Money Train 3

Money Train 3, launched in 2022 by Relax Gaming, picks up where the previous installments left off. This review will break down everything from Money Train 3’s design to its mechanics. We’ll examine how these elements interact to deliver a fun experience that resonates with both newcomers and fans of the series. 

Futuristic Visuals & Audio

While Money Train 1 immersed players in a gritty Wild West setting and Money Train 2 delved into a steampunk-inspired universe, Money Train 3 transports us to a bold futuristic world. This latest installment has a more sophisticated and high-tech visual theme, which differs significantly from the dusty towns and mechanical intricacies of previous installments.

The game’s 5×4 reel setup provides a glimpse into a world dominated by advanced technology. Money Train 3’s design and graphics incorporate elements from its thematic lineage while maintaining a contemporary feel, effectively capturing the essence of a futuristic laboratory or command center.

Complementing the visuals is a soundtrack that bridges the past with the future. It subtly incorporates motifs from the first game’s classic Western scores and combines them with modern, electronic rhythms that are appropriate for the new futuristic setting. 

Relax Gaming has not only pushed the boundaries with impressive visuals, but they have also created an auditory experience that adds to the immersion. As such, the Money Train slot exemplifies the series’ evolution and the developer’s innovation in slot gaming.

Nuts and Bolts Running the Game

This video slot operates on a 5-reel layout, where each spin plays out across 40 fixed paylines, ensuring multiple opportunities for winning combinations.

The betting range in Money Train 3 may appear narrow, with a minimum of $0.10 and a maximum of $5 per spin. Although some sources suggest a higher maximum bet, this range effectively accommodates both casual players and those who are more conservative with their bankroll.

This slot is highly volatile, which promises a rollercoaster ride of wins and dry spells. The RTP of 96.10% is consistent with industry standards, providing a fair return over time with the added spice of high variance gameplay. For those aiming for the game’s bonus rounds, it’s worth noting that the RTP can vary during the bonus round.

Finally, Money Train 3’s maximum payout is an eye-catching 100,000x the stake. It’s a shame the maximum bet isn’t a little higher, but this isn’t too bad either. 

Gameplay Elements

To win, you’ll want to line up three or more matching symbols across any of the paylines, starting from the left reel. The game’s paytable is divided between high-value character symbols like the Necromancer and Collector, and lower-value symbols such as the card suits including hearts and spades:

• High-value characters: These are represented by character icons like the Necromancer, Collector, Sniper, and Payer. Landing these in combinations will bring higher multipliers of your bet.
• Card suit symbols: More common but with lower payouts, these include the Red Spade, Orange Heart, Green Club, and Blue Diamond.
• Wild symbol: The Gas Mask Wild can replace any pay symbol to help form or improve winning combinations. Notably, it pays the same as the valuable Necromancer symbol for pure wild combinations.
• Bonus Scatter: Landing three or more triggers the Money Cart Bonus Round, which is a favorite among players due to its high potential payouts.

Let’s take a more detailed look at the game’s paytable:

• Necromancer: 3, 4, or 5 symbols pay 0.8x, 4x, or 20x your bet, respectively.
• Collector: Pays 0.6x, 3x, or 10x for 3, 4, or 5 symbols.
• Sniper: Yields 0.5x, 2.5x, or 9x for 3, 4, or 5 matches.
• Payer: Awards 0.5x, 2x, or 8x for 3, 4, or 5 alignments.
• Card suit symbols: These generally pay between 0.2x to 5x depending on the type and number matched.

A random respin feature spices things up by selecting a symbol to become sticky, triggering respins whenever additional matching symbols appear. During these respins, multipliers of 1x, 2x, or 3x may appear.

As exciting as we found it, the game’s high volatility does mean payouts can be few and far between, which certainly tested our patience. The limited bet range, which is capped at $5, makes this game accessible, though it may be a little restrictive if you’re used to placing larger bets. 

Given these factors, it’s best to try the Money Train 3 demo version first to see if the game fits your style and expectations before investing real money. 

The Features Fueling the Game

We found the gameplay in Money Train 3 to be a little intense due to a few special features. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect when playing this high-octane slot.

Sticky Respins

The Respin Feature can be activated after any non-winning spin. A symbol already on the reels is randomly chosen to become sticky, resulting in a respin. Here’s what happens.

• If more symbols of the same type land during the respin, they become sticky and a new respin is awarded.
• This feature may also bring 1x, 2x, and 3x multiplier symbols into play, which increase your winnings but are not sticky.
• The feature ends when no new matching symbols or multipliers appear.

Money Cart Bonus Round

Triggering the Money Cart Bonus Round can change the game completely.

• Land three or more bonus symbols to begin. Persistent symbols can serve as substitutes for bonus symbols.
• You start with three spins. When a new symbol lands, the spin counter resets to three.
• Filling a reel with symbols activates an additional reel. This can happen twice in each bonus round.

During this round, you’ll encounter various special symbols:

• Collector: Gathers all visible values on the reels and adds them to its own.
• Sniper: Doubles the values of 3 to 8 symbols, potentially targeting the same symbols multiple times.
• Collector-Payer: Adds the values of 3 to 5 symbols to its total before distributing that amount to those specific symbols.
• Necromancer: Revives used non-persistent special symbols for another use.
• Absorber: Removes all regular bonus symbols, clearing the way for new symbols.
• Tommy Gun Sniper/Payer: These modifiers can drastically increase symbol values by either doubling them multiple times or adding a large multiplier to them.

Persistent Specials

Persistent symbols have a continuous effect during the bonus round:

• Persistent Collector: Continuously collects all visible values and adds it to its own after each spin.
• Persistent Sniper: Repeatedly doubles the values of several symbols.
• Persistent Collector-Payer: Collects values and redistributes them on every spin.
• Persistent Necromancer: Regularly revives other special symbols.
• Persistent Shapeshifter: Transforms into a different special symbol after each spin.

Bonus Buy Feature

For players who prefer instant action, the Buy Feature allows you to purchase direct entry into the Money Cart Bonus Round. You can select from four setups that offer different advantages, such as additional spins or guaranteed persistent symbols.

Money Train 3 Hauls Futuristic Wins

The Money Train 3 slot confirms Relax Gaming’s reputation for creating interesting slot games. Although it took some time to understand all of the game’s nuances, once we did, it proved to be more enjoyable than its predecessors.

However, the game’s unique mechanics and high volatility may not appeal to casual players or those who prefer a more traditional slot experience. If you’re curious about how it stacks up, trying the free demo is a smart move. Comparing it to other free games on the market may help you decide whether Money Train 3’s bold approach is the right fit for you.