Gonzo's Treasure Map is an online game developed by Evolution Gaming that revolves around an explorer named Gonzo, who is on a quest to uncover hidden treasures. Set on a map consisting of 70 squares, players engage in a series of phases where they place bets, reveal prizes, and potentially advance to a bonus round. The game's design focuses on map exploration and a variety of reward mechanics. With a simple structure, it offers a mix of interactive elements and progressive stages for those who enjoy games centered around discovery.
In this game, players begin by placing bets on squares of the map, hoping to uncover treasures in the subsequent phases. The game is divided into three main phases: Treasure Hunt, Prize Drop, and Bonus Round. Each phase introduces different mechanics, where rewards can be unlocked through falling blocks, multipliers, and the collection of specific items on the map. The goal is to engage with these elements to reveal potential rewards and progress through the various stages of the game.
How to place bets on the 70 squares
In the Treasure Hunt phase, players are given the opportunity to place chips on any of the 70 squares on the map. Each square represents a possible location for hidden treasures. Players can bet on multiple squares, increasing their chances of uncovering rewards.
Explaining the total bet calculation
The total bet for the round is calculated by multiplying the number of chips placed on the map by the value of each chip. For example, if you place six $1 chips and six $5 chips, your total bet would be $36.
Discovery of the three Gonzo Keys
The goal in this phase is to uncover the Gonzo Keys. These keys are hidden under the chips placed on the squares, and their discovery is essential to advancing through the game. Players who uncover a key are one step closer to reaching the Bonus Round.
The falling blocks: Gold blocks, multiplier blocks, and Gonzo Keys
After the Treasure Hunt phase, five blocks drop from the top to reveal rewards. These blocks can either be gold blocks, multiplier blocks, or Gonzo Keys. The specific type of block that lands on a player's bet spot determines the reward.
Rewards for gold blocks and multiplier blocks
A gold block landing on a player's bet spot results in a payout of 10 times the value of their placed bet. A multiplier block, on the other hand, rewards the player with 20 times their bet.
How a Gonzo Key leads to the Bonus Round
If a gold block lands on a bet spot with a Gonzo Key, the player advances to the Bonus Round. The Gonzo Key acts as a ticket to this next phase, where bigger rewards are possible.
Explanation of the Bonus Round mechanics
The Bonus Round is triggered when a player’s bet spot with a Gonzo Key is selected during the Prize Drop. Once the Bonus Round starts, the value of the next treasure is decided by a ruby block that falls on the bonus wall.
The bonus wall and ruby block drop
The ruby block determines which multiplier from the bonus wall will be applied to the player's bet. Each number on the bonus wall represents a multiplier, which can significantly increase the payout based on where the ruby block lands.
Interaction of multipliers and potential winnings
If the ruby block lands on a stone marked with an “x2” multiplier, all multipliers on the wall will be doubled. The player then has a chance to win even greater rewards depending on the multipliers in play.
Placing a chip and betting process
To begin, players place chips on the squares of the map. The number of chips and their values determine the total bet. Once the chips are placed, the game proceeds to the Treasure Hunt phase.
What happens during the Treasure Hunt phase
In this phase, the hidden locations of the Gonzo Keys are revealed. If a player’s chip is placed on a square where a key is located, they advance to the next phase, the Prize Drop.
The results of the Prize Drop
After the keys are discovered, blocks fall from the top of the screen. Depending on what type of block lands on a player’s bet spot—gold, multiplier, or Gonzo Key—the player’s winnings are calculated accordingly.
Advancing to the Bonus Round
If a Gonzo Key is uncovered by a gold block, the player progresses to the Bonus Round. In this phase, players will use the ruby block to determine the final multiplier for their bet.
Example payouts with different scenarios (Gold Block, Multiplier Block, and Gonzo Key interaction)
Gold Block
When a gold block lands on a player’s bet spot during the Prize Drop phase, they receive a payout of 10 times the amount they placed on that square. For example, if a player bet $5 on a square and a gold block lands on it, their payout would be $50.
Multiplier Block
A multiplier block offers a higher reward, paying out 20 times the bet placed on the square where it lands. For instance, a $5 bet on a multiplier block would result in a payout of $100.
Maximum Payout
The maximum payout in a single round of the game is capped at $500,000. This limit applies to all winnings accumulated throughout the course of a round, whether from the Treasure Hunt, Prize Drop, or Bonus Round.
Theoretical Return to Player (RTP)
The optimal theoretical RTP for Gonzo’s Treasure Map is 95.26%. This figure represents the percentage of total bets that the game is expected to return to players over a long period of play.
RTP Variations Based on Bet Amount
The RTP can vary slightly depending on the amount a player is wagering. If a player is betting at the maximum allowed level, the RTP increases to 95.26%. However, at lower bet amounts, the RTP is slightly lower, typically around 95.10%. This slight variation reflects the game’s design, where higher wagers correlate with better return probabilities.
Minimum and Maximum Bet Limits
The game features a flexible range of betting options. The minimum and maximum bet amounts can vary depending on the table and game session. It’s important for players to check the Bet Limits panel to confirm the current limits for any given round.
Bet Limits Panel
The Bet Limits panel is located within the game interface and provides detailed information on the minimum and maximum bet allowed for each round. These limits may change over time, so players should regularly review this panel to ensure their desired bet amount falls within the allowable range.
Gonzo’s Treasure Map fails to provide the depth and strategy that many players might seek in an online game. While the game offers various phases, including the Treasure Hunt, Prize Drop, and Bonus Round, it relies too heavily on simple mechanics without offering much in terms of strategic decision-making. The gameplay boils down to placing bets on a map and waiting for blocks to drop, with minimal interaction or skill required to influence outcomes.
In terms of payouts, the game offers limited rewards, especially when considering the maximum payout cap of $500,000, which is relatively low compared to other offerings in the market. Additionally, the return-to-player percentage (RTP) of 95.26% is below par, especially when compared to other games that offer better odds. The RTP is further diminished when betting at lower amounts, which makes the game even less appealing to players who are looking for a fair return on their investment.
Overall, Gonzo’s Treasure Map does not stand out in any meaningful way and is not a game worth pursuing. The lack of strategic depth combined with its underwhelming RTP makes it an experience that many players will likely find unfulfilling. It is, therefore, a game to avoid entirely.