Book of the Fallen (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Book of the Fallen: Slot Overview 

Pragmatic Play has a knack for creating engaging online slots, and Book of the Fallen fits right into their repertoire. Launched on December 7, 2021, this 5-reel, 3-row slot is set within the timeless allure of Ancient Egypt, featuring 10 paylines, high volatility, and an RTP of 95.50%. With a maximum win of 5,000x your stake, Book of the Fallen brings a familiar yet slightly innovative twist to the “Book of” genre. Players are enticed by the chance to activate free spins, choose their own special expanding symbols, and explore the Super Spin Ante Bet feature for an added thrill. 

Whether you’re a fan of the Book of Ra or Book of Dead classics, this slot combines nostalgic gameplay with new features to attract both loyal fans and curious newcomers.

Design and Graphics 

The visuals of Book of the Fallen stay true to the “Ancient Egyptian tomb raider” aesthetic. Set inside an ornately designed temple bathed in golden light, the backdrop features pillars, hieroglyphics, and treasure-filled surroundings. Pragmatic Play has opted for a polished yet familiar look, which might feel somewhat repetitive for seasoned players. 

The symbols include the usual suspects: golden ankhs, statues of Anubis, and the legendary John Hunter, the game’s protagonist, serving as the highest-paying icon. The graphics, while not groundbreaking, are crisp and vibrant, evoking the mystery and allure of a long-lost civilization. While the design doesn’t venture far from the standard formula, its quality ensures an immersive experience.

Gameplay Mechanics 

Book of the Fallen follows a standard “Book of” formula, with 5 reels and 10 paylines. Winning combinations are formed by landing at least three matching symbols on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel. 

Where Book of the Fallen shines is its Super Spin Ante Bet feature, which allows players to choose a special expanding symbol during the base game by increasing their bet by 10x. This creates the opportunity for higher payouts, as the selected symbol behaves similarly to its free spins counterpart—expanding across the reels for larger wins. 

Another standout is the Free Spins mode, where players have the autonomy to select their own special expanding symbol before the round begins. This adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay, giving players the ability to tailor their experience based on personal preferences or risk tolerance.

Sound and Music 

The soundtrack of Book of the Fallen complements its Ancient Egyptian theme with subtle drumbeats, mysterious tones, and a cinematic score. While it does its job in creating an immersive atmosphere, the music lacks the distinctiveness needed to make it truly memorable. Sound effects are standard, with satisfying chimes accompanying winning combinations and the dramatic flair of a slot game when landing high-paying symbols. The audio presentation is well-executed but not revolutionary.

Bonus Features 

Free Spins 

The Free Spins feature is triggered by landing three or more Book scatter symbols. Players are rewarded with 10 free spins, and before the round starts, they can choose a special expanding symbol. This symbol has the ability to expand vertically to cover the entire reel and pays from any position, making it the cornerstone for achieving big wins during the bonus round. Free spins can be retriggered indefinitely, keeping the excitement alive. 

Super Spin Ante Bet 

This optional feature increases the total bet by 10x and allows players to select a special expanding symbol during the base game. While the cost is significant, the potential rewards are enticing, especially for high-risk, high-reward players. Wins are calculated based on the base bet amount rather than the increased wager, balancing the risk-to-reward ratio. 

Bonus Buy 

