Info About the Online Sun & Moon Slot
| Genre | Video Slot |
|---|---|
| Developer | Aristocrat Interactive |
| RTP | 94.98% |
| Volatility | Medium |
| Min/Max Bet | $0.20 / $200 |
| Max Win | ~1000x |
| Reels | 5 |
| Paylines | 20 |
Old school slot players will surely remember Sun & Moon from the 2000s era. This game rose to popularity in the United States around 2003, being part of the MK6 generation of Aristocrat video slot machines. I’d consider this Aristocrat’s peak era, as it also brought us classics such as 5 Dragons, Miss Kitty, and the original Buffalo slot.
An early 2000s game, inspired by ancient Mesoamerican mythology… I think that fits the bill of cool and old pretty well. It’s great that there now exists a well-functioning and original online demo for this slot. Here at CoolOldGames.com, you can play Sun & Moon completely for free, and this comes with several advantages:
- No download or sign up, play directly inside your browser.
- Full-screen mode if you have trouble seeing, or if you prefer a more immersive experience.
- Unlimited credits, simply restart as many times as you like.
Disclaimer: Cool Old Games is not endorsed by or affiliated with Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd. Sun & Moon™ is a trademark of Aristocrat. All opinions expressed are our own and are provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.
How the Game Works
Sun & Moon is played on a 5-reel layout with 20 fixed paylines. Since all paylines are always active, the only decision you have to make before spinning is selecting the coin size.
- Winning combinations are formed when matching symbols appear on adjacent reels. Like most Aristocrat slots from this era, the game pays left to right only, beginning on reel 1.
- If more than one winning combination appears on the same payline, the game awards only the highest win for that line.
Sun & Moon’s online version just keeps things simple compared to modern video slots. Staying loyal to its classic reel mechanics and a straightforward bonus feature.
Symbols and Paytable Explained
As part of the Mayan theme, the game features a bunch of recognizable visuals, such as temples and ancient jewellery you might have seen in movies or documentaries.
The Gold Sun and Silver Moon symbols are the hearts of the game. These represent Kinich Ahau, the Mayan sun god, and Ix Chel, the Mayan moon goddess. These symbols act as wilds, but they cannot substitute for each other.
The table below lists all symbols and their respective payouts based on how many you hit:
| Symbol | 2 of a Kind | 3 of a Kind | 4 of a Kind | 5 of a Kind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Sun | 20 | 300 | 500 | 1000 |
| Silver Moon | 20 | 300 | 500 | 1000 |
| Mixed (Sun + Moon) | – | 100 | 250 | 500 |
| Chief / Mask | 2 | 50 | 150 | 300 |
| Red Jewel / Ring | 2 | 20 | 50 | 200 |
| Blue Jewel | 2 | 20 | 50 | 200 |
| Green Jewel | 2 | 10 | 40 | 150 |
| Ace (A) | – | 5 | 20 | 120 |
| King (K) | – | 5 | 20 | 120 |
| Queen (Q) | – | 5 | 20 | 120 |
| Jack (J) | – | 5 | 20 | 100 |
| Ten (10) | – | 5 | 15 | 100 |
| Nine (9) | 2 | 5 | 15 | 100 |
Scatters
The Gold Sun and Silver Moon symbols act as scatter symbols, and they can appear anywhere on adjacent reels starting from the leftmost reel. Payline positions do not matter for scatters.
When three or more of these symbols appear, the player receives the advertised scatter payout.
- 5 of a Kind: 1000
- 4 of a Kind: 400
- 3 of a Kind: 40
These symbols can appear as matching symbols or as mixed Sun and Moon combinations. However, they can not
- Unlike regular payline wins, scatter payouts are multiplied by the total bet, not the bet per line.
- Scatter wins are also added to any regular payline wins that occur on the same spin.
Mayan Temple Symbol
The Mayan Temple symbol brings some randomness to the game. When it appears, it will magically transform into another regular symbol. It only appears on the second reel, however.
If you’re lucky, this symbol might complete a winning combination for you.
