Mythical treasures of the desert have been attracting slot machine enthusiasts for more than a decade. Developers constantly create projects with an “Egyptian” aesthetic, where temple arches, scrolls, and pyramids recreate a mysterious ambiance. Some games manage to become hits, and the review of the Book of Dead slot by Play’n Go is a bright confirmation of that.
Since its release in 2016, the slot has remained at the top of most online platforms, enticing players with a combination of classic “book” mechanics and a dynamic atmosphere with the possibility of big wins. It offers 5 reels and 1 to 10 selectable lines, providing freedom in adjusting the risk level.
Visually, the machine stands out with its rich color palette: golden shades, stylized hieroglyphs, images of deities and symbols — everything is designed to emphasize the idea of an “adventure of a hunter for ancient artifacts.” The musical accompaniment gently complements the process, not overwhelming but creating a sense that the hero is about to find something supernatural.
Gameplay Features and Possible Combinations
First of all, it is worth mentioning that you can play with any number of lines here (1–10), but usually, players activate all 10 for maximum chances. The symbols are arranged in a classic scheme: from 3 to 5 identical icons in a row on an active payline (from left to right), without skipping reels. The slot features four lower icons (10, J, Q, K, A) and 4 higher ones (images of gods and the main hero — adventurer Rich Wilde). The most valuable symbol is the portrait of the main character, which, when appearing 5 times on a line, pays x5000 the bet.
Along with the basic symbols, the book icon actively participates: it acts as a wild, replacing any symbols to complete a combination, and also as a scatter, necessary for the bonus game. So, if three books appear on the reels, they act not only as scatters but also as wilds, helping to improve the prizes. The review of the Book of Dead slot emphasizes that this dual function significantly increases the frequency of successful spins. However, due to the high volatility, big wins are not as regular, but when they come — they exceed all expectations.
Speed and Autospins
It is noteworthy that the developer introduced an accelerated mode: if you double-click on the spin button, you are offered to enable “Quick Spin.” This shortens the animations and allows you to go through 100–200 spins in a matter of minutes. For players who prefer longer sessions, there is “Auto Play” with settings for maximum wins and losses, upon reaching which the session stops.
Role of Books and Bonus Round
To trigger the bonus session, you need to collect three (or more) books on the reels. Their placement does not matter; the main thing is that 3 copies appear in one spin. This awards 10 free spins (the number does not change, but during this time, a retrigger of +10 spins is possible). Before the start of the free spins, one of the symbols is randomly chosen to become “expanding.” If this symbol appears in the required quantity on the reels during the free spins, it expands to cover the entire reel and pays regardless of its position. This mechanic traditionally offers a chance for a legendary win: collecting 5 high-paying symbols covering all reels.
Testing Experience and Statistics
During the review of the Book of Dead slot, experts tested 1000 spins and identified patterns:
- Approximately 28% of spins were “paying off.” However, a large part of them was practically empty (0.5–2 bets).
- Bonus free spins were triggered every 200–250 spins. Although in one case, it was on the 60th spin. In another case, players had to wait for over 300 spins without a Scatter.
- The maximum multiplier was fixed at x350 in one bonus round, where the pharaoh (an average-cost symbol) expanded.
- Excluding the bonus, the best combination on the lines paid x160 when 5 heroes lined up on a single line, with a wild symbol as well.
- Result: +150% to the starting balance, as 2–3 successful prize matches covered the costs during intervals without big wins.
Practical Tips from Experts
Due to the high volatility of the slot, it is recommended to have a starting bankroll of at least 200–300 bets, if not more. The review of the Book of Dead slot confirms that intervals of 200–300 spins without scatters are not uncommon, and if there are not enough funds, you can go bust before the desired bonus arrives. The bet itself does not affect the probability of book symbols appearing but influences the final prizes.
When to Gamble
During a session, there are two options: guess the color of the card (50/50 odds) or the suit (25%). Often, players only double small wins that they wouldn’t mind losing. For example, if a combination of x2–x3 appears, you can take the risk. However, it is wiser to save payouts over x50. Additionally, during the wagering of a promotional bonus, the gamble feature usually does not count towards the wagering requirements, and sometimes it is even prohibited by the casino rules.
Using Autospins
In the “Auto Play” settings, you can specify the number of spins (10–100). There is also an option to set a “stop at a win of x10,” “pause at a balance of +100,” and so on. This helps not to miss the moment to either lock in a profit or save the remaining balance if there is a significant loss. Autospins are convenient for some players, but it is essential to remember to monitor the progress since it is easy to go through 200–300 spins quickly and miss out on opportunities.
Conclusion
The review of the Book of Dead slot shows that despite being over 7 years old, the slot continues to compete with the newest releases. The Egyptian ambiance, the legendary “book” bonus with an expanding symbol, and decent opportunities for a big win make it a favorite among a vast audience. With a stroke of luck, you can achieve x100–x300 or more with relatively modest investments.
Yes, the RTP is not the highest, but the mechanics have stood the test of time, and the volatility provides a chance for substantial rewards. If you enjoy classic gameplay in a modern package, “Book of Dead” is the perfect choice. For beginners, it’s an opportunity to delve into the “book” mechanics with simple controls, while for veterans, it’s a way to nostalgically reminisce about the classic theme but in a qualitatively different execution by Play’n Go. The slot is also suitable for wagering promotions and for the risky pursuit of the maximum prize.
