In 2009, Barcrest launched the Rainbow Riches slot game for physical gaming portals in brick-and-mortar venues across the UK. It quickly became one of the most popular slot games, establishing a strong reputation for the brand.
At the time, Rainbow Riches broke away from traditional slot machine stereotypes, using innovative mechanics and features not seen before. The Rainbow Riches slot stood out from the crowd in a world full of fruit machines by offering multiple bonuses and having a memorable Irish theme.
Rainbow Riches Background
The Rainbow Riches slot offers a 5×3 playtable with 20 unique paylines where players can land matching symbols in play. Gamers can find the same setup with Rainbow Riches online play, with Barcrest keeping the same 5×3 grid as when the game first debuted in 2009.
Rainbow Riches resembles an ‘Irish luck’ theme that has stuck with the game from the early days to the series of titles we see today. The visuals you will see in play consist of a purple sky and a distant rainbow in view. The slots’ sleek and simple designs show the game’s longevity, as the visuals may seem dated compared to what we see today. The playtable is white and features a gold border, reflecting the game’s theme of Irish luck and fortune.
The audio features in this Rainbow Riches slot complement play very well, with base play consisting of a harp in the background. Barcrest has kept it simple. However, once the bonus features are activated, gameplay is submerged in Irish chimes until the bonus rounds are completed.
The Rainbow Riches slot features a nostalgic and simple theme. Staying true to its Irish theme, Barcrest has designed the game to create a recognisable and unique appeal for a wide range of players.
The Rainbow Riches Slot Symbols
The reels are made up of 7 unique symbols of different values. The lower-mid value symbols are represented by typical card symbols: A, Q, K, J,10 and landing 3+ matching symbols on a payline can trigger prize values in play. These card symbols will all feature separate bright colours, allowing players to differentiate the symbols in play. The other 2 symbols, the higher-value symbols in play, include the Rainbow Riches logo symbol and the Wild, both of which can trigger base game prizes should they land in combination..
Lower Value Symbols
- 10
- J
- Q
Medium Value Symbols
- K
- A
Higher Value Symbols
- Wild – represented by a gold coin
- Rainbow riches – represented by a ‘Rainbow Riches’ logo in red text with a green and gold background
Along with the 7 symbols on the reels, there are also 3 bonus features available. The bonus symbols follow an Irish theme, which are represented by a leprechaun, a wishing well, and pots of gold.
Rainbow Riches Bonus Features
Rainbow Riches offers 3 different bonus features, which can all be unlocked, providing 3+ matching bonus symbols land on the reels in the same spin.
Pots of Gold Bonus
Pots of Gold bonus symbols are represented by a black pot with shining gold bursting out the top. The symbol has a purple sky, similar to the slot’s background, with a colourful rainbow shining over the pot of gold.
This feature is only activated by landing 3 matching symbols in reels 2, 3, and 4. Once activated, bronze, silver, and gold pots move in a circle around the screen, all containing individual multipliers. The pots will stop spinning, and the multiplier on the pot in the middle of the screen will be awarded.
Road to Riches Bonus
The Road to Riches bonus is triggered when you land 3 or more leprechaun scatter symbols anywhere on the reels in a single spin. Once activated, a cheery leprechaun will greet you in a field of multipliers and colour. A winding path leads you to a gold pot filled with a multiplier reward, providing you land enough ‘steps’ on the wheel to reach the pot of gold. As you advance along the path, your multipliers will increase. There is a wheel spinner that determines how many steps you can potentially move forward, with each step boosting the multiplier. The wheel features two collect segments alongside six advance options, ranging from 1 to 6 steps. When the spinner lands on a collect segment, you will gather your multiplier, multiplying your stake by the amount displayed.
Wishing Well Bonus
The Wishing Well bonus is represented by a grey stone wishing well with a contrasting bright blue sky background. To activate the Wishing Well feature, players must land 3+ Wishing Well symbols anywhere across the 5 reels.
In this feature, you have the selection from the 3 Wishing Well symbols to choose from, all of which offer individual multipliers. After you choose the Wishing Well, you will be granted the multiplier, which will multiply your original stake.
Similar Games To Rainbow Riches
Barcrest has launched various titles building on the popularity of Rainbow Riches, providing players with numerous similar options. Games like Slingo Rainbow Riches and Rainbow Riches Pots of Gold offer their unique twists while still capturing the nature of the original. These titles also feature fun bonuses, just like Rainbow Riches, making them enjoyable choices for fans.
Final Thoughts
Rainbow Riches may feature graphics that date back to its original launch in 2009, but it remains a popular slot game despite not being the most visually advanced option available. This slot’s fun, arcade-like atmosphere has kept players interested since its debut. The game’s ability to stay true to its roots while still being widely enjoyed speaks volumes about this innovative design for its time. For newcomers to the iGaming scene, the straightforward mechanics of this game make it easy to grasp.
