Slot Overview: Cash Surge by Pragmatic Play
The world of online slots is ever growing with new titles being released all the time by many different developers.
Today however we’re not it for the money or even a cash boost as we’re going deep into Cash Surge, a colorful and profit rich game brought to you by the people at Pragmatic Play.
With this review, you will have an overview of what the “Illuminous” game is all about, including details about the game’s background, bonus features, and main focus, and whether or not it is worth your time and money.
I’m going to take you through my experience playing Cash Surge, so you have an insider’s view of what Cash Surge looks like.
Whether you are an experienced slot player or you're just looking to get started with online gambling, this review will provide you with everything you need to know in order to make a wise decision about whether or not this is the game for you.
I’m going to try and stay as balanced as possible here, so that means showcasing the good and the not-so-good of this Pragmatic Play offering, and giving you the opportunity of deciding whether or not this is the right slot for you in the end.
It is always important to know a few details about any slot game before you decide to bet for real money and I am hoping you find that here.
Cash Surge Details, RTP, Payout & Volatility
Cash Surge is built on a strong set of slot mechanics, so let’s dive into the maths.
It has an RTP of 96.52%, and so falls about average for the industry. For those unfamiliar, RTP is short for return to player (slot), which is a percentage that represents how much you can claim from a specific slot after a long play time on average.
And don’t forget, it is a historical average and not an assured outcome; there can be much variability in the short term. Cash Surge is high volatility.
With high volatility, the winning may not come very often, but when it arrives, the win can be much bigger. For that, Cash Surge is one of the more appealing games on offer for players who enjoy chasing big jackpot payouts – although it should be added that there is a proportionally increased risk to match the reward.
The most that can be won in Cash Surge is 5,000x your bet, a decent but not overly impressive figure in comparison to other high variance slots.
Players can bet anywhere from between the minimum bet of 0.20 and a maximum of 240 units (usually currency such as euros or dollars). This makes for a range kindly to both slot casuals and high incremental betters alike.
The reels and lines used in the game is a 5x5 grid and uses an All Ways Pays system. Instead of regular paylines that you have to try and land the right combination on, All Ways Pays pays out when 3 or more matching symbols are landed on adjacent reels, and regardless of their position on said reels. This greatly increases the chance for successful combinations.
These underlying strengths come together to make a slot experience that rests on high volatility, the prospect of huge wins but also a certain degree of patience and a bit of strategy when it comes to looking after your bankroll.
Theme, Audio & Symbols
The 96.52% RTP seems good, but remember this is theoretical.
My session had dry spins, reminding me of Cash Surge's volatility.
The All Ways Pays system is most attractive, unlocking hundreds of win chances after each spin.
Wide betting options welcome all players to adjust parameters to their risk profile.
The 5,000x max win is decent, but some Pragmatic Play slots offer ten times higher payouts.
High volatility requires careful consideration. Expect potentially long losing streaks and size bets accordingly.
Smart bankroll management is key for high-volatility slots like Cash Surge.
A larger bankroll helps handle losing streaks, increasing the chance of scoring massive payouts.
Bonus Features
As far as appearance and sound goes, Cash Surge is also a regular Pragmatic Play slot but with its own character.
The game seems to be set in a colourful, almost candy like world, complete with precious stones and shiny symbols. The colors are also very strong and appealing, emphasizing on purples, blues, greens and golds for a vibrant look.
The symbols are a combination of traditional, old-school slot symbols, including card suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades) along with different shapes and colors of gems. High paying symbols tend to be bigger and more elaborate so it adds to the visual distinction of a game. Symbol design as per screenshot 1 too detailed.
The animations are slick, sexy and winning combinations are accentuated by flashing lights as the symbols cascade across your screen.
The sound design is just as bright and energetic, full of an infectious soundtrack that goes particularly nicely with its colorful look. Sound effects are sharp and again contribute to the sense of atmosphere.
Thanks to an extended play through, I can say that the music never got too obnoxious or repetitive… a definite plus for lengthier gaming sessions.
Overall, the result is a well-designed game that is visually stunning and aurally rewarding, and will lead to a pleasant gaming experience.
Mobile Experience
And this game also has an extremely catchy soundtrack that is very responsive to all this high-speed action.
Graphics are slick and animations are such a pleasure to watch, especially when enjoying cascading wins. I absolutely love the attention to detail in the symbol design, myself.
During my gaming, I found the bright colors to be pleasing to the eye, and not cause me eye strain during night-long gaming sessions.
The sound effects blend together and produce a worthwhile and fun atmosphere when you score a big win.
The topic might not be the most unique, but it is perfectly executed and feels new and vibrant.
The graphics and music add up to an overall satisfying experience that didn't bore me the whole time I was testing it. It's a complete package treat for the gameplay.
Pros & Cons
Cash Surge includes several bonus features designed to entertain players and maximize winnings.
The initial feature is Tumbling Reels, also known as cascading wins. After a successful spin, winning icons disappear, and new symbols tumble down to fill their place, potentially creating a chain of wins from a single spin.
The biggest feature is the Free Spins, activated by landing at least four Scatter symbols anywhere on the reels. The number of free spins awarded varies, usually between 10 and 15.
During Free Spins, a multiplier symbol is added, which can also appear in regular spins. These multipliers range from 2x to 100x, significantly boosting potential wins.
Cash Surge also offers a Buy Bonus option, allowing players to immediately purchase the Free Spins round for a multiple of their original bet, typically around 100x.
Some Cash Surge games may include an Ante Bet option. Activating this increases the total bet per spin but also enhances the chances of triggering the Free Spins feature.
Understanding these features is crucial for maximizing potential payouts in Cash Surge.
Our Verdict
In my playtest, I managed to trigger the Tumbling Reels rather often which resulted in some awesome cascades of winnings!
Getting the Free Spins bonus round is consistently rewarding, and you’re always left hoping for that Multiplier symbol to show up.
The Buy Bonus feature may sound appealing, but remember it can be costly and risky. I triggered the Buy Bonus a couple of times with differing outcomes, one I won a good amount and the other not so much.
The Ante Bet is not going to cost you too much, and I do believe that the Free Spins are a lot easier to trigger during it. But be sure to factor in the higher cost per spin when you increase your bet.
It’s all about managing these and that is where the key to a great game and a chance at big wins are.
Play Responsibly
Finally, the Free Spins bonus is where Cash Surge really comes into its own – which is when you can win up to those huge multiplier prizes.
I also discovered that even a small multiplier could increase the reward for a winning spin quite a bit.
Oh the tension of spinning in a large X-X-X-X win generator. I picked up a 50x during one of my Free Spins rounds for a decent win.
The Buy Bonus option is a bit of a double edged sword, you get the easy way in to the Free Spins but at a potentially heavy risk. It's best to consider the cost versus the potential reward before you tap this button.
The Tumbling Reels feature makes the action fast and easy down there, so it also helps you win more than you might think. I like that this extra could make a seemingly little win a big one.
With all of the above added together, Cash Surge is definitely a slot packed with potential for thrills and rewards.
