Bonus Beans

The UK-based game design company Push Gaming is distinguishing itself as a maker of well-built, completely unique slot games – Bonus Beans is the next slot to follow in this trend. This four reel, five line slot features magic beans and wins that pay not along paylines but according to clusters, capable of triggering multiple payout waves on a single spin. Clear the entire screen to win 500 times the bet size.

Theme

Though the groundbreaking elements of this title are found in its gameplay, there’s a lot to like in the visual design too. A Dr. Seussian realization of a giant’s beanstalk stands to the left of the reels, with purple vines stretching off into the distance and stars twinkling on the pink horizon. In keeping with the Jack and the Beanstalk theme, magic beans are the key to this title’s biggest wins: the three bean gaming symbols each trigger a unique bonus. Pink beans add a double win multiplier, green beans award a mystery win, and blue beans trigger free spins. Five lower-value gaming symbols are colorful shapes. Jaunty, rustic music keeps spirits high during gameplay, adding to an overall playful, clean

Betting Options, Functions, and Features

While gameplay is straightforward and simple as can be, the structure of Bonus Beans is borderline revolutionary. There are no paylines here. Instead, wins are awarded whenever a cluster of three or more of the same gaming symbols appear in contiguous horizontal or vertical contact on the reels. When such clusters are present, the symbols involved disappear, with new symbols falling into their places from above beginning a potential second wave of payouts. Waves will continue without limit, until no new clusters exist, at which point the next spin can begin.

Other elements of play are more consistent with what experienced players will expect. The per-spin bet ranges from 0.10–250.00 times the betting currency; autoplay can be set to as many as 1000 spins at a time, with optional stops for wins above a certain size or features won; and detailed game rules, paytable information, sound settings and player options can be viewed and adjusted in a pop-up screen located to the left of the reels. The overall theoretical return to player ratio comes in very strong at 96.5%.

Even within this unique game structure, bonuses are retained via the magic bean gaming symbols. If any red beans appear on the screen, all wins from that round receive a double win multiplier. When green beans are seen, mystery wins are awarded. Blue beans trigger two free spins apiece. Perhaps most interesting is the possibility of completely clearing the game screen, which automatically pays out 500 times the bet size.

Our Take

Bonus Beans is a treasure. Completely unlike other slot games, this title nevertheless remains easy to play, well-made, and an outstanding addition to the genre.