Book of Dead

We're used to seeing Play'n GO's video slots come to fruition in various settings and guises. This time around, they've decided to thread the familiar ground with a 10-paylines, 3x5 game that showcases some neat little extras, such as gambling round after each win in main gameplay and expanding symbol that rises to the occasion during the extra spins mode. The game's story line follows the daring exploits of the adventurer Rich Wild who was brave enough to topple the ancient Gods.

Theme

Old Egypt and its pantheon have been used (and sometimes abused) as thematical core of video slot games times and times over. There's no official record of it, but we're willing to bet Ancient Egypt and pharaohs and their Gods are among top three most revisited subjects when it comes to video slot production. Compared to some other, more notable titles, Book of Dead – despite its high aim – doesn't strike hard immediately. Graphics are very good, although quite stereotypical and not bringing anything new to the table. The background depicts pillars of an old temple, awash in golden and brown hues and is static and doesn't change during the game. Symbols are your standard A, J, K, Q and 10, designed as if to evoke traditional aesthetics of the Nile kingdom. High value symbols are various Gods and the adventurer himself. The Egyptian Book of Dead (an authentic manuscript and one of the most vital documents of this great civilization) serves as both scatter and wild symbol.

An aspect to be held in higher regard than the visual performance is in the musical score. Generally low-key and somber, it would occasionally send your pulse racing, but it is tastefully composed and does the game good.

Betting Options and Functions

This ten paylines game allows you to set the coin value from 0.01 to 1, as well as the coin number – from 1 to 5. You can easily set the maximum wager by clicking the Bet Max button. You can keep an eye on your balance, bet and win amount at the very bottom of the screen, just below the dashboard, beautifully and seamlessly integrated into the looks of the game screen. Clicking on the Paytable button on the right will reveal a window with some basic info on the payout value of all symbols symbol, how the Expanding Symbol works as well as the cashout diagram. Notice the little '?' button at the lower left corner – this will open a pop up window with game's help dialogue where you can learn more about game rules and how to perform certain actions when adjusting your bets. As ever, you can also set the speed of spins as well as the amount of auto play spins (20 to 500) and the conditions under which autoplay will stop.

Features

As we've mentioned above, the Book symbol represents both Scatters and Wilds. Should you land at least three Book anywhere on reels, you will trigger a round of ten extra spins. Before the round begins, the game will randomly choose one of the game's symbols to work as Expanding Symbol during extra spins. What this means is that any time this symbol lands, it will expand the entire reel. Should you land three or more, they will cover three (or more) reels, prompting a much bigger win!

Wins achieved with a scatter symbol are multiplied by the total bet staked. As a Wild, the Book will also replace any symbol on reels to form a winning combo.

Also, after each and every win during the main game, you will be prompted to either collect your winnings or play a Gamble round. In it, you must choose either the correct color (pays x2) or a suit (pays x4) of a card that will be shown. You will play until you choose wrong and you're taken back to the main game.

Our Take

Decent-looking, with a modest amount of moderately fun extra features, Book of Dead is not Play'n GO's most spectacular moment, but it certainly isn't their worst either. There just isn't anything that could work as an X factor to elevate this video slot above the rest. As it is, it may be destined for mediocrity a propos the thrill (or lack of it) it conjures. Still, it's a neat little homage to the glory days of a culture long gone and you may find yourself somewhat richer than when you started playing – just don't expect any life-altering developments