Money Train Slot Review

Introduction

Money Train by Relax Gaming is the original title that kicked off one of the most popular slot series in modern gaming. Set in the rugged American Wild West, this high-volatility slot brings gunslingers, bandits, and a moving steam train into the spotlight. The game's standout feature is its Money Cart Bonus Round, where multipliers and bonus symbols create a tense, hold-and-win style experience. With sharp graphics, a cinematic soundtrack, and solid win potential, Money Train laid the foundation for a beloved franchise.

Game Features and Bonuses

• Layout: 5 reels, 4 rows, 40 fixed paylines.

• Special Symbols:

  • Wilds: Substitutes for all standard symbols to complete winning combinations.

  • Bonus Symbols: Landing 3 or more triggers the Money Cart Bonus Round.

• Money Cart Bonus Round:

  • Begins with 3 respins and resets each time a new symbol lands.

  • Triggered by landing 3 or more bonus symbols in the base game.

  • Bonus symbols include:

    • Payer: Adds its value to all other symbols.

    • Collector: Collects the value of all visible symbols and adds them to its own.

    • Widener: Unlocks additional reel spaces, expanding the play area.

    • Persistent versions: These special symbols apply their effects on every spin.

  • The round ends when no new symbols land during the allotted spins.

• Base Game Play: Traditional slot spins with moderate potential, but the real action is in the bonus round.

Game Statistics

• Release Date: August 2019

• Game Type: Video Slot

• Reels and Paylines: 5 reels, 40 paylines

• Max Win Potential: Up to 20,000x stake

• RTP (Return to Player): 96.20%

• Volatility: High

Gameplay Mechanics and Strategies

• Unique Mechanics: Money Train introduced the now-famous hold-and-win bonus format that would evolve in later entries. The game revolves around triggering this bonus, where multipliers, collector mechanics, and expanding reels build toward large wins.

• In-Game Dynamics: The base game offers standard wins across 40 paylines, but large payouts are rare outside the bonus. Once the Money Cart Bonus triggers, the player enters a new grid where each spin can land modifiers or multiplier symbols. Each new symbol resets the spin count, keeping the bonus round alive and allowing the total to grow.

• Player Strategy: Since the base game wins are modest, managing your bankroll until the bonus round is key. Bet sizes should be adjusted to sustain longer sessions. Hitting the bonus with multiple modifier symbols early is the best chance for high returns. The Collector and Payer combo can be particularly valuable.

Comparison with Similar Slots

Compared to its sequels like Money Train 2 and Money Train 3, this first installment is more straightforward. While the later games offer expanded modifiers, higher max wins, and more complex gameplay, the original Money Train remains a solid choice for players who want a cleaner, easier-to-follow version of the format.

It also compares well with other hold-and-win titles like Deadwood or Chaos Crew, though those tend to offer more volatility and visual effects. Money Train stays grounded with a consistent theme and moderate feature complexity.

Conclusion

Money Train is a strong, high-volatility slot that introduced players to a thrilling bonus-round mechanic. While simpler than its sequels, it remains an entertaining choice for fans of the Wild West and those who enjoy feature-driven wins. With its respectable 20,000x max win, sharp visuals, and engaging gameplay, Money Train is still ver