Serhii Shapovalov
Book of Dead, crafted by Play’n Go, has emerged as an iconic slot machine, captivating players since its 2016 debut. Drawing inspiration from the allure of ancient Egyptian lore, this game invites participants to accompany the intrepid explorer Rich Wilde on his quest for the enigmatic Book of the Dead. Featuring a traditional 5×3 grid layout and 10 win lines, Book of Dead offers exhilarating gameplay with substantial volatility, presenting the opportunity to secure wins up to 5000 times the initial wager.
The game’s standout element is its bonus round, featuring complimentary spins and an expanding icon. This mechanic paves the way for substantial payouts, particularly when the randomly selected symbol turns out to be the lucrative Rich Wilde character. Boasting a return-to-player rate of 94.25% and accommodating bets ranging from 0.01 to 100 currency units per rotation, Book of Dead appeals to a diverse audience of gaming enthusiasts. However, it’s crucial to note the game’s high volatility – while significant wins are achievable, they occur less frequently compared to lower volatility alternatives.
Demo Version
A demo mode of Book of Dead is accessible on numerous gaming platforms and virtual casinos. This allows enthusiasts to familiarize themselves with the game’s mechanics without financial risk. The trial version provides a virtual credit balance for wagering purposes. All slot functionalities, including bonus rounds and special icons, are fully operational in this mode.
While exploring the demo, pay attention to how often bonus symbols appear and free spin sequences activate. This observation will enhance your understanding of the game’s volatility profile. Additionally, test various betting amounts to gauge their impact on gameplay dynamics and potential rewards.
Game Specifications
| Developer | Play’n Go |
| Launch Date | 14.01.2016 |
| Category | Video Slot |
| Return Rate | 94.25% (with range) |
| Volatility | High |
| Peak Payout | x5000.00 |
| Lowest Stake | $0.01 |
| Highest Stake | $100 |
| Reel Configuration | 5×3 |
| Win Lines | 10 |
| Features | Expanding icons, Bonus spins, Double-or-nothing option, RTP range, Scatter, Wild |
| Motif | Exploration, Ancient cultures, Anubis, Egypt, Treasure, Pharaoh, Desert, Scarab |
| Technical Framework | JS, HTML5 |
| File Size | 7.8 MB |
Gameplay and Visual Design
Overview Book of Dead’s core mechanics are rooted in traditional slot design, with several engaging additions:
- The “Book” icon serves dual roles as both Wild and Scatter.
- Three or more “Book” symbols trigger 10 complimentary spins. During the bonus spins, a randomly chosen icon gains the ability to expand.
- A “Gamble” feature allows players to potentially double their winnings.
The primary game unfolds across 5 reels, each displaying 3 symbols. Winning combinations form from left to right across 10 fixed win lines. Premium symbols include the adventurer Rich Wilde, a pharaoh’s mask, Anubis, and a phoenix. Lower-value symbols are represented by playing card ranks from 10 through Ace.
Aesthetics. Visually, Book of Dead impresses with its intricate details and immersive atmosphere. The action takes place within an Egyptian tomb, where gilded pillars adorned with hieroglyphics frame the play area. Each symbol boasts a unique design that aligns with the Egyptian theme, showcasing meticulous attention to detail.
The game’s animations are fluid, adding dynamism to the experience, especially during bonus feature activations. When a Book symbol combination appears, it dramatically unfolds, building anticipation. The expansion of the special symbol during bonus spins is accompanied by striking visual effects.
The audio design enhances the mysterious and adventurous ambiance. Background music subtly builds tension without being intrusive. Sound effects accompanying reel spins and winning combinations are crisp and aurally pleasing.
How to play
- Set your wager. Utilize the “+” and “-” controls to adjust the coin denomination and quantity per line.
- Confirm active lines. Book of Dead features 10 set win lines.
- Initiate a single spin with the “Spin” button or employ “Autoplay” for a series of automated rotations.
- Keep an eye out for “Book” icons. A trio or more activates complimentary spins.
- During bonus spins, observe the specially selected expanding symbol.
- Optionally, use the “Gamble” feature post-win to potentially increase your earnings.
- Establish loss thresholds and session durations for responsible gaming practices.
Bonus Features
Complimentary Spins
This is the primary bonus element in Book of Dead. It activates when three or more “Book” symbols appear anywhere on the reels. Players receive 10 free spins. Prior to the bonus round commencing, one standard symbol is randomly chosen to become a special expanding icon.
During these bonus spins, the special symbol expands to cover its entire reel if doing so results in a winning combination. Notably, expanded special symbols don’t need to be on consecutive reels to create a win.
