Gonzo’s Quest Slot: Complete Review of NetEnt’s Iconic Game
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Slot Demo Gonzo’s Quest Free Play
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Rules and Features How to Play the Game?
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Paytable & Max Win Calculator
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Play for Real Money Top Casinos
Gonzo’s Quest is one of NetEnt’s most renowned and well-loved games. In this review, we will delve into all the details of the game. Whether you are completely new to the game or have played the slot before, we have covered everything you need to know. From the basics to advanced slot concepts, you’ll find it all here – rules, symbols, payouts, RTP, free spins, gameplay, variance, hints and tips – read on for a complete analysis of the game.
Try the Gonzo’s Quest Free Play Demo Game
If are interested in playing Gonzo’s Quest, the most valuable piece of advice we can give you is to try out the demo game first. It is the best way to get to grips with the rules and general gameplay. Spin the reels and you will instantly get a feel for the fun and entertainment the slot has to offer. You can experience the Avalanche feature and you can even trigger the Free Falls. You can tinker about with the bet levels and coin values to find the right fit for your personal preferred style of play. Do you want to play a large number of spins with low bets? Or would you prefer to raise the stakes and aim for the highest payouts? Given the demo game involves absolutely no risk to your own money, it is a great way to plan how to manage your bankroll effectively when you play with real money. We have included a Gonzo’s Quest free play game for you to try out. Enjoy!
Where to Play Gonzo’s Quest for Real Money
Playing Gonzo’s Quest for free is a great way to get a feel for the ins and outs of the game. Yet it is undoubtedly playing with real money that gives you the biggest buzz and thrill. After all, it is only by betting with real money that you can win actual money. Given the huge popularity of the game, you will not struggle to find casino sites that feature Gonzo’s Quest slots. Yet finding the best casino to play Gonzo’s Quest takes a little research and effort.
Fear not, we have done the hard work for you and compared casino operators to find the best. Rest assured that we have thoroughly checked the licencing and safety credentials to only bring you trustworthy casinos. Some players underestimate the importance of playing at a safe casino. Yet if you join a rogue casino, games may be rigged, your private data may be susceptible to fraud and your winnings may never be paid out. It is really not worth taking the risk when it comes to your safety. Our top 5 Gonzo’s Quest casino sites are licenced by the UK Gambling Commission, so you can be confident that you will be protected.
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A licence issued by the UKGC is the only way to guarantee your safety. In fact, online casinos must hold this licence by law to be able to operate in the UK. The UKGC protects players through strict standards and regulations. To gain a licence, operators must use sophisticated technical security to safeguard your sensitive data. They must also invite independent testing of their games and payouts to verify their integrity. They must also demonstrate a commitment to player protection and responsible gambling. For these reasons, you will only find UKGC licenced casinos recommended on this site.
Whilst a UK licence is essential, there are other factors to take into consideration in deciding the best casino site to play Gonzo’s Quest. We check the welcome bonuses offers to ensure that they have fair terms and give you a good deal. We hunt out the casinos that offer plenty of promotional offers and even Gonzo’s Quest free spins. We also check for a range of payment options, as many players prefer to use e-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill and Neteller, given that they can really speed up withdrawal timeframes. If any of our recommended operators take your fancy, you can find out more about them in our detailed casino reviews.
A final consideration in choosing where to play Gonzo’s Quest is the betting limits. Many online casinos feature the same coin values and number of bet levels, so most players are catered for. Yet there are some casinos that offer higher betting limits for the slot, making them an ideal option for high rollers and experienced players. You can find out more details about the betting limits later in this review.
Complete Overview of Gonzo’s Quest Game
This game was released back in 2010, and it has not lost any of its charm with players. It was NetEnt’s first premium slot, and it raised the bar when it comes to gameplay, features and graphics. The fun intro video immerses you into the fun theme, as you join the quirky conquistador off the coast of Peru as he jumps ship and heads off solo in search of the legendary city of gold, El Dorado. This game was the first to introduce the now iconic Avalanche feature. This not only gives you a shot at multiple wins on each spin, but it also offers a chance of huge payouts thanks to increasing multipliers. The game’s free spin feature, or Free Falls is a real highlight, where wins can be multiplied up to x15. In the next part of this review, we’ll delve into the details of the game.
