Block Bonanza
Aristocrat · Position-Based Prize Blocks
Block Bonanza overview
Prize blocks above reel positions, stored values, and position-matching collection.
How the visible state works
Prize blocks build above specific reel positions. A qualifying symbol or pattern can collect the block tied to that position, so value and alignment must be read together.
What may persist and what may reset
Confirm that block values remain between players and whether each block resets independently after collection. Record the complete display before changing wagers.
What to verify before playing
- Value of every visible block
- Reel position associated with each block
- Symbols or pattern required to collect
- Wager eligibility and post-award reset
Common mistake
Adding all block values as though they can be awarded together. Position, trigger path and reset behavior can make the blocks materially different.
How to document this machine on the floor
Begin with a photograph or written snapshot before the first wager. Record the value and color of every block above the reels and the reel positions capable of collecting them. The purpose is to preserve the starting state so that changes can be tied to actual spins rather than memory or visual impression.
- Identify the exact version. Record the title, manufacturer, cabinet, denomination and selected wager.
- Capture every component. Do not reduce a multi-part display to one attractive number or symbol.
- Observe one change at a time. Note what advances, what stays fixed and what resets after an award.
- Recheck the help screen. Confirm eligibility, feature rules and whether the visible state belongs to the exact wager being evaluated.
Wager, denomination and configuration questions
The same title can behave differently across installations, denominations or qualifying bets. Before comparing two cabinets, verify value of every visible block, reel position associated with each block, symbols or pattern required to collect, wager eligibility and post-award reset. A state that appears favorable at one wager may be unavailable, differently valued or separately stored at another.
Changing a wager purely to inspect the display can also change the state being viewed. Record the original selection first, then test other settings only when doing so does not create confusion about ownership or reset behavior.
How to interpret the visible progress
The practical value of this state comes from tracking the value and color of every block above the reels and the reel positions capable of collecting them. Compare the starting and ending snapshots to determine which components actually change and whether an award affects one component or the entire display. Remaining cost, feature value, hit-rate uncertainty, volatility and configuration differences still matter.
Compare the mechanic with Aztec Vault / Cleopatra’s Vault and Temple Falls to separate the broad feature family from the rules of this exact title. Similar artwork or terminology does not establish identical persistence, trigger probability or expected value.
When the disciplined decision is to pass
Pass when the qualifying wager, reset rule, state ownership or remaining cost cannot be verified. Also pass when the evaluation depends on adding all block values as though they can be awarded together. Position, trigger path and reset behavior can make the blocks materially different. Uncertainty should be recorded explicitly rather than converted into an optimistic estimate.
A close-looking meter or highly developed display is not enough by itself. The decision becomes stronger only when the observable state can be connected to a verified rule and a reasonable estimate of the cost and value still ahead.
Verification and corrections
This public overview is based on available manufacturer information, cabinet help-screen observations and machine-specific research. Rules can vary by cabinet, jurisdiction, denomination and software configuration. Verify the exact machine before wagering.
Found a configuration difference or outdated detail? Email APWebsite with the exact title, casino or jurisdiction, cabinet and the rule that differed.