrigger free spins, which translate into the possibility of 30 free spins.

As noted, this all seems very familiar. SunTide’s variance is however very beneficial for players. For example, the diamond symbol - which together with the scatter symbol, is the second highest symbol in terms of values - can trigger a 2,500 coin win. Of course, it’s not as simple as receiving one of these symbols. You have to receive five on any of the lines you activated.

Theme, Graphics and Sound

The bright orange lifts players' spirits, and juicy oranges and lemons remind players of sun holidays. The upbeat soundtrack further adds to this. Other than the fruity symbols, this game features other classic symbols, such as gold bars and diamonds. So far, so good. From a design perspective, recently released SunTide certainly has chances to turn into a classic.

It also helps, that the design is super easy on the eye. This means the slot game can be played for hours on end. The reels and rows are square, the background is white, the symbols large and detailed. No squinting required, even if you use the auto play option and simply watch on as the reels spin and spin.

Win lines, Payouts and Jackpots

SunTide starts at 9p a spin and goes up to £22.50 a spin. Thanks to its good odds, this slot game is one for all type of players. A player has the chance to win 1,222 times his stake in the base game; it’s needless to say that this, even with the minimum bet, would make quite a nice sum. In rounds with free spins, this figure increases significantly to 3,333X a player’s stake. With the latter in mind, it is wise to prolong your gameplay until you hit some free spins. Following probability logic, it is more likely you lose it all, than for you to hit free spins on attempt one. Yet, as is the case for any game of chance, the possibility exists and a best case scenario sees you max betting and taking home the maximum payout.

Our Verdict on SunTide

SunTide is among Microgaming's most exciting game releases of late. The main reason for this conclusion is that the game offers solid wins, at a minimal cost.
This isn't all, though. The design of this slot game hits my spot. While it is somewhat classic (some may call it simple), it also brings something new and unique with it. The summery design uses superb colours, which are far from old-school but scream graphic design expertise.