Yet before we get started, it’s time for you to have your say. Let us know what you think of the slot by rating the game across the following criteria. Once you have cast your vote, you will also see how your fellow players rated the game.
How to Play: The Rules in a Nutshell
Gonzo’s Quest may have introduced ground-breaking game mechanics, but that in no way makes it complicated to play. The rules are incredibly straightforward, and it is super simple to get started. There are 20 paylines, which are permanently enabled. As with most online slots, there are a range of bet levels and coin values to select from. All you need to do is select the betting limits that suit your style of play and start to spin. As is typical with most NetEnt slots, the game includes an autoplay option. You can select how many spins you want to play, then sit back and watch the action as it unfolds. Advanced autoplay settings allow you to specify under which circumstances you want the automatic spins to stop. These include when you get a win when you hit the Free Falls feature, or if your money increases or decreases by a certain amount.
Basic Info | |
Type | Video Slot |
RTP | 96.00% |
Developer | NetEnt |
Year Launched | 2010 |
Mobile-friendly | Yes |
Features | |
Free Spins | Yes: 10 Free Falls |
Bonus Round | No |
Progressive | No |
Multiplier | Yes, up to x5 |
Gamble | No |
Layout | |
Reels | 5 |
Rows | 3 |
Paylines | 20 |
Lines Pay | Left to Right |
Theme | Adventure, Mayan |
Settings | |
Autoplay | Yes |
Quick Spin | No |
Coin Levels | 1-5 |
Bet per Spin | £0.20 – £200 |
Adjust Paylines | No |
The Paytable: Symbols, Winning Combinations and Payouts
The game takes its theme from the times of Spanish conquistadors and their exploration of Southern America. This is captured with the Mayan styled symbols. There are 7 basic symbols. The highest valued symbols include a range of striking masks or faces. Line up 5 of the blue and gold mask symbols for the highest payout of x2500. The lower paying symbols include depictions of beastly looking animal carvings.
The game also includes a wild symbol. The question mark emblazoned symbol substitutes for all other symbols with no exceptions. You should keep your eyes peeled for the golden Free Fall symbol. They appear only on reels 1, 2 and 3. Line up 3 Free Fall symbols on a payline and you will trigger the Free Falls feature.
As already mentioned in this Gonzo’s Quest review, the game boasts the Avalanche feature. Symbols fall into place on the reels instead of spinning, and each winning symbol combo triggers an Avalanche. You will see the winning symbols explode and disappear from the reels, leaving space for new ones to cascade from above to fill their place. The Avalanches continue until no new wins are created, so you can pocket several payouts from a single paid spin. With each new Avalanche, the win multiplier increases. The initial Avalanche has a multiplier of x1, which increases to x2, x3 and x5 respectively. Hitting a series of Avalanches can raise your wins significantly, so they will quickly become your best friend when you start playing for real money.
Symbol | 2 Symbols | 3 Symbols | 4 Symbols | 5 Symbols |
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Blue Face | 50 | 250 | 2500 | |
Green Face | 20 | 100 | 1000 | |
Bronze Face | 15 | 50 | 500 | |
Purple Face | 10 | 25 | 200 | |
Bronze Beast | 5 | 20 | 100 | |
Red Beast | 4 | 15 | 75 | |
Blue Beast | 3 | 10 | 50 | |
Scatter | ||||
Wild |
Theme Overview and Image Gallery
This slot has a historical adventure theme. The intro video sets the scene; on the Spanish explorers’ ship, in 1541 off the coast of Peru. The lead character of the game is based on the Spanish explorer, Gonzalo Pizarro. The maverick explorer, Gonzo, sneakily steals the map, jumps ship, and heads into the jungle, on a solo quest to find the city of gold. Gonzo looks up from his map and is faced with a wall of cryptic blocks which cascade in Avalanches. Your job is to help Gonzo out on his quest by making those rocks tumble to clear his path to riches. It’s a fun concept and instantly transports you into the adventure.
