Book of Kingdoms (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Book of Kingdoms: Slot Overview 

Pragmatic Play, in collaboration with Reel Kingdom, introduces Book of Kingdoms, a visually captivating slot that takes players on an adventure to mysterious lands filled with treasures and mystique. Following the popular Book of genre, this game steps away from the Egyptian tombs and dives into Ottoman-inspired settings. With 5 reels, 3 rows, and 25 paylines, Book of Kingdoms sets itself apart by incorporating engaging mechanics and a medium-to-high volatility, making it a worthy contender in the vast sea of online slot games. 

The slot comes with a respectable RTP of 96.69% and the potential to win up to 20,000x your bet, though such a win seems more theoretical than practical. The game offers a betting range between €0.25 and €250, catering to both casual players and high rollers. The theme is brought to life by its exotic visuals, unique sound design, and intriguing bonus features that promise thrilling gameplay.

Design and Graphics 

The design of Book of Kingdoms is a visual treat, though it deviates from the traditional Book of Ra-style slots. Instead of the usual pyramids and deserts, it places players in an Arabian-inspired world featuring lush palm trees, ancient temples, and mysterious landscapes. The symbols include a mix of low-paying card suits (10, J, Q, K, A) and premium icons such as a sultan, a snake charmer, and a mischievous monkey. The leading symbol is a charming explorer who stands as the most valuable character, rewarding players with up to 500x the stake for landing a full set.

The reels are bordered by a weathered golden frame, and the rich details enhance the allure of its exotic theme. The color palette is vibrant yet balanced, complementing the storybook aesthetic of the game. While the graphics are not groundbreaking, they serve their purpose well and add to the overall charm of the slot.

Gameplay Mechanics 

The 25 fixed paylines offer straightforward gameplay, with wins generated by landing matching symbols from left to right across adjacent reels. The medium-to-high volatility ensures that players can expect a mix of small, frequent wins alongside the occasional big payout. 

The key gameplay feature revolves around the “Book” symbol, which acts as both the wild and scatter. As a wild, it substitutes for all symbols to create winning combinations. As a scatter, landing 3 or more Book symbols triggers the coveted free spins feature, which is where the game truly shines. 

The Money Respin feature is another standout mechanic. Activated when money symbols appear on the reels, this feature locks in the triggering symbols and awards players three respins. During this round, players have the chance to land cash prizes or hit one of the Mini, Major, or Mega jackpots, which can pay up to 1,000x the stake.

Sound and Music 

The audio design in Book of Kingdoms is immersive and complements the game’s theme. The soundtrack features a blend of traditional Middle Eastern melodies with modern electronic elements, creating an exotic yet adventurous atmosphere. The rhythmic beats build suspense during spins, while celebratory jingles accompany wins, keeping players engaged. Sound effects, such as the rustling of ancient pages or the clinking of gold coins, add a touch of realism to the experience. Overall, the music and sound effects enhance the gameplay without becoming overwhelming.

Bonus Features 

Free Spins 

The free spins round is triggered by landing 3 or more Book symbols anywhere on the reels. Players are awarded 5 free spins, which may seem limited but come with an exciting twist. Before the free spins commence, one symbol is chosen at random to become the special expanding symbol. This symbol expands vertically to cover entire reels if enough of them land during a spin, creating additional opportunities for substantial payouts. Unlike regular wins, expanding symbols pay regardless of their position on the reels, making the feature both lucrative and thrilling. 

Money Respin Feature 

This feature is activated when money symbols land on the reels. These symbols display either cash values or jackpots. Players are awarded three respins, during which only money symbols can land. Each new symbol that appears resets the respin counter to three. The round continues until either all positions are filled with money symbols or no respins remain. At the end of the round, the values of all money symbols are added together, and any jackpot symbols award their respective prizes. 

Jackpots 

The game features three fixed jackpots: 

• Mini Jackpot: Pays 30x the bet. 

• Major Jackpot: Pays 100x the bet. 

• Mega Jackpot: Pays 1,000x the bet. 

While not life-changing, these jackpots add an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay, especially during the Money Respin feature.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Book of Kingdoms offers a flexible betting range, starting from €0.25 and going up to €250 per spin. This makes it accessible to players with varying budgets. The game’s maximum win of 20,000x the stake is undoubtedly attractive, but the odds of achieving this are extremely slim. 

The paytable is divided into low-paying symbols (10 to A) and high-paying symbols (character icons). Premium symbols offer payouts ranging from 8x to 20x the stake for a five-of-a-kind combination. The explorer symbol is the most valuable, offering up to 500x the stake for a full-screen win during the free spins feature. 

With an RTP of 96.69%, the game sits comfortably within the industry standard, though players should note that RTP can vary depending on the casino.

Conclusion 

Book of Kingdoms by Pragmatic Play is a visually appealing slot that brings a fresh twist to the Book of genre. Its Arabian-inspired theme and unique features, such as the Money Respin mechanic and jackpots, set it apart from its predecessors. However, the game is not without its drawbacks. The low symbol values and the limited number of free spins may disappoint players looking for more frequent or significant wins. Additionally, the maximum win of 20,000x feels more like a marketing gimmick than an achievable target. 

Despite these shortcomings, Book of Kingdoms is a solid slot that offers plenty of entertainment value. Its medium-to-high volatility ensures a balance between risk and reward, making it suitable for both casual players and seasoned gamblers. The addition of jackpots and expanding symbols during free spins adds layers of excitement to the gameplay. 

If you enjoy the Book of genre but are looking for something slightly different, Book of Kingdoms is worth a spin. While it may not revolutionize the category, it provides a fresh perspective and enough engaging features to keep players entertained.