Book of Dead Slot Review: Play’n GO’s Egyptian Classic
Book of Dead is a high-volatility Egyptian-themed slot from Play’n GO featuring a 5×3 grid with 10 fixed paylines, expanding symbols during free spins, and a maximum win of 5,000x your stake, with an RTP of 96.21%.
Game Layout and Gameplay
The action unfolds on five reels and three rows with 10 fixed paylines. Bets range from $0.10 to $100, making it accessible to both casual players and high rollers. The game requires matching symbols from left to right starting on reel one, with a minimum of two matches needed for the four highest-paying symbols. The advice from experienced players is clear: always keep all paylines active rather than trying to save bankroll by cutting lines.
Symbols and Payouts
Low-paying symbols consist of card ranks (10 through A) edged in gold. High-paying symbols include the bird god Horus, the jackal god Anubis, and a gold Tutankhamun-style burial mask. The most valuable standard symbol is Rich Wilde, the treasure hunter protagonist, paying 500x for five-of-a-kind. Landing five Rich Wilde symbols across all reels triggers the game’s top prize of 5,000x your bet.
Key Features
Book Symbol (Wild & Scatter)
The Book of Dead serves dual duty as both wild and scatter symbol, completing winning lines in the base game while also triggering the bonus feature.
Free Spins Bonus
Land three or more Book symbols to trigger 10 free spins. During this round, one symbol is randomly selected to expand across entire reels, dramatically increasing win potential. The feature can retrigger indefinitely if three or more Books land again, allowing unlimited free spins if luck holds.
Gamble Feature
After any win, players can risk their payout for a chance to double or quadruple returns—a classic high-risk, high-reward mechanic.
Design and Atmosphere
Play’n GO’s animation style is immediately recognizable with high detail, deep coloring, and shadowing. The reels sit on engraved stone pillars with an enticing doorway backdrop. The golden color palette features pyramids and hieroglyphs in the background, creating an immersive ancient Egypt atmosphere. The dynamic soundtrack adapts to spin outcomes, building anticipation during bonus rounds with dramatic but pleasant orchestration.
RTP, Volatility, and Win Potential
The standard RTP is 96.21%, though variants exist at 94.25%, 91.25%, 87.25%, and 84.18% depending on the casino. High volatility means extended dry spells followed by sharp, meaningful hits—when the bonus lands, it tends to swing your balance dramatically. This rhythm is why many rate it as one of the fairest high-risk classics. The maximum win of 5,000x is greater than many other slots, though not progressive.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Brilliant graphics and animations with top-notch visual design
- Expanding symbols create spectacular free spins payouts
- Unlimited free spins retriggering potential
- Above-average RTP and responsive on all devices
- Gamble feature for boosting smaller wins
Cons:
- High volatility creates long stretches without payouts
- Limited bonus features beyond free spins
- No progressive jackpot
- Gameplay can feel repetitive for some players
Verdict
Book of Dead stands as a timeless classic that balances simple, easy-to-understand gameplay with genuine excitement. The expanding symbol mechanic during free spins transforms quiet stretches into unforgettable payout sequences, making the waits feel worthwhile. Its 96.21% RTP, 5,000x potential, and exceptional audiovisuals have earned it a devoted following and spawned an entire series of Rich Wilde adventures. Whether you’re new to slots or a seasoned player seeking high-volatility thrills, Book of Dead delivers a compelling Egyptian adventure worth exploring.