Graphics and Animation
The graphical quality of Gonzo’s Quest slot is nothing short of impressive. The cartoon style intro video immerses you into the theme and introduces you to the lead character. The whole look of the game reflects the theme, with bright jungle foliage and Mayan style imagery surrounding the reels. You can experience the immersive feel of the gameplay with our Gonzo’s Quest free play game. We have also captured some of the key scenes from the game in the pictures below, so you can see how the slot looks at a glance.
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This is the base game, where you can see the impressive graphical quality of the slot and the unique theme.
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Each win triggers the Avalanche feature, where the symbols explode, and new ones fall down to fill the space.
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Free Falls are the equivalent of free spins. The Avalanche multiplier reaches a whopping x15 in this special feature.
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Grab a big win and Gonzo will jump for joy and hold out his hat to collect your big coin payout. Just don’t let him run away with it!
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Super Mega Win:This medium-high variance slot with big multipliers offers the chance to pocket some truly staggering Super Mega Wins.
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Here you can see the Mayan themed symbols and their payouts. The paytable also includes a Free Fall symbol and a substituting Wild.
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Paylines:Gonzo’s Quest slot features a fixed 20 paylines which pay from left to right. Here you can see simultaneous wins on multiple paylines.
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Video:You can catch a sneak peak of the action in this Gonzo’s Quest video preview. You can try the game for yourself with our demo slot.
This game may be over 8 years old, yet the graphics and animations have not dated at all. The colour palate is eye-catching, with plenty of bold colours reflecting the jungle setting and the adventurous theme. The symbols on the reels are depicted as rocks, and with every spin, you’ll catch a glimpse of the golden destination that Gonzo seeks. This approach captures the exploration storyline and reminds you that this wall is all that stands between the explorer and the riches he is searching for.
Every time you line up a winning combination, the symbols dramatically explode into a cloud of rock dust, making way for new ones to fill their place. This builds the excitement as you play, given that every successive Avalanche will also boost your win multiplier.
Another quirky feature of the game is the lead character himself. Gonzo stands beside the reels as you play and adds a fun edge to the gameplay. He celebrates your wins, with quirky dances and moonwalking across the screen. Hit a big win and he’ll hold out his hat to collect the coins as they spill down. If you leave the reels for too long, he’ll pull out his map and give you a non-too subtle reminder that he is waiting for you to clear the rock path to the city of Gold.
Audio: Music & Sounds
The sounds effects featured in the Gonzo’s Quest slot perfectly reflect the theme. Forget the annoyingly repetitive theme tunes that are standard in many slots. This game takes a much more subtle approach. The background sounds immerse you into the South American jungle setting, with birds tweeting and insects chirping. With each spin, you will hear the sound of rocks falling into position. Get a win, and you’ll hear the rocks explode, along with a triumphant flurry of traditional Spanish guitar music. This builds in intensity when you line up several successive wins. When you hit the coveted Free Falls feature, you’ll hear traditional panpipe tones, which continue to play out through the feature.
Betting Limits at Different Online Casinos
Gonzo’s Quest slot has 20 paylines which are permanently enabled. You can adjust the coin value and the bet level to find the right wager size to suit your personal style of play. With the coin value starting at just a penny, you can play this slot for a minimum of 20p per spin. If you want to raise the stakes, most online casinos allow you to increase the coin value up to a maximum of 50p. You can also opt for between 1 and 5 bet levels, making the maximum bet per spin £50. Whilst a £50 per spin maximum will meet the needs of most players, the most experienced of high rollers may find this a little limited. However, if you want to play with higher stakes, we recommend that you play Gonzo’s Quest at 888casino. This operator breaks from the mould, with the coin value reaching up to £2. As such, you can bet a maximum of £200 per spin at 888casino, making it a perfect choice for high stakes players.
The Free Falls Feature
A major highlight of Gonzo’s Quest is the Free Falls feature. When you line up 3 golden Free Fall symbols on a payline, the wall of symbols will open up and you’ll see Gonzo walk through them towards the golden city that sits behind the reels. The feature awards 10 free plays, which can be re-triggered with a further 3 bonus symbols. What makes the Gonzo’s Quest free spins feature so exceptional is the Avalanche multiplier. Whilst the base game Avalanche multiplier reaches a maximum of x5, in Free Falls, it can reach a staggering x15 max. The initial Avalanche is rewarded with an x3 multiplier, with x6, x9 and x15 respectively awarded for each successive Avalanche. Needless to say, this provides the potential for epic wins in the special feature.
