Book of Dead

Released in 2016 by Play’n GO, Book of Dead has quickly become one of the most iconic online slot games in the world. Centered around the daring explorer Rich Wilde, the game immerses players in a quest to uncover the hidden riches of ancient Egypt. With its thrilling gameplay, captivating theme, and exciting bonus features, Book of Dead has captured the hearts of many slot enthusiasts. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the mechanics, features, and everything that makes this game a beloved classic.

Gameplay and Features Overview

Reels and Paylines: Book of Dead features a 5-reel, 3-row layout with 10 adjustable paylines. Players can choose to activate all or a select number of paylines, which adds flexibility to the betting strategy. With a minimum bet of just $0.10 per spin and a maximum of $100, it caters to both beginners and high rollers. The goal is to land matching symbols along active paylines, with the potential for big wins on each spin.

Betting Range: The game’s wide betting range ensures it’s accessible to a variety of players. You can place a modest bet of $0.10 or go all-in with a $100 wager per spin. This flexibility makes Book of Dead a versatile slot that can appeal to both casual players and those with a taste for higher stakes.

RTP and Volatility: Book of Dead offers a 96.21% RTP (Return to Player), which is relatively average for most online slots. However, the game’s high volatility means that wins are less frequent, but when they occur, they tend to be much larger. This high-risk, high-reward dynamic is part of the appeal for players who enjoy the thrill of chasing big payouts.

Bonus Features

1. Free Spins Round: The star feature of Book of Dead is undoubtedly the Free Spins round, triggered by landing three or more Book of Dead symbols (the scatter symbol) anywhere on the reels. Once activated, players are awarded 10 free spins to begin their treasure hunt. During this round, a random symbol is selected as the “expanding symbol,” which can cover entire reels, creating opportunities for significant wins.

What sets this feature apart is its potential for retriggering. If more Book of Dead symbols land during the free spins, additional spins can be awarded, increasing the chances of hitting big combinations and unlocking more riches.

2. Expanding Symbol Feature: The expanding symbol is key to maximizing payouts during the Free Spins feature. After the free spins begin, one symbol is randomly chosen to act as the expanding symbol. This symbol can expand to cover an entire reel, significantly increasing the likelihood of multiple winning combinations. If the chosen expanding symbol is a high-value one, the potential for massive rewards skyrockets.

The expanding symbol can greatly boost the thrill of the game, as players await the moment when this symbol lands and fills the reels for huge payouts.

3. Book of Dead Wild Symbol: The Book of Dead symbol also serves as the wild in the game. As a wild, it substitutes for all other symbols (except for the scatter) to help form winning combinations. This feature not only increases the odds of winning during the base game but also adds to the excitement of the free spins round.

Theme and Design:

Thematic Depth and Storyline: Book of Dead transports players to the mysterious world of ancient Egypt, where Rich Wilde embarks on an adventurous journey to discover long-lost treasures. The central theme revolves around Egyptian mythology, with symbols representing gods, sacred relics, and mystical artifacts.

Rich Wilde himself, the game’s main protagonist, is a familiar face in Play’n GO’s slot universe, having appeared in other games such as Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness. His adventures are always filled with suspense, danger, and, of course, the possibility of immense wealth.

Visuals and Soundtrack: The graphics in Book of Dead are crisp, detailed, and immersive, staying true to the Egyptian theme. The reels are set against the backdrop of a dark and mysterious tomb, which helps to enhance the sense of adventure. The symbols, including gods like Anubis and Osiris, as well as treasures like scarabs and the ancient book, are beautifully designed and visually striking.

The soundtrack adds to the game’s atmosphere with dramatic and suspenseful music, building tension as the reels spin. The sound effects, particularly during key moments like triggering the Free Spins feature, further elevate the overall experience, making every spin feel like a step deeper into the tomb.

What Makes Book of Dead Stand Out:

1. High Win Potential with Free Spins: The Free Spins feature is the core of the game, and it offers tremendous win potential. The expanding symbol can cover multiple reels and lead to massive payouts, particularly when high-value symbols are selected. The chance to retrigger the Free Spins adds even more excitement, keeping players on the edge of their seats as they hope for the perfect symbol to land.

2. Simple Yet Rewarding Gameplay: Despite its simplicity, Book of Dead offers an engaging and rewarding experience. With just a few core features—wilds, scatters, and expanding symbols—the game is easy to understand for new players but also offers a satisfying depth for experienced players who want to chase bigger rewards.

3. Mobile Optimization: Like many modern slot games, Book of Dead is optimized for mobile play. Whether you’re on a smartphone or tablet, the game runs smoothly, allowing you to embark on your Egyptian adventure anytime, anywhere.

Pros of Book of Dead:

1. Free Spins with Expanding Symbols: The Free Spins feature is undoubtedly the highlight of the game. The addition of expanding symbols during the free spins opens the door to big wins and keeps the gameplay exciting.
2. High Payout Potential: The game’s high volatility means that while wins may not come frequently, the rewards can be substantial when they do. The expanding symbols and potential for retriggering free spins make for a thrilling experience.
3. Engaging Theme and Immersive Atmosphere: The Egyptian adventure theme, combined with Rich Wilde’s character, creates an engaging story that keeps players coming back for more. The rich visuals and sound further immerse you into the game world.
4. Flexible Betting Range: Whether you’re a beginner or a high roller, Book of Dead offers a betting range that caters to all types of players. You can bet as little as $0.10 or as much as $100 per spin.
5. Mobile-Friendly Gameplay: The game is fully optimized for mobile devices, providing a seamless experience whether you’re playing on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop.

Cons of Book of Dead:

1. High Volatility Means Infrequent Wins: The high volatility might not be for everyone, as it can lead to long periods without payouts. Some players might find this frustrating, especially if they prefer more consistent rewards.
2. Limited Bonus Features: While the Free Spins feature is exciting, the game doesn’t offer a variety of bonus rounds or side features that some modern slots include. Players looking for more complexity might find the gameplay a bit straightforward.
3. Average RTP: With an RTP of 96.21%, Book of Dead’s return isn’t exceptional. While it’s not low by any means, players looking for a higher RTP might want to explore other options.

Final Thoughts:

Book of Dead remains one of the most popular and influential slot games of all time. With its exciting Free Spins feature, expanding symbols, and high win potential, it offers a thrilling experience for those who enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay. The Egyptian adventure theme and rich visuals only add to the game’s allure, making it an unforgettable slot for fans of both classic and modern video slots.

While the high volatility and average RTP might not suit everyone, those who enjoy a thrilling, high-stakes gaming experience will find plenty to love in Book of Dead. If you’re ready to join Rich Wilde on his quest for ancient riches, this game is definitely worth spinning.