The idea of reviving the might of the pharaoh, inspired by ancient deities, is not uncommon in the world of slot machines. Hacksaw Gaming tried to bring new elements to the overused theme by seasoning the plot with a darker visual style and an original symbol accumulation system in bonus spins. Released in the fall of 2024, this slot became a hit, considering that the provider had already gained fame for high-volatility releases like Hand of Anubis. But will Wings of Horus be able to become a worthy alternative to the “book” slots and other Egyptian “long-livers” of the market will be shown in a detailed review of the slot.
Structure and configuration of the main session
To dive into the review of the Wings of Horus slot, just take a look at the game field itself: 5 reels with 6 icons each. It boasts 7776 winning ways, as in some “exotic” machines. This scheme means that combinations are formed by matching identical symbols from left to right, without skipping reels, but anywhere vertically. This means that you don’t need to line up exact lines. In practice, this results in frequent small combinations (up to 40% of spins), but the payout level for each is low.
Symbols and low multipliers
The coefficients in the paytable look modest: even the higher-value symbols (like the pharaoh, amulet, and Horus eye) only pay x1.6–x3 of the bet for a 5-symbol combination. This is due to the high number of ways: when multiple combinations land simultaneously, the total reward can be substantial, but more often than not, it does not exceed x5–x10 per spin. An interesting point: if symbols forming the word “HORUS” horizontally appear on the reels, the player instantly receives a prize of x500. However, this is a rare occurrence that requires precise letter alignment.
Grounded aesthetics
While other “Egyptian” games feature golden tones, according to the review, Hacksaw Gaming opted for a darker palette for the Wings of Horus slot. The background is devoid of vibrant colors, with predominance of gray and brown shades. Only some symbols have bright glowing effects. This approach emphasizes a more “oppressive” atmosphere, as if the action takes place in an abandoned necropolis haunted by the spirit of the pharaoh. Some may find this a fresh approach, while others may consider it too “gloomy” for a slot about Ancient Egypt.
Role of symbols
The machine has many interesting nuances. There are regular Wilds and Scatters, but they are complemented by two special symbols:
- Orb of the Moon — when it lands, it can transform one set of basic symbols into expanding or more valuable symbols, increasing the chances of forming winning combinations.
- Orb of the Sun — similarly transforms two types of symbols in one spin, further enhancing the likelihood of matches.
The orbs appear randomly and can show up on every spin in the base game (though in reality, this happens rarely). Sometimes, thanks to such transformations, a chain of several successful combinations occurs, especially when the cheapest letters change to more “premium” symbols.
Scatter and triggering free spins
To activate the main bonus, you need to land 3–4 Scatters with the image of Horus. This immediately awards 10 free spins, but during the bonus phase, it is possible to get extensions. The “Wings of Horus Slot Review” reveals an interesting accumulation system: with each winning spin, the right meter gains +1 level, and when it fills up, one sector on the left meter is activated. At the end of the free spins, on the last spin, all filled sectors “transform” into the corresponding number of Orbs, which appear on the reels and can transform symbols. So, the more winning rounds within the bonus, the more powerful the final “shot.”
Bonus round: how free spins work
Free spins start with 10 spins, and each successful spin adds +1 point to the right counter. When the maximum is reached (let’s say, 5), one sector on the left meter is filled. Each time the right level reaches the maximum, it resets and starts filling up again. Then, on the final (last) spin, when all “official free spins” are over, several orbs appear on the reels simultaneously. This can transform many symbols and lead to big payouts.
Pros and cons of the mode
On one hand, the presence of the final “combined” spin adds excitement — even if the previous spins seemed weak, the meter can partially fill up, and in the end, 2–3 “Orbs” can land, changing the entire field. However, in practice, many complain that the level fills up slowly, and users often end up without enough sectors (e.g., 1–2 points). It gives a slightly unfinished mechanics feeling. But with a favorable outcome, it is possible to land a total of 5 Orbs, providing a real chance for a significant win.
Buying the bonus: cost and analysis
You can buy free spins for x100 (basic option) or x250 (enhanced, with some sectors on the left meter already filled). The difference is that in the second case, the player receives 2 out of 5 possible sectors on the left meter in advance, increasing the chances of multiple Orbs in the final spin. However, the price is 2.5 times higher, which may not always pay off.
Out of 6 test purchases, only one resulted in a super win (x1270), another one — x221, while the remaining 4 were modest, < x114, some even < x40. However, since one big win covered all expenses, the overall result was positive (~+683 bets).
Editorial opinion
Despite the fact that the review of the Wings of Horus slot reveals many unconventional solutions (the word HORUS, the accumulation system in free spins, Orb transformation), the gaming experience remains debatable. There is a potential of x15,000, impressive animations, and some cool ideas. At the same time, there are numerous small wins (due to 7776 ways) that do not cover the spins, and while the bonus can pay out x500+, it appears rarely and depends on the controversial “accumulation” mechanics. The slot is clearly aimed at experienced users who can withstand losses of 100–200 credits to wait for one or two strong moments.
Conclusions
The review of the Wings of Horus slot suggests that Hacksaw Gaming continues to experiment with Egyptian themes, combining a dark visual style with “aggressive” volatility. On one hand, a 40% chance of getting some win on a spin may seem like “soft” conditions, but the actual amounts turn out to be modest. The slot truly shines in the free spins, especially when purchased for 100 or 250 bets. There, the chance for a “final spin” arises, where several Orbs can transform symbols and pay out x100+, x200+, or even x1000.
