Theme and Storyline
Step into the opulent world of Versailles Gold, where the grandeur of 17th-century France meets the allure of its royal past. The palace at Versailles, expanded under the reign of Louis XIV, stands as a symbol of extravagance. Known as the Sun King, Louis XIV represents the peak of royal excess and appears as the highest value symbol in this slot. Alongside him, you’ll encounter Cardinal Mazarin, a key figure in Louis’s court, and a seductive courtesan, notorious for the king’s scandals.
The game attempts to take you back in time to an era filled with opulence, royal intrigues, and courtly seduction, but the presentation doesn’t quite live up to the historical magnificence of Versailles itself.
Graphics, Sounds, and Animations
The graphics in Versailles Gold are rather kitsch, capturing the essence of royal luxury, but falling short in execution. The visual design feels more like a first-year graphic design project than a breathtaking journey into royal France. It’s hard to shake the feeling that the grandiosity of Versailles is lost in the basic art style.
The sounds and animations follow the same lackluster trend. Rather than immersing players in the rich atmosphere of the palace, you’re greeted with the standard spin and win sounds common in EGT’s simpler slots. The animations are minimal at best—just flashing lines indicating wins—leaving much to be desired in terms of creativity and engagement.
Gameplay
Versailles Gold’s gameplay is straightforward, focusing on simplicity rather than complexity. The slot features a 5×3 layout with 10 win lines and a few additional features to spice things up. One of the main attractions is the progressive jackpots, which can be triggered at random during the base game.
Beyond the jackpots, the gameplay doesn’t offer much variety. A gamble feature is included, which can increase the volatility of the slot, but overall, the game sticks to the basics with little room for innovation or excitement.
Wilds, Bonuses, and Free Spins
Versailles Gold offers a Wild symbol, which substitutes for all symbols except the Jackpot symbol. If three Wilds appear anywhere on the reels during a single spin, they trigger the Free Spin bonus. This bonus grants you 12 free spins, with an added twist: an Expanding Symbol. At the start of the Free Spins, one regular symbol is randomly chosen to become the Expanding Symbol. When this symbol lands on a reel during the Free Spins, it expands to fill the entire reel, potentially creating more winning combinations.
As for the progressive jackpot, it is triggered randomly during the base game. When it activates, players are presented with 12 face-down cards. They must select cards until they find three matching ones, each corresponding to one of the featured jackpots.
Bet Sizes, RTP, and Variance
The RTP (Return to Player) for Versailles Gold is 96.09%, which is right around the average for slot games, making it a relatively fair choice for players. Bet sizes range from a minimum of $/£/€0.10 per spin to a maximum of $/£/€100.00 per spin, offering flexibility for different types of players.
The game’s medium-high volatility makes it a decent match for those who enjoy a bit more risk and higher payout potential. It fits well with players who prefer moderate strategies for slot machines.
Conclusion
While Versailles Gold offers a solid RTP and a progressive jackpot system, it lacks the flair and excitement that could truly bring the era of Louis XIV to life. The visuals and gameplay feel outdated, and though the jackpots are enticing, there are other slots out there offering similar features with more engaging mechanics and better presentations.
If you’re drawn to the theme of royal excess and are after a game with a decent RTP and moderate volatility, Versailles Gold might appeal to you. However, those seeking a more dynamic and immersive slot experience may want to look elsewhere.
Read: Diamond Strike Review: A Classic Jackpot Game with Moderate Thrills