Our favorite adventurer, John Hunter, is back, and this time his compass is set on the mysterious shores of Bermuda.
Forget what you know about traditional paylines. In John Hunter and the Quest for Bermuda Riches, Pragmatic Play throws out the rulebook in favor of a sprawling 7x7 grid where symbols cascade down a shimmering waterfall.
It's a different kind of slot experience. The goal isn't lining up symbols left-to-right; it's about forming clusters of matching artefacts, horizontally or vertically.
This cluster-pays system, combined with the game's high volatility, creates a unique rhythm. The gameplay can be quiet for stretches, then burst into a flurry of activity. Let's gear up and see what secrets this island holds.
The action unfolds on a 7x7 grid set against a lush, jungle-choked island. To form a qualifying cluster, you need to land five or more identical symbols connected either horizontally or vertically. Once a cluster is formed, it vanishes.
This is where the Tumbling Reels feature comes into play.
The empty spaces are immediately filled by new symbols cascading from above, creating the potential for a chain reaction of clusters from a single spin. It’s a core mechanic that keeps the gameplay dynamic and engaging. One spin can lead to a whole sequence of events, making every press of the play button feel significant.
A word on the game's engine: this is a high-volatility slot. It's a style of play that suits a more measured approach. Managing your session budget and setting limits is key to enjoying these types of expeditions. It’s all about finding a comfortable bet level that allows you to enjoy the ebb and flow of the adventure without feeling rushed.
The theoretical Return to Player (RTP) for this game is 96.39%, a solid figure that sits slightly above the industry average for online slots.
The main event in this quest is the Free Spins round, the part of the map where the most interesting discoveries are often made. There are two paths to trigger this feature.
The traditional route is by landing three or more John Hunter scatter symbols anywhere on the grid in a single spin. Three scatters will kick off the round with 12 free spins.
If you land four, five, six, or seven scatters, you'll start with the same 12 spins, but also receive an initial prize of 5x, 15x, 30x, or 100x your stake, respectively. During the round, landing another set of three or more scatters adds five more spins to your tally, with no cap on how many times you can retrigger.
For players in permitted regions who prefer a more direct approach, the feature can be activated instantly from the base game for a cost of 100x the current bet. It's an option that puts you right in the heart of the action.
During the Free Spins round, all the special Collect and Money features (which we’ll cover next) are active, but with an added twist. The values of all collected Money Symbols are also added to a bonus pot.
After your standard free spins are complete, you get one final chance to claim the contents of this pot on a special 7x7 grid filled with a mix of Money Symbols and blanks, followed by 1, 2, or 3 final Respins where Collect symbols might land. It's a clever finale that adds another layer of anticipation to the bonus round.
Beyond the tumbling clusters and free spins, the island is packed with special symbols that can alter the course of any given spin. The real depth of this game is found in its Collect mechanics.
Money and Collect Symbols Keep an eye out for golden-framed Money Symbols. Each one lands with a random value attached. On their own, they do nothing. But land one at the same time as one of the four unique Collect symbols, and things get interesting.
Collect (Green): The standard. This symbol simply collects the values of all Money Symbols currently on the screen.
Extra Credit Collect (Blue): This symbol arrives with its own value, which is added to all the other Money Symbols on the grid before the total is collected.
Multiplier Collect (Purple): The one that can really shift the dynamic. It applies a multiplier to the total value of all Money Symbols on screen before collection.
Extra Drop Collect (Red): This one triggers an extra cascade of new Money Symbols onto the grid before the collection happens, creating a bigger pot to collect from.
Cursed and Regular Wilds The golden idol acts as the Wild symbol, substituting for any regular paying symbol to help form a cluster. It’s a familiar tool for any slot explorer.
But sometimes, these wilds are Cursed. A Cursed Wild is a regular wild with a 2x multiplier attached. If it’s part of a cluster, that cluster’s value is doubled
Even better, if you're lucky enough to have more than one Cursed Wild in a single cluster, their multipliers multiply each other. Two Cursed Wilds in a winning group means a 4x multiplier. It’s a rare but powerful modifier that can appear out of nowhere.
You’re in the right place. You can join the expedition and play John Hunter and the Quest for Bermuda Riches right here at PokerStars Casino.
To get started, all you need is a free account. The registration process is quick and secure. Once you've signed up, you’ll have access to this adventure and our entire library of hundreds of other online slots.
The game is built on HTML5 technology, meaning it runs beautifully on any device. You can enjoy the full, panoramic view of the island on your desktop, or take the quest with you on your mobile or tablet.
The game adapts perfectly to any screen size, in both landscape and portrait mode on mobile. Personally, I prefer a larger screen to really appreciate the detailed artwork and the full scope of the 7x7 grid, but the convenience of mobile play is undeniable.
As a player at PokerStars Casino, remember to check out our Responsible Gaming section. We provide a full suite of tools, including deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion options, to help you stay in control and keep your gaming experience fun and entertaining. Setting your limits before you start playing is always the smartest strategy.
If you enjoy the intricate mechanics of Pragmatic Play titles, you can explore their full catalogue, including other games in the popular John Hunter series.
The symbols you'll be trying to cluster are split into two groups, perfectly matching the treasure-hunting theme.
The lower-value symbols are represented by polished gem versions of card suits: a purple diamond, a green club, a red heart, and a blue spade.
The high-value symbols are the tools of the trade for any serious adventurer. These are the spyglass, the chalice, and the jewelled ring. The ring is the most valuable of the standard symbols, offering the highest return for a cluster of 15 or more.
The special symbols are distinct and easy to spot. The scatter features John Hunter himself, the Wild is the golden monkey idol, and the Collect symbols are chests in their four different colours.
John Hunter and the Quest for Bermuda Riches is more than just another sequel. It’s a complex and layered slot that moves away from standard gameplay. The combination of Cluster Pays, Tumbling Reels, and the four different Collect features makes for a game where you’re always watching the grid for different possibilities.
This isn't a game for players who prefer a simple, fast-paced, three-reel experience. It's a true expedition in slot form, full of potential dead ends and exciting discoveries.
Plan your session, play responsibly, and enjoy the quest.