Overview: Book of Dead by Play'n GO
Few online slots have achieved the iconic status of Book of Dead by Play'n GO. Released in 2016, this Ancient Egypt-themed slot quickly became a staple at virtually every major online casino. But what makes it so enduringly popular? This review breaks down everything you need to know.
Theme & Visual Design
Book of Dead follows the adventurer Rich Wilde as he explores an Egyptian tomb in search of ancient treasures. The visual design features:
- Richly illustrated Egyptian symbols including Anubis, Ra, and scarabs
- A dramatic golden and dark atmospheric backdrop
- Smooth animations that bring the reels to life
- An immersive orchestral soundtrack with ambient effects
The production quality is clearly high, and the theme is executed with a level of cinematic polish that was ahead of its time on release.
Game Mechanics at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Play'n GO |
| Reels / Rows | 5 reels / 3 rows |
| Paylines | 10 fixed paylines |
| RTP | 96.21% |
| Volatility | High |
| Max Win | Up to 5,000x stake |
The Book Symbol: Wild & Scatter in One
The Book of Dead symbol is the game's most powerful icon — it acts as both the Wild and the Scatter. As a Wild, it substitutes for all other symbols to complete winning combinations. As a Scatter, landing 3 or more anywhere on the reels triggers the main bonus feature.
Free Spins Bonus Round
The free spins feature is where Book of Dead truly shines. Landing 3 or more Book symbols awards 10 free spins, and before the round begins, one special expanding symbol is randomly chosen. During the free spins:
- The chosen symbol expands to fill entire reels when it appears
- Expanded symbols pay regardless of whether they're on a payline
- 3 or more Books during free spins retrigger 10 more free spins
This expanding symbol mechanic is the source of the game's biggest potential wins and is a key reason players keep coming back.
Volatility & What to Expect
Book of Dead is a high volatility slot. This means:
- Wins during the base game can be relatively sparse
- The real excitement — and big win potential — lies in the free spins round
- Players need a sufficient bankroll and patience to reach the bonus features
- Not recommended for players who prefer frequent, smaller wins
Who Is Book of Dead Best Suited For?
This slot appeals most strongly to:
- Players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay
- Those who appreciate strong visual themes and production quality
- Experienced slot players comfortable with longer dry spells between bonuses
Final Verdict
Book of Dead has earned its legendary status for good reason. The combination of a compelling theme, simple yet rewarding mechanics, and genuinely exciting free spins make it a slot worth understanding thoroughly. With a solid 96.21% RTP and potential wins up to 5,000x your stake, it remains a benchmark title in the online slots world.