3 Oaks Gaming has carved out a specialized niche in the iGaming industry by refining and expanding the “Hold and Win” mechanic, and Hit More Gold stands as a premier example of this evolution. As a direct sequel to the original Hit the Gold, this title pushes the boundaries of the mining theme—a staple in the slot world—by increasing the grid size to a 5×4 layout and elevating the mathematical potential. While many developers offer generic mining adventures, 3 Oaks utilizes its signature polished art style and rhythmic gameplay to create a more immersive experience, echoing the mechanical success found in their other hits like Green Chilli or Black Wolf.
The base game operates on 25 fixed paylines, where players seek to land combinations of classic mining equipment and the friendly, bearded prospector who acts as the Wild. However, the true depth of the game lies in its dual-layered bonus structure. First, the Free Spins round is triggered by landing three Scatter symbols, awarding eight spins. What distinguishes this round from the base game is the removal of lower-value card royals from the reels, significantly increasing the probability of high-value connections and the triggering of the main feature.
The centerpiece of Hit More Gold is the Hold and Win Bonus Game, activated when six or more Golden Nugget symbols (Bonus symbols) land on a single spin. Players are transported to a dedicated screen where only Bonus, Boost, and Mystery symbols appear. Starting with three respins that reset with every new symbol, the goal is to fill as many of the 20 spots as possible. The Boost Feature is a critical addition here; if a Boost symbol lands alongside any cash-bearing nuggets, it immediately collects their values, allowing for multiple payouts on the same symbols within a single round. Furthermore, Mystery Symbols can transform into Mini, Minor, or Major Jackpot icons, while filling the entire grid with 20 symbols awards the Grand Jackpot, worth a staggering 5,000x the total bet. This combination of “collect” mechanics and “hold and win” logic makes for a highly volatile and potentially rewarding subterranean adventure.
