San Quentin Xways Pokie Review
NoLimit City are back with yet another prison-themed online pokie. Sporting the xWays mechanic, this game comes with a max win potential of 150,000x your bet.
Best Casino to play San Quentin Xways
| Software | NoLimit City |
|---|---|
| Slot Type | Video Pokie |
| Winning Lines | 243 (default) |
| Reels | 5 |
| Rows | 3+ |
| Min Bet | $0.20 |
| Max Bet | $32 |
| Jackpot | NA |
| RTP | 96.03% | 94.11% |
| Volatility | High |
Expert's Verdict for San Quentin Xways
The Verdict
It is difficult not to give NoLimit City’s games close attention, given the number of high expectations they have set. Compared to some of this company’s most impactful online pokies, such as Punk Rocker, San Quentin xWays does not hit you with the same immediate intensity. Both games though share similar visuals, layouts and features, but the wow factor is somewhat a little muted.
The base game does offer frequent wins, even though this is a highly volatile game. However, the payouts can be on the lower side.
That said, San Quentin xWays ventures into territory most online pokies would not dare to explore. It is a game that grows on you, largely due to this game developer’s clever way of handling the theme. While setting an online pokie in a prison, could have been bleak, the use of cartoonish humour lightens the mood, while still maintaining an edge.
- High win potential of 150,000x your bet
- Innovative features, such as Jumping Wilds and Enhancer Cells
- Engaging theme
- High variance
- The max bet size may be a little too low for high rollers
- The game may be complex for new players
Design And Graphics
San Quentin xWays by NoLimit City is a visually striking yet intense online pokie that is set in the infamous San Quentin prison. The design and graphics are gritty and detailed, capturing the harsh and chaotic environment of a maximum-security prison.
The game is set against the backdrop of a prison yard, complete with barbed wire, guard towers and concrete walls. The game also features a cast of colourful and also intimidating inmates, such as Loco Luis, Crazy Joe and Beefy Duck. These characters have been injected into this game with a mix of menace as well as humour.
To tie into the theme of the game, the soundtrack is rather tense capturing the essence of a high-security prison.
How to Play San Quentin Xways
To play San Quentin xWays, it is essential to understand that this is a highly volatile online pokie, so managing your bankroll wisely is crucial especially if you want to avoid burning through it in one go.
It is recommended to start with the free demo mode to test out different betting strategies and get familiar with the game’s mechanics. Follow the below steps:
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Pick a Trusted Casino: Begin by choosing a reliable Australian online casino from our recommended list to ensure a secure and enjoyable gaming experience. You can also claim various welcome bonus offers.
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Adjust Your Bet Size: San Quentin xWays offers a variety of betting options to suit different budgets. Set your bet size according to your bankroll and preferred play style.
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Review the Paytable: If you skip the demo, take a moment to review the paytable. This will give you insights into the game’s features and potential payouts.
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Spin the Reels: Once you’re satisfied with your settings, hit the ‘Spin’ button to start playing and experience the thrilling action of San Quentin xWays.
Special Features
Like many other pokies by this game developer, San Quentin xWays comes with a few extras, to keep the base game upbeat until you hit the Lockdown free spins bonus features.
Both at the top and bottom of every reel, there are Enhancer Cell positions. These are randomly triggered and can reveal a wild, high-paying symbol, an xWay or Razor Splits. Let’s explore the features below.
Razor Splits
When triggered, Razor Splits double all of the symbols on the reels. On the other hand, xWays symbols reveal the same pay, though stacked four high.
Guard Tower
The Guard Towel symbols act as scatter symbols in this online pokie. They can crop up on any reels in the base games or on the reels as Enhancer Cells during the free spins round. Landing 3, 4 or 5 scatter symbols on a single spin, activates the Lockdown Spins Feature.
Lockdown Spins Bonus Round
Also known as the free spins bonus round, it kicks off with 1, 2 or 3 Jumping Wilds on the reels. Any Enhancer Cells on the reels that triggered the feature will stay open for the duration of the round.
If only 1 or 2 scatter symbols land, they transform into wilds and open their respective Enhancer Cells as a consolation prize.
Before the Lockdown Spins begin, the number of free spins is determined. Each open Enhancer Cell can reveal 1, 2, or 3 free spins, which are then tallied up. Additionally, one convict symbol is randomly selected and given a multiplier.
Once everything is set, the Lockdown Spins commence. These spins operate similarly to the base game but with the crucial addition of Jumping Wilds and the convict multiplier. Jumping Wilds are particularly powerful because they not only replace regular symbols and shift to random positions on each spin, but they can also receive multipliers.
If a Jumping Wild lands on a reel with a Razor Split symbol, its multiplier doubles, potentially reaching up to x512. This multiplier doesn’t increase the win amount directly but acts as the number of wild symbols in its position. If you land a bonus symbol during the feature, you get an extra Jumping Wild (up to 3) and additional free spins.
Bonus Buy
Two standout features of San Quentin xWays are its massive potential and the option to buy the bonus feature. Players can choose from three Lockdown Spins options, triggered by 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols, providing 1, 2, or 3 Jumping Wilds, respectively. The cost for these options is 100x, 400x, and a whopping 2,000x the bet. The RTP increases to 96.26% for the 3 and 4 scatter options, and up to 96.95% for the 5 scatter bonus.
Achieving the maximum potential win is most likely with the 5 scatters, as this is where the top payout of 150,000x was reached during simulations. The 3 and 4 scatter bonuses still offer high potential, but not at the same level.
San Quentin Xways Symbols And Payouts
10 symbols play an important role in generating wins in this game. Let’s explore them below.
Low-paying symbols: The toilet paper roll, handcuffs, shiv, lighter and soap are the lowest-paying symbols, paying between 0.3x and 0.4x your bet for five of a kind.
High-paying symbols: The hardened criminals are this game’s most valuable symbols, paying between 0.50x your bet and 1x your bet for five identical symbols on a payline.
Conclusion
San Quentin xWays is an online pokie that is not shy about pushing boundaries, and it is definitely not for the faint-hearted or easily offended. With characters such as ‘Beefy Dick’ adding to its gritty, edgy theme, this game is unapologetically raw. The dark humour and intense atmosphere might be a bit too much for some players, particularly those who prefer their pokie games light and straightforward. However, if you have a taste for the unconventional, San Quentin xWays offers a truly unique experience.
Beyond its complex gameplay and provocative theme, San Quentin provides a slot experience that’s as engaging as it is daring. The game’s ability to balance dark, tongue-in-cheek humour with serious, high-stakes gameplay sets it apart from more conventional slot offerings.
This isn’t just another slot—it’s a plunge into a world that’s as thrilling as it is intense. For those willing to venture into its depths, San Quentin xWays offers rewards that are as big as the risks, making it a memorable addition to Nolimit City’s already impressive lineup.
