Lightning Gems Slot Machine Review

Lightning Gems video slot was manufactured by NextGen Gaming and released in September of 2017. It features high-quality graphics and both familiar and innovative gameplay features. The theme revolves around magical gemstones and the power of lightning. The slot is set against a nicely designed landscape of starry sky, green grass and rock formations. To start playing, press the Spin button located in the lower right corner to set the reels in motion.

Lightning Gems sports 5 reels and 3 rows of symbols, which are completely transparent in order to reveal as much of the background as possible. The emphasis here is on visual elements and atmosphere rather than framing standard slot game mechanics.

Only ten paying lines are available, all fixed and active on each spin. The paytable is packed with magic crystals of different shapes and sizes. NextGen sculpted playing card suites out of red, blue, green and yellow gemstones, so you can see clubs, hearts, spades and diamonds on the reels representing low-value symbols. Four more gems are added to the reels offering larger payouts — also coloured red, yellow, green and blue with an oval shape. Wins can be formed from right to left as well as left to right.

Lightning Gems Slot Machine Summary

Lightning Gems incorporates two special symbols, the Scatter and the Wild. Wild symbols substitute for any other symbol in the paytable other than the Scatter. A golden symbol resembling a star with a revolving planet at its centre acts as the Wild.

The electrified blue gem is the Scatter, responsible for activating the Free Spins bonus feature. The player must collect three or more glowing blue gems to get 10 free plays. More free spins can be added if more Scatters land during the feature, and up to 50 additional Wilds are introduced to boost winnings.

The Wild symbol is involved in two special features — the Wild Nudge and the Wild Wins feature. When a Wild just misses the opportunity to complete a winning combination, the Wild Nudge activates and shifts it into position. The Wild Wins bonus occurs randomly, with additional Wilds landing on any spin. Both the Wild Nudge and Wild Wins bonuses also work during free spins.

NextGen assigned Lightning Gems medium to high variance. The return to player percentage stands at 96.48%, which is rather satisfying for a NextGen release. Lightning Gems doesn't feature a progressive jackpot but offers a top win of 2,000 coins on any spin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lightning Gems slots?

Lightning Gems is a 5-reel, 10-payline gemstone-themed video slot developed by NextGen Gaming and released in September 2017. The game features transparent reels set against a starry landscape, bidirectional paylines, Wild Nudge and Wild Wins random features, and a free spins round boosted by up to 50 extra Wilds.

What is the RTP of Lightning Gems slots?

Lightning Gems has an RTP of 96.48%, which is above the industry average and sits comfortably alongside other well-regarded NextGen titles. As a medium to high variance slot, wins may not land on every spin, but the Wild Nudge, Wild Wins, and free spins Wilds all contribute to strong win potential when they trigger.

Can I play Lightning Gems for real money?

Yes, Lightning Gems is available as a real money slots game at online casinos offering NextGen Gaming titles. With bidirectional paylines, a 96.48% RTP, and a free spins feature that can add up to 50 extra Wilds, it offers real money players a visually impressive and mechanically rewarding slot experience.

How does the free spins feature work in Lightning Gems?

Landing three or more electrified blue Scatter gems triggers 10 free spins in Lightning Gems. Additional Scatters landing during the feature add more free plays to the total. Throughout the feature, up to 50 additional Wild symbols can be introduced to the reels, and both the Wild Nudge and Wild Wins random features remain active, giving players multiple routes to enhanced wins during free spins.

What is the Wild Nudge feature in Lightning Gems?

The Wild Nudge in Lightning Gems activates whenever a Wild symbol lands just short of completing a winning combination. Rather than missing the win, the Wild is nudged into the correct position so the combination pays out. It functions as an automatic save mechanism for near-miss Wild situations and applies during both the base game and the free spins feature.

What is the Wild Wins feature in Lightning Gems?

Wild Wins is a randomly triggered bonus in Lightning Gems that causes additional Wild symbols to land on the reels during any spin. It can activate during both the base game and free spins, adding unexpected Wild coverage to the grid and potentially creating multiple winning combinations that would not otherwise have formed. Combined with the Wild Nudge, it makes the Wild symbol central to almost every significant win in the game.