Banquet of Dead (Play'n Go) Slot Review

Banquet of Dead: Slot Overview 

Play’n GO continues to expand its lineup of “Book of” slots with Banquet of Dead, a game that takes players on another journey through Ancient Egypt. Released on March 7, 2024, this slot blends traditional Egyptian imagery with a banquet theme that evokes opulence and mystery. With 5 reels, 3 rows, and 10 paylines, the game keeps its structure simple, but its high volatility and thrilling features make it a standout in the genre. 

The RTP of 96% and the potential to win up to 35,000x the stake elevate Banquet of Dead into the upper echelons of Play’n GO’s offerings. Fans of the “Book of” style will immediately feel at home with its expanding symbols, free spins, and gamble feature. However, its unique thematic twist ensures that it still manages to feel fresh, even amidst the studio’s extensive catalog.

Design and Graphics 

Banquet of Dead is visually stunning, borrowing heavily from the rich aesthetics of Ancient Egypt while introducing elements of a lavish feast. The reels are framed by grand stone pillars, with golden accents and warm lighting creating an atmosphere of luxury. Symbols include a mix of low-paying card icons (10, J, Q, K, A) designed in ornate Egyptian-style fonts and high-paying thematic symbols such as a crocodile statue, a banquet fan, and a Cleopatra-like character. The animations are smooth and add to the immersive quality of the game. For example, during free spins, the special expanding symbols light up and expand dramatically, highlighting their importance to the gameplay. The overall design is polished, with enough detail to draw players in without feeling cluttered or overwhelming. 

While Banquet of Dead doesn’t stray too far from the visual formula of other “Book of” games, it does enough to differentiate itself with its banquet theme, making it a visually appealing addition to Play’n GO’s portfolio.

Gameplay Mechanics 

Banquet of Dead sticks to the tried-and-true mechanics of the “Book of” genre. Wins are achieved by landing at least three matching symbols (or two in the case of premiums) on a payline, starting from the leftmost reel. The game’s high volatility ensures that while smaller wins may be infrequent, the potential for larger payouts keeps the excitement high. 

The game uses the traditional book scatter/wild hybrid symbol to trigger its most significant features. This symbol substitutes for all others to complete winning combinations and also serves as the key to unlocking the free spins bonus round. The straightforward mechanics make it easy for players to dive in, while the promise of big wins keeps them coming back.

Sound and Music 

The audio design in Banquet of Dead is a standout feature. The soundtrack is a mix of dramatic orchestral tones and traditional Egyptian-inspired melodies, creating an immersive backdrop that complements the game’s theme perfectly. As players spin the reels, the music builds anticipation, with triumphant tones accompanying significant wins and bonus triggers. 

Sound effects like the soft chime of coins and the suspenseful jingle when two scatters land add an extra layer of engagement to the gameplay. During free spins, the audio intensifies, emphasizing the heightened stakes. Overall, the sound design is polished and helps create a fully immersive gaming experience.

Bonus Features 

Banquet of Dead shines in its bonus features, offering players plenty of opportunities to rack up impressive wins: Free Spins 

The free spins round is triggered by landing 3, 4, or 5 book scatter symbols, awarding 7 free spins alongside payouts of 2.5x, 25x, or 150x the stake, respectively. During the bonus round, a special expanding symbol is randomly selected at the start. This symbol can expand to cover entire reels, paying out from any position, even on non-adjacent reels. 

A unique twist in Banquet of Dead is that after each spin, the current lowest low-paying symbol is removed from the reels. This feature gradually increases the likelihood of landing higher-paying combinations as the round progresses. If the special expanding symbol is removed, a new one is randomly chosen from the remaining non-scatter symbols. This mechanic adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the free spins round. 

Additionally, landing three or more scatter symbols during the bonus round retriggers the feature, awarding +3 spins, with a maximum of 30 free spins achievable. 

Gamble Feature 

Players looking to take their wins even further can opt for the gamble feature. This allows them to guess the color or suit of a face-down card to double or quadruple their prize. The gamble feature can be used up to five times in a row, with a maximum potential prize of 2,500 coins. While risky, it adds an extra layer of excitement for those willing to take a chance.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Banquet of Dead offers a wide range of betting options, with stakes starting as low as €0.01 per spin and going up to €100, making it accessible to both casual players and high rollers. The RTP of 96% is standard for Play’n GO slots and ensures fair returns over extended gameplay sessions. 

The game’s true allure lies in its maximum win of 35,000x the stake, which is significantly higher than many other games in the “Book of” genre. At the maximum bet level, this equates to a staggering €3.5 million, making Banquet of Dead a highly attractive option for players chasing life-changing payouts.

Conclusion 

Banquet of Dead is a worthy addition to Play’n GO’s “Book of” series, combining familiar mechanics with innovative features and a unique thematic twist. The game’s high volatility and 35,000x max win potential make it an exciting choice for players who enjoy high-stakes action. While its gameplay structure may feel familiar to fans of the genre, the inclusion of features like symbol removal during free spins ensures that it still offers something fresh and engaging. 

The polished design, immersive soundscape, and rewarding bonus features all contribute to a highly enjoyable gaming experience. Whether you’re a fan of Ancient Egypt-themed slots or simply looking for a game with big win potential, Banquet of Dead delivers on all fronts. 

In conclusion, Banquet of Dead doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does what it sets out to do exceptionally well. With its mix of traditional mechanics and innovative twists, it’s sure to appeal to both fans of the “Book of” genre and newcomers alike. If you’re ready to feast on some big wins, Banquet of Dead is well worth a spin.