In recent years, online slots have become increasingly popular among gamers seeking excitement and potential winnings. One game that has stood out from the rest is NetEnt’s "Book of Dead" slot machine. Based on ancient Egyptian mythology, this five-reel slot offers an immersive experience that will transport players to a land of pharaohs, pyramids, and hidden treasures.
Theme and Design
The Book of Dead theme revolves around Rich Wilde, a seasoned explorer who is obsessed play fo free with uncovering the secrets of ancient Egypt. The game’s design reflects the rich history and mystique associated with this period. Players are surrounded by intricate hieroglyphics, golden accents, and an array of colorful symbols representing various gods and goddesses from Egyptian mythology.
Upon launching the game, players will notice a visually stunning backdrop featuring an ornate temple adorned with stone carvings and gemstones. The reels themselves are neatly arranged on either side of the screen, giving players ample room to study their wins and strategize their next move. Throughout each session, animations and special effects further enhance the overall experience.
Symbols
Book of Dead features a diverse range of symbols that cater to both beginners and experienced gamers alike. Starting with the high-paying icons:
- The Wild symbol is represented by Rich Wilde’s portrait. He serves as a substitute for any other icon in order to create winning combinations.
- Ankh: This iconic Egyptian pendant offers the highest payout, providing up to 10 times players’ initial stake when five symbols appear on the reels.
Low-stakes icons include:
- Golden Scarab
- Ancient Scroll
- Eye of Horus
Scatter symbols play a crucial role in initiating bonus rounds and free spins. These are represented by the Book symbol itself. Additional scatter bonuses may be triggered, further rewarding adventurous players with extended playing time.
Payouts
While standard winning combinations will deliver rewards based on their individual payout values (ranging from 1 to 10 coins), Rich Wilde’s portrait can amplify these wins significantly. When five Wild symbols appear in a single payline or any position during the free spins mode, they multiply payouts by as much as 20 times.
Wilds
The Wild icon serves multiple purposes:
- It fills gaps: If players are short on specific combinations due to missing high-paying icons (e.g., Ankh), Wilde’s portrait can substitute and complete winning lines.
- Increased wins: Landing more than one instance of the Wild or landing five at once will trigger the highest payouts available in Book of Dead.
Scatters
The mysterious Book symbol not only serves as a Scatter icon but also functions as an additional payout multiplier when five instances appear on adjacent reels from left to right. This can be especially beneficial for those who participate in free spins, increasing potential winnings dramatically.
Bonus Features and Free Spins
When two or three Book symbols align with the paylines (or anywhere on screen during a spin), players are rewarded:
- 10-15 Bonus Free Spins: Three scattered Books unlock this reward. Payouts increase by multiplying each original line win in all applicable cases.
- Unlimited expanding Wilds: All five free spins can use one random reel position for the highest payout achievable, with each additional instance on any subsequent spin enhancing multipliers further.
RTP and Volatility
Book of Dead features a Return to Player (RTP) rate that stands at 96.21%, slightly above average compared to similar video slots on the market. Players can expect to enjoy extended gameplay sessions as this game leans towards moderate volatility – meaning wins often come frequently but sometimes at lower stakes than usual.
Betting Range and Max Win
Stake options vary from £0.10 (£/spin) up to a maximum bet of £500 per spin, which is quite high compared with average settings for other slots available online. It’s crucial that players understand their budget before betting too aggressively.
Players aiming for the highest potential wins must position five Ankh icons or five Wilds in any position on active lines during the free spins round and land Rich Wilde at least four times within a standard game spin, thus producing 20x payout multiplication as stated above.