Like many slot games in the Novomatic catalogue, the design here is quite simply done. With the blue sea and assorted aquatic plant life in the background you’ll see A to 10 playing card values plus 2 different types of fish, a turtle and an octopus. The best of the standard symbols is the dolphin which will get you 0.4, 6, 15 or 30 times your total stake if you land 3, 4, 5 or 6 in combination. There’s also a wild.
The action begins on a 5 reel, 20 payline machine. Land a winner and the successful symbols are removed and new symbols drop in and replace them. The octopus to the right of the reels also moves a plant to open up a 6th reel and gives you win both ways payouts.
If that symbol drop creates a win, the process is repeated, this time with a 4th row becoming active which increases the paylines to 40 – with win both ways technology. Another reel drop win adds a 5 row with 50 paylines – again, with wins being formed both left to right and right to left. This is known as the Reels Drops feature.
Any more successive symbol drop wins triggers the Free Games feature - on offer are 5 free spins. This takes place on a 6x5 reel set with 50 paylines and win both ways technology. You will also benefit from special treasure chests which all transform into the same matching symbol when they hit. These can be single, stacked, 2x2 or 2x3 sized depending on how many successive symbol drops you managed to hit.
Keep tabs of how you’re doing via the arrow meter above the reels. The arrow resets after an unsuccessful free spin. If you get 4, 5, 6 or 6 arrives, you’ll win 4, 6, 8 or 10 extra free spins.
Tidal Riches also offers the opportunity to play the Hi Roller feature - this will set you back 5 or 10 times your total stake for the Silver or Gold mode. In return, you’ll receive 3 spins with double sized mega wilds. In Gold mode, the arrows are held and don’t reset after a winless drop which makes it easier to enter the Free Games feature.
This is something of a departure for Novomatic. It’s better looking than many of the developer’s earlier efforts and the tranquil soundtrack is a nice fit. The gameplay offers something different for a Novomatic slot game. It works rather well too. As far as variance goes, we’re in the medium range with top wins of 1,500 times your stake on every free spin.
We quite enjoyed this sedate ocean trip. If you like the watery theme, then Tidal Riches is one to add to the list. If you fancy heading underwater, Lord of the Ocean by Novomatic is a must.