Bonanza Megaways vs Extra Chilli: The Ultimate Comparison for Australian Online Casino Enthusiasts

When it comes to online slot games beloved by Australian players, Bonanza Megaways and Extra Chilli stand tall as two of the most popular titles. Both games offer thrilling gameplay, engaging themes, and the chance to win big, but what truly sets them apart? This detailed comparison explores every facet of these fan favourites—from their gameplay mechanics and bonus features to graphics, RTP, and overall playing experience.

Whether you're new to online slots or a seasoned player looking to choose your next favourite game, this article has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the exciting battle of Bonanza Megaways vs Extra Chilli.

Introduction to Bonanza Megaways and Extra Chilli

What is Bonanza Megaways?

Developed by Big Time Gaming, Bonanza Megaways is one of the pioneering Megaways slots. Released in 2016, it revolutionised slot mechanics by offering up to 117,649 ways to win on every spin, a novelty that dazzled the slot community worldwide. The game's theme is rooted in a classic gold mining setup, with colourful gemstones, dynamite, mining carts, and a rugged mountainside as its backdrop.

What is Extra Chilli?

Also developed by Big Time Gaming, Extra Chilli is essentially a follow-up to the Bonanza theme, this time spiced up with a Mexican market vibe. It mixes the Megaways engine with a vibrant fiesta atmosphere featuring corn chips, chilies, neon lights, and lots of colour. Released in 2018, Extra Chilli quickly won over players with its engaging gameplay and high potential payouts powered by the cementing of the Megaways system.

Gameplay Mechanics

Bonanza Megaways Gameplay Overview

Bonanza Megaways uses a 6-reel setup, with a dynamic number of rows (between 2 and 7) that change every spin thanks to the Megaways mechanic. This means the number of symbols on each reel varies randomly, resulting in up to 117,649 ways to win.

• Reels: 6
• Megaways: Up to 117,649 ways
• Illustrious Mine Theme: Traditional Old West mining surrounds
• Standard Feature: Cascading wins (also called tumbling reels)
• Bet Range: AUD 0.20 - AUD 20

Every win triggers a cascade where winning symbols disappear to be replaced by new ones, offering the potential of multiple wins on a single spin.

Extra Chilli Gameplay Overview

Extra Chilli uses a similar Megaways engine, with a 6-reel and varying-row setup.

• Reels: 6
• Megaways: Up to 117,649 ways
• Fiesta-Themed: Bolt-on Mexican market experience, full of hot chillies and buzzing atmosphere
• Feature: Rolling reels for consecutive wins
• Bet Range: AUD 0.20 - AUD 20 (similar to Bonanza)

Key Gameplay Differences

• Multiplier Mechanic: Extra Chilli features a jackpot-style unlimited win multiplier in its free spins round, while Bonanza tends to have fixed multipliers with more focus on free spins wins.
• Feature Trigger: In Extra Chilli, free spins are triggered by collectors and chilli pop mechanisms via the special feature wheel, significantly adding new strategic layers.
• Rapid Play: Extra Chilli tends toward faster-paced bonus rounds compared to Bonanza’s sometimes more tense, mining-style drip-drip buildup.

Bonus Features Breakdown

Bonanza Megaways Bonuses

• Free Spins: Triggered by landing 4 or more Gold Mine symbols (Scatter). You start with 12 free spins, and extra spins can be won within the bonus.
• Unlimited Win Multiplier: Applies only during free spins, escalating with consecutive wins.
• Cascading Reels: Wins cause symbols to disappear and be replaced, enabling multiple successive wins.

Extra Chilli Bonuses

• Feature Drop: Players can pay to trigger the Feature Drop directly — a buy-in feature offering immediate access to free games.
• Free Spins: Awarded by landing 3 or more Scatters, and activated via a bonus wheel selection system.
• Multiplier: Starts at 1x but increases without limit upon every winning consecutive cascade.
• Collect Icons: In-free spins, various chilli symbols are collected to influence multiplier and unlock valuable ways to extend spins or increase multiplier growth.

RTP and Volatility

Bonanza Megaways RTP and Volatility

• RTP: Roughly 96-96.5%
• Volatility: High

Bonanza Megaways tailors a high-risk, high-reward gameplay style that appeals to players prepared to wager higher for chance of big payouts.

Extra Chilli RTP and Volatility

• RTP: Approximately 96.9%
• Volatility: High

Extra Chilli optimises its volatility for hot streaks within free spins, where escalating multipliers can hike payout chances.

Graphics, Sound, and User Experience

Bonanza Megaways Visuals and Audio

Bonanza’s visuals take you on a trek to a dusty, mountainous mining site filled with sparkling gems and wooden carts. The colour palette is earthy, leaning heavily on browns, greens, and steel greys, creating an immersive vintage mining experience. Sounds include mining tools’ clinks, falling stones, and an upbeat adventurous soundtrack.

Extra Chilli Visuals and Audio

Extra Chilli provides a brightness and energy injection with glowing neon lights, salts of bright red and orange from the fiery chillies, and salsa-flavoured Mexican beats running in the background. Its symbols include corn chips, bells, and chili peppers, invoking a vibrant market fiesta felt in every spin.

The overall experience is fast and exhilarating, capturing the essence of festa energy.

Which One to Choose? An Australian Player’s Perspective

Accessibility to Australian Players

Both games are widely available at licensed Australian online casinos catering to local players, featuring Aussie dollar betting values and seamless mobile optimisation.

Player Type Suitability

• Choose Bonanza Megaways if: You prefer a traditional megaways, mining-themed slot with slightly slower gameplay and high stakes.
• Choose Extra Chilli if: You want a fast-paced, visually vibrant Mexican fiesta spin with more interactive bonus features and the fun of a feature buy option.

Bonus Buy Feature

Extra Chilli offers added convenience to Australian players who want immediate access to bonus rounds (Feature Drop), ideal for those with limited time or who enjoy direct bonus gameplay.

Conclusion

Both Bonanza Megaways and Extra Chilli are stellar Megaways offerings by Big Time Gaming, delivering thrilling online slots experiences with their own unique flare.

• Bonanza captivates with classic mining adventure, varied cascades, and potentially massive payouts.
• Extra Chilli brings intense heat with spicy features, rapid gameplay, and the attractive Feature Drop system.

If you want to try both, many leading Australian online casinos offer free demo modes so you can experience their distinct mechanics without wagering real money.

FAQs

Is it legal to play Bonanza Megaways and Extra Chilli in Australia?

Yes, both games are legal and offered by numerous reputable online casinos licensed to operate within Australia.

Can I play these slots on mobile devices?

Absolutely. Both titles are fully optimised for mobile play on Android and iOS, maintaining graphic quality without performance loss.

Which game offers better payouts?

Both have competitive RTPs (around 96%-97%), with high volatility, meaning winning is less frequent but potentially very lucrative when it does occur.

Can I trigger free spins easily in these games?

Free spin triggering rates are similar but differ in style: Bonanza requires four or more scatters, while Extra Chilli involves gearbox-like wheel spins, giving a chance for unique gameplay variance.

Ready to experience the heat of Extra Chilli or stumble upon treasure with Bonanza Megaways? Sign up at your preferred Australian online casino and find out which slot game suits you best today!