Gonzo’s Quest RTP Overview
Experienced slots players will be familiar with the term RTP. It stands for Return to Player and it indicates the theoretical payout percentage of a casino game. Legit slots list their RTP in the game rules, and it is a good indicator of how profitable it can be to play the game. It is important to remember that the RTP is calculated over a huge number of spins. As such, it is unlikely that any given playing session will see your payouts match the RTP exactly. Sometimes, you will walk away with a lower return, and when lady luck is shining down on you, you can pocket a much higher amount. The official Gonzo’s Quest RTP, as published by NetEnt is 95.97%, but you will find this rounded to 96% in the game rules.
It is fair to say that NetEnt slots fare well against those from other providers, with all exceeding 95%. In the picture above, you can see how the Gonzo’s Quest RTP compares to that of other slots. It falls closer to the highest end of the return to player scale than the lower end. This is an advantage for players, as generally speaking, the higher the payout percentage, the better the conditions for the player.
Volatility, Variance, Hit Frequency
So, you now know that the Gonzo’s Quest RTP is fairly high. Whilst that tells you about the expected long-term profitability of playing the game, it tells you little about the variance. Before we delve into the volatility of Gonzo’s Quest slots, let’s take a moment to explain these advanced slot concepts in more detail.
Slot variance, also referred to as volatility describes the level of risk involved in a slot. It explains how often wins are paid and how big payouts are. The volatility of a slot can have a big impact on the gaming experience. Low volatility slots have a low level of risk. As such, you will find that wins come frequently as you play. Yet those wins will be on the smaller side. They enable you to play for extended periods of time without too much fluctuation to your bankroll. High volatility slots, on the other hand, denote a higher level of risk. You may need to play for extended periods of time before you hit wins or bonus features. Yet when you do get payouts they will be significantly larger – as you can imagine, this information is vital when you are wagering real money!
Gonzo’s Quest is classed as a medium to high volatility slot. In essence, this means that you will need to be patient when you play and expect to play for long periods to be able to hit the big wins. Whilst you can expect to pick up some smaller payouts as you play, you may see your bankroll reduce significantly before you hit a decent-sized payout. It comes down to personal preference as to whether you play high or low volatility slots. Ideally, if you play a high variance slot, then you need to have plenty of time to spare, and a higher budget, to allow you to keep playing until you get a big enough win to cover your losses.
Gonzo’s Quest Mobile Version: Compatibility, Instant Play and App
Mobile compatibility has never been more important for game developers. Players are opting for the convenience of playing casino games on their mobile phone or tablet more than ever before. NetEnt embraced the trend for mobile gaming early on and in 2011, they launched their first range of NetEnt Touch games for mobile play. Gonzo’s Quest was the first mobile slot that NetEnt created. The mobile slot has been expertly adapted for optimum gameplay on the smaller screen display of mobile devices. The game runs smoothly and flawlessly, providing the same exciting gameplay as the desktop version.
You can play Gonzo’s Quest mobile slot on a wide range of devices. It is compatible with iOS and Android operating systems and all reputable NetEnt casinos feature the slot in their mobile game selection. Playing the slot on the go could not be easier. You can visit any of our recommended Gonzo’s Quest casinos and play the slot instantly in your browser. You will also find that native apps for download from iTunes and the Google Play store also include the game. Whether you prefer instant-browser based play or to download an app simply comes down to your personal preference.