Gamble Option
Following each win in the main game, players have the opportunity to risk their earnings. In this mini-game, participants must predict the color (red or black) or suit (spades, diamonds, hearts, clubs) of the next card. A correct color guess doubles the win, while accurately predicting the suit quadruples it. An incorrect guess results in forfeiting the entire win.
Symbols and Payouts
Rich Wilde stands as the most rewarding symbol. Five Rich Wilde icons on an active win line yield a payout of 5000x the line bet. Other high-value symbols include: Pharaoh’s mask – up to 2000x line bet. Anubis – up to 750x line bet. Phoenix – up to 750x line bet.
The “Book” icon functions as both Wild and Scatter. As a Wild, it substitutes for other symbols to form winning combinations. As a Scatter, it triggers free spins and can award up to 200x the total bet when five appear.
Paytable
| Symbol | 5x | 4x | 3x | 2x |
| Rich Wilde | 5000x | 1000x | 100x | 10x |
| Pharaoh’s mask | 2000x | 400x | 40x | 5x |
| Anubis | 750x | 100x | 30x | 5x |
| Phoenix | 750x | 100x | 30x | 5x |
| A | 150x | 40x | 5x | – |
| K | 150x | 40x | 5x | – |
| Q | 100x | 25x | 5x | – |
| J | 100x | 25x | 5x | – |
| 10 | 100x | 25x | 5x | – |
| Book (Scatter) | 200x | 20x | 2x | – |
Payouts are listed as multipliers of the line bet, except for the Book (Scatter), which multiplies the total bet.
Volatility and RTP
Book of Dead is characterized by high volatility. This implies that while wins may be less frequent, they have the potential to be more substantial. Players should be prepared for periods without significant wins, but also for the possibility of landing a major payout, especially during the bonus round.
Book of Dead has variable RTP ranges. This means that the actual RTP can vary depending on the settings of the specific casino. The possible RTP values for this slot are: 96.21%, 94.25%, 91.25%, 87.25%, and 84.18%. This feature emphasizes the importance of checking the specific RTP set by the casino where you’re playing, as it can significantly affect your long-term chances of winning.
Game Strategy
While each spin’s outcome in Book of Dead is determined by a random number generator, consider these strategic points:
- Bankroll management. Given the high volatility, set clear limits on bets and overall budget.
- Bet sizing. Experiment with different wager amounts to find a balance between bonus feature activation frequency and potential win size.
- Free spins. This feature is key to substantial wins. Maximize its potential when activated.
- Gamble feature. Use cautiously. It can quickly increase winnings but also lead to losses.
- Session duration. Set time limits for your gaming session to avoid excessive spending.
Mobile Version
Book of Dead is fully optimized for mobile play. The slot runs on an HTML5 platform, ensuring smooth gameplay on smartphones and tablets across various operating systems. The interface adapts to different screen sizes while maintaining all features and high-quality graphics.
On mobile devices, control is facilitated through the touchscreen. Buttons are enlarged for ease of use, and the vertical screen orientation provides optimal placement of the game field and control elements.
Comparison with Other Slots
Book of Dead is often compared to other popular Egyptian-themed slots, particularly Book of Ra by Novomatic. Both games share similar mechanics featuring a book as a central symbol and free spins with an expanding icon. However, Book of Dead distinguishes itself with superior graphics and animations.
Compared to contemporary video slots, Book of Dead may appear somewhat straightforward in terms of additional features. Many newer games offer intricate bonus rounds, cascading reels, or progressive jackpots. However, the simplicity of Book of Dead contributes to its charm, making it accessible to a broad range of players.
Conclusions
Book of Dead has rightfully earned its place among the most popular games in online casinos. Its appeal lies in successfully combining straightforward yet exciting gameplay with the potential for substantial wins. The high volatility will intrigue players willing to take risks for the chance at significant payouts.
This slot may particularly appeal to enthusiasts of Ancient Egyptian themes and adventure story fans. Players who appreciate classic slot mechanics with a modern touch will also find Book of Dead engaging.
Given its high volatility, this slot may not suit those seeking more frequent but smaller wins. Players with limited budgets should exercise caution.
Questions and Answers
What’s the maximum win potential in Book of Dead?
The peak win in Book of Dead is 5000x your wager. At the maximum bet of 100 currency units, it’s theoretically possible to win up to 500,000 currency units in a single spin.
How does one trigger the bonus game with complimentary spins?
The bonus round activates when three or more “Book” (Scatter) symbols appear anywhere on the reels. This awards 10 free spins with a randomly selected expanding symbol.
Is Book of Dead playable on mobile devices?
Yes, Book of Dead is fully optimized for mobile play. The game runs on an HTML5 platform, ensuring smooth gameplay on smartphones and tablets across various operating systems, while maintaining all features and high-quality graphics.