Bonus Feature: Free Games
The main bonus feature in Sun & Moon is the Free Games round, where you can win up to 50 free spins.
This feature is triggered when 2, 3, 4, or 5 Gold Sun and/or Silver Moon symbols appear on adjacent reels starting from the leftmost reel.
The number of free spins awarded depends on the number of symbols appearing:
| Symbols | Free Games |
|---|---|
| 2 | 5 |
| 3 | 10 |
| 4 | 20 |
| 5 | 50 |
- During the free games round, all wins are doubled, which can significantly increase the payout potential.
- Another nice touch is that the feature can retrigger during the bonus, awarding additional free spins if the required symbols appear again.
RTP & Volatility
The online Sun & Moon slot has an RTP of 94.98%, which is fairly typical for Aristocrat machines from the early 2000s, and even a bit better than titles like Timber Wolf and 50 Lions. By today’s online slot standards, however, that number is slightly on the lower side.
In terms of volatility, I’d describe it as medium. The 20 paylines do produce a steady flow of smaller wins, while the bigger payouts usually come from combinations involving the Sun or Moon symbols. Overall, I’ve experienced nothing crazy; it feels quite balanced.
How to Play Sun and Moon Slots Online
Step 1: Try Sun & Moon for Free on Cool Old Games
The easiest way to get started is by trying the free demo version of Sun & Moon directly on Cool Old Games. This version works exactly like the original slot machine, but without the monetary risks involved.
It’s the best way to get familiar with the game mechanics or to enjoy the game from home without pressure. Just scroll up and click the “Play for Free” button, and the game will load.
Step 2: Select your Preferred Coin Size
Before spinning the reels, pick the coin size you want to play with (sizing ranges from $0.01 to $10). Note that the 20 paylines are fixed, and you can’t select fewer lines. This means that your total bet will always be 20 times your coin size.
You start with 2000 demo credits, so if your bets are too large, you’ll go bust rather quickly. Experimenting with different coin sizes is a good way to improve your bankroll management and impulse control.
Step 3: Spin and Try to Activate the Bonus
Once your bet is set, press the green “Spin” button to start the game. The reels will spin (with a satisfying sound) and stop automatically. If a winning combination appears on any of the paylines, the payout will be credited to your balance instantly.
You’ll want to hunt for the Free Games, as shown in the screenshot below; that’s where the potential big wins hide.
Step 4: Play at an Online Casino (Responsibly)
If you enjoy the free demo and want to try the real money version, you can find this game at various online casinos in the U.S, although the availability is rather limited, unfortunately.
If your online casino of choice doesn’t offer the original Sun & Moon slot by Aristocrat Interactive, you could consider other Mesoamerican-themed slots. There are plenty available, many times with more bonus features as well. I suggest using their site’s search field to search for words like “Mayan” or “Aztec”.
Important: Make sure online gambling is allowed in your jurisdiction. Always remember to play responsibly and treat slots as entertainment rather than a way to earn. Reach out to 1-800-Gambler for help if you’re struggling with a gaming problem.
Assessment: Is the Free Sun & Moon Slot a Good Pick?
In my opinion, Sun & Moon is one of the more memorable Aristocrat titles from the early 2000s. It’s a nice theme, and the dual Sun and Moon symbol system adds a unique twist that you don’t see very often in other games.
For those who grew up seeing this machine in land-based venues, playing it again can be quite a fun trip down memory lane. So if you’re looking to relive the nostalgia of this slot, but have trouble finding it, trying it for free online is a no-brainer.
Who I think it’s for:
- Aristocrat fans, obviously 😉.
- If you enjoy 2000s-era video slots with straightforward gameplay and nostalgic design.
- If you don’t want to be bothered with line configurations or bonus buy options. Just spin.
Those who might not enjoy it:
- The game definitely feels like a product of its era. Modern video slots tend to include far more features, animations, sound effects, and bonus mechanics. So if you’re a player who needs bells and whistles to stay engaged, Sun & Moon might not be that exciting for you.
What do you think about this game? Or is there anything else you would like to share with us about it? Feel free to leave a comment below.