Player Experience
Gonzo’s Quest is one of the most iconic titles in the NetEnt slots selection. It has been going strong for over 8 years, so what is it that makes this slot a player favourite? According to player feedback, the game rates highly across the board. The quirky theme along with the high-quality graphics and sound effects are undoubtedly a big part of the game’s appeal. The slot was the first to introduce Avalanche gameplay mechanics, which can now be found in many popular NetEnt slots. This style of gameplay makes the playing experience super exciting, and along with the increasing win multipliers, provides the potential for big wins. The slot’s main feature, the Free Falls, offer the most exciting element of the game. With win multipliers of between x3 – x15 it is this feature that can provide the most epic wins. However, some players have highlighted that the increasing multipliers, both in the base game and free falls rarely reach the maximum level, which can be annoying at times.
Real or Fake
We would not have written this Gonzo’s Quest slot review unless we were 100% confident of the game’s integrity. Verifying that Gonzo’s Quest is a legit game was a simple task in fairness. For starters, the developer behind the game, NetEnt are a world-renowned, trustworthy provider. They have won countless prestigious awards for the high quality of the games they create. They are licenced by the UKGC, verifying that they can be trusted. The Gonzo’s Quest slot has been independently tested by the respected authority, eCOGRA. This verifies that the game results and payouts are fair and cannot be tampered with.
Whilst we know that the game is legit, you still need to pay attention to where you choose to play it. Only by choosing to play Gonzo’s Quest at a licenced casino can you be sure it is not rigged. By opting for a casino site that is licenced and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, you can have confidence that you have a fair chance of winning, and that you will be able to withdraw those winnings. UK licenced casinos provide you with a safe gaming environment where you will be protected. You can look out for the following certificates to check that a casino can be trusted. Alternatively, pick any of our approved casino sites to ensure that you will be safe.
- Gambling Commission
- GamCare Certified
- GambleAware
- McAfee
- eCogra
Tips and Tricks – How to Win Big
Slot machines are games of chance. Whether or not you win big usually comes down to sheer luck. Or does it? Experienced slots players will often have hints and tips to share for how to beat slot machines. We have assessed these and separated the good from the bad. We cannot give you any cheats to guarantee that you will win. After all, Gonzo’s Quest has been independently tested to prove it has fair results. What we can do, however, is share valuable advice to help you get the most enjoyment out of playing the game and which could even boost your odds of winning big money.
1. Use Bonuses to Your Advantage
Casino welcome bonuses are usually geared towards playing slots and you can also find bonuses which specifically provide Gonzo’s Quest free spins. Of course, bonuses do come with wagering requirements you need to meet before you can withdraw your winnings. Yet they are a great way to extend your playing time, giving you more chances to win without spending too much of your own money.
2. Effective Bankroll Management
There is no doubt that playing slots is great fun, but you need to ensure that you manage your bankroll effectively. The fast-paced gameplay can quickly eat through your money, so you should always set yourself limits of how much you are willing to spend before you start to play and stick to them. Using autoplay is a good way to stay in control of how much you are spending.
3. Play with Max Bet
Bigger bets provide bigger payouts and it is for this reason that many experienced players use Max Bet when they play Gonzo’s Quest. By increasing the coin value and the bet level, payouts will be significantly larger than playing with low stakes. Just be sure to keep within your limits, as betting with higher stakes will exhaust your bankroll more quickly.
4. Gonzo’s Quest – Free Play
Practice makes perfect, and therefore a useful tip is to play a demo version of Gonzo’s Quest before you play with real money. Whilst the rules of the game are simple enough, free play will enable you to try out the various settings, options and bet levels with no risk to your own money. It is a great way to fully prepare yourself for playing confidently.
Gonzo’s Quest VR Slot
NetEnt are true pioneers of online casino gaming, embracing new technologies and pushing the boundaries of what players have come to expect from casino games. Back in 2016, the company announced that they would be investing in the development of Web VR technology, to create the most immersive and engaging casino games within the iGaming business.
At the ICE Totally Gaming conference in 2017, NetEnt announced that they would develop and release their first Web VR slot game. And the iconic title that would get the VR treatment was Gonzo’s Quest. The slot has become the flagship game for NetEnt’s developing technology. In fact, Gonzo’s Quest was the first slot that the company released as a mobile game.
The following year at the ICE 2018 conference, NetEnt revealed the advancements they had made in their VR game development. VR was at the core of the company’s presentation, and they revealed the first fully playable version of Gonzo’s Quest VR. Using cutting-edge Web VR technology, NetEnt created the game to be played through a web browser. This meant that casino operators would not need any specific integration to offer the game and players would not need to download a dedicated VR app to play the innovative game.
