Book of Golden Sands (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Book of Golden Sands: Slot Overview

“Book of Golden Sands” by Pragmatic Play ventures into the well-trodden world of Ancient Egyptian-themed slots, adding its own unique twist to the genre. Combining traditional elements of Egyptian lore with innovative slot mechanics, this title strikes a balance between familiarity and novelty. Featuring 6 reels, 3 rows, and a 729 win-all-ways format, this slot provides an expansive gameplay experience where wins occur when symbols land on adjacent reels from the leftmost reel. 

With a high volatility rating and an RTP of 96.46%, “Book of Golden Sands” caters to players seeking high-risk, high-reward gameplay. The game boasts a respectable maximum win of 10,000x the bet, providing a tantalizing incentive for thrill-seekers. Pragmatic Play has implemented an intriguing blend of classic “Book of” features with unconventional mechanics, ensuring that players are entertained while chasing those big payouts.

Design and Graphics

Visually, “Book of Golden Sands” adheres to the expected Egyptian aesthetic but adds a modern flair with glossy animations and vibrant colors. The reels are set against a backdrop of palm trees, pyramids, and mysterious glowing artifacts, creating an immersive desert oasis atmosphere. 

The symbols on the reels include traditional Egyptian motifs such as ankhs, scarabs, and deities, alongside intricately designed jewelry. These premium symbols stand out with their shimmering effects and high-quality artwork. However, the standout visual feature is the animation of expanding symbols during free spins, where reels come alive with intricate patterns and glowing effects. 

While the theme leans heavily into its Egyptian roots, the unique 1980s-inspired synth soundtrack adds an unexpected layer of fun. This blend of ancient visuals with retro audio gives the slot a distinct personality, distinguishing it from other titles in the genre.

Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay mechanics in “Book of Golden Sands” are both straightforward and engaging. The slot employs a win-all-ways system, where symbols landing on adjacent reels trigger payouts. This format, combined with the 6-reel grid, offers 729 ways to win on every spin, significantly enhancing the game’s potential for big payouts. 

The regular symbols include a mix of low-paying symbols (such as card royals A to J) and high-paying Egyptian-themed icons. Premium symbols deliver payouts of up to 5x the bet for landing six-of-a-kind combinations. Additionally, the game includes a wild symbol, represented by a golden scarab. Wilds not only substitute for other symbols but also apply a 2x or 3x multiplier to winning combinations they are part of, adding an extra layer of excitement to the base game.

Sound and Music

The sound design of “Book of Golden Sands” is where Pragmatic Play steps out of the box. Rather than relying solely on traditional Egyptian-inspired music, the game features a quirky synth-heavy soundtrack reminiscent of 1980s pop culture. This unexpected choice gives the game a unique edge and enhances its entertainment value. 

The audio effects accompanying the spins and wins are equally satisfying. Symbols drop with a faint chime, and winning combinations are celebrated with triumphant sound bursts. During the free spins round, the soundtrack intensifies, creating an atmosphere of suspense and excitement as players chase those lucrative payouts.

Bonus Features

“Book of Golden Sands” shines brightest during its bonus rounds, where its unique mechanics come into play. The primary features include: 

Free Spins with Expanding Symbols: 

Landing 3 or more book scatter symbols triggers the free spins round, awarding 10 free spins and a payout of up to 500x the bet for 6 scatters. 

Before the free spins begin, a random symbol is selected as the special expanding symbol. During the bonus round, these symbols expand to cover entire reels whenever they land in sufficient numbers to form a win, regardless of whether they are on adjacent reels. 

Expanded symbols are collected at the top of the reels, increasing the number of symbols during subsequent expansions. This progression mechanic adds depth to the gameplay, creating opportunities for massive wins as the free spins progress. 

Additional scatter symbols can retrigger the free spins, with no limit on retriggers, allowing players to extend the bonus round and accumulate more winnings. 

Wild Multipliers: 

Wild symbols apply a multiplier of 2x or 3x to any winning combinations they are part of, significantly boosting payouts. These multipliers are particularly effective during the free spins round when combined with expanding symbols. 

Bonus Buy: 

For players who want to skip the base game grind, “Book of Golden Sands” offers a bonus buy feature. For 100x the bet, players can directly access the free spins round. This feature is especially appealing for those seeking immediate action. 

Betting Options and Payouts

Pragmatic Play ensures that “Book of Golden Sands” caters to a wide range of players with its flexible betting options. Bets start as low as €0.20 and go up to €100 per spin, making the game suitable for casual players and high rollers alike. 

The game’s maximum win of 10,000x the bet is competitive, providing players with the potential for life-changing payouts. However, it is worth noting that the probability of hitting this maximum win is 1 in 1,069,518, highlighting the game’s high volatility. This means that while the payouts can be substantial, they may require patience and a sizable bankroll to achieve.

Conclusion

“Book of Golden Sands” is a solid addition to Pragmatic Play’s portfolio, offering a fresh take on the popular “Book of” slot genre. Its combination of traditional Egyptian aesthetics with modern features, such as expanding symbols and multiplier wilds, provides a compelling gameplay experience. The win-all-ways format and 729 ways to win further enhance the game’s appeal, making it a must-try for fans of high-volatility slots. 

While the game may not revolutionize the genre, its unique blend of visuals, audio, and mechanics ensures that it stands out among its peers. The progressive expanding symbols during free spins and the unlimited retriggers add an element of suspense and excitement that keeps players engaged. 

Overall, “Book of Golden Sands” strikes a fine balance between familiarity and innovation, making it an excellent choice for players seeking a thrilling slot adventure with the potential for significant rewards. Whether you’re a fan of Egyptian-themed slots or simply looking for a game with entertaining features, “Book of Golden Sands” delivers an experience that is both engaging and rewarding.