Book of Dead is an online slot machine developed by Play’n GO, a renowned Swedish game provider. Released in 2016, it has since become one of the most popular and beloved slots among players worldwide. This review will delve into every aspect of this iconic game, from its theme to gameplay mechanics, to provide an exhaustive understanding of what makes Book of Dead tick.
Theme and Design
Book of Dead is set in ancient Egypt, a classic setting for many slot machines. The game’s design pays homage to the rich history of play the Egyptian civilization, with intricately detailed hieroglyphics adorning its reels and background. The symbols themselves are also inspired by Egyptian mythology, including Anubis, Isis, and Scarab beads.
The game’s layout consists of six reels, with a relatively standard 3×5 grid design. However, it is worth noting that the fifth reel has only one row of three symbols, making for a unique spin on traditional slot layouts. The game also features an impressive maximum number of paylines – 10 in total.
Symbols and Payouts
The symbols used in Book of Dead are all connected to ancient Egyptian mythology. Players can expect to see:
- Anubis: Representing the god of mummification, this symbol serves as a Wild and Substitute.
- Isis: Goddess of motherhood and magic, she is one of the game’s highest-paying symbols, offering 1000x your bet for six-of-a-kind combinations.
- Scarab beads: These small beetles have long been associated with rebirth in ancient Egyptian culture. Landing six scarabs can award a payout of up to 500x your bet.
In addition to these high-paying symbols, the game features four lower-ranking cards – Ace through Jack – which serve as the standard low-paying symbols.
The payouts for Book of Dead are relatively moderate compared to other slots on the market. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing, as it contributes to the overall RTP and makes it more accessible to players with smaller budgets.
Wilds and Scatters
Anubis serves as both Wild and Substitute in Book of Dead. He can replace any symbol except for scatter symbols (more on those later) to help form winning combinations.
The game’s Scatter is represented by a Golden Scarab, which triggers the game’s free spins feature when three or more land anywhere on the reels.
Bonus Features
Book of Dead features several exciting bonus features that set it apart from other slots:
- Free Spins : Triggered by landing three or more Golden Scarabs anywhere on the reels. Players are awarded 10, 20, or up to a maximum of 100 free spins depending on how many scarab symbols they land.
- Wild Expansion Feature : During each spin, one reel is randomly chosen to expand into a full 4×3 grid for that single spin only. This increases the chances of landing high-paying combinations and multiplies the win multiplier.
RTP and Volatility
Book of Dead boasts an average RTP (Return to Player) rate of 96.21%, making it one of the more generous slot machines on the market today. It also exhibits medium-to-high volatility, which means players can expect to experience frequent small wins as well as larger payouts less frequently.
Betting Range and Max Win
Book of Dead’s minimum bet is set at €0.01 per spin (10p in some currencies), making it accessible to low-stakes players. The maximum bet is capped at an impressive €90.00 per spin, catering to high rollers with a taste for adventure.
The max win potential is capped at 5,000x the player’s total stake during free spins, which can translate into an incredible €450,000 if betting the maximum amount of €90.00.
Gameplay
Book of Dead plays smoothly and responsively across most devices, thanks to its optimized HTML5 design. The game loads rapidly in all web browsers and mobile platforms, providing a seamless gaming experience on-the-go or at home.
The controls are simple and intuitive: players can adjust the coin value (min €0.01 – max €90), select up to 10 paylines, and hit Spin/Start button to initiate gameplay. Auto-play option is also available for those preferring hands-free playing experiences.
Mobile Play
Book of Dead has been designed with mobile gaming in mind from day one. Its fully responsive design adapts perfectly to any screen size or resolution, ensuring that players can enjoy the full Book of Dead experience on-the-go without sacrificing performance or visuals.
The touch controls are well laid out and easy to navigate using a smartphone’s touchscreen interface, allowing for swift switching between Autoplay and manual spin modes.
Player Experience
Book of Dead has earned its loyal following by offering something unique among other slots: a mesmerizing blend of thrilling gameplay mechanics, captivating design, and generous payouts. The immersive atmosphere draws players in from the very first spin – exploring hidden tombs filled with gold treasures, uncovering ancient mysteries through various game features.
The payout structure may be slightly less generous than what some players are accustomed to; however, Book of Dead more than makes up for this by providing consistently high-frequency rewards and free spins opportunities throughout gameplay.