Whereas some casinos had previously offered a VR gaming experience through a download application, NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest Web VR game can be played by simply plugging in a VR headset and pressing the VR game mode tab. The VR game is built using HTML5 technology and uses real time 3D. NetEnt took the opportunity to announce that the world’s first real money web VR slot would go live in the summer of 2018.
Gonzo’s Quest VR slot takes the gameplay to a whole new level. As you would expect from NetEnt, the graphical and sound quality is outstanding. The iconic Avalanche gameplay is incorporated into the game. Yet what sets this apart from the standard Gonzo’s Quest slot is the truly immersive nature of the game. Whilst Gonzo is animated in the video slot, he truly comes to life in the VR version. The setting is filled with lush green jungle foliage and you get to explore a 360-degree view of the game, immersing you into the gameplay like never before. We are certain that players will embrace this new type of gaming experience and that NetEnt will rise to the challenge by developing web VR versions of their other popular and iconic games.
Gonzo’s Quest VR Slot
Slot Comparison: See the Top Alternatives
Whilst there is no denying that there are many advantages of Gonzo’s Quest slots, it is fair to say that it will not be the best game for everyone. Each player has their own tastes when it comes to themes, gameplay and features. Some may enjoy the innovative Avalanche gameplay, whereas others may prefer traditional spinning reels game mechanics. Big progressive jackpots are a deal breaker for other players. Whilst for some, bonus games are just as important as free spins features. So, we decided to compare Gonzo’s Quest with the top online slots we have reviewed on our site. Check out the comparison radar below to see how the slot fares.
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All Gonzo’s Quest Slot Casinos
If you like what you have learnt about Gonzo’s Quest and want to play with real money, we suggest checking out our top 5 Gonzo’s Quest casinos. For your convenience, we have also compiled a full list of operators that feature the slot. Each of these operators has been checked and verified as safe, trusted UK-licenced casinos. You can find out more about any of the operators in our detailed casino reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gonzo’s Quest
To complete our Gonzo’s Quest slot review, we have collated the most frequently asked questions about the game. If you still have a query about this slot, then check the following section. There, you will find the answers to the questions most often raised about the casino game.
What is Gonzos Quest RTP?
Gonzo's Quest RTP is 96%, as listed in the game rules. Yet this is a rounded number, and the precise RTP is 95.97%. You can check our Gonzos Quest RTP overview for more details on how the payout rates compare to those of other online slots.
How to win Gonzos Quest?
You win payouts in Gonzos Quest by matching 3 or more symbols on a payline. There is no strategy that can guarantee you will win on every spin. You can, however, check our tips for winning to find ways to give yourself an advantage.
Where can I play Gonzos Quest Demo?
You can play Gonzos Quest for free on this page. Our demo game is a great way to practice and understand the rules before you play with real money. Many online casinos also allow their validated players to try out the slot for free.
What is Gonzo's Quest Touch?
Gonzo's Quest Touch is the official name for the mobile version of the slot. NetEnt Touch games have been completely optimised for mobile play and are compatible with iOS and Android devices. You can find out more about Gonzo's Quest mobile slot in our dedicated section of this review.
Where to play Gonzo's Quest for real money?
If you want to play Gonzo's Quest for real money, you should play at licensed and regulated online casinos. We have created a list of the best Gonzo's Quest casino sites for your convenience. Each is safe, secure, and offers bonuses to new players.
Share Your Opinion
So, there you have it, our thorough Gonzo’s Quest slot review has come to an end. We have left no stone un-turned to bring you an honest, reliable and thorough insight into the game. As well as playing the slot extensively, our team of expert reviewers have also collated player feedback to give a completely rounded and unbiased account of what the game has to offer. And now we pass the torch to you. We want to hear what you have to say about the game. Have you had an interesting experience playing Gonzo’s Quest? What’s the biggest win you have hit? Do you have any hints and tips to share with other players? We would love to hear from you, so please use the comments form below to add what you thought of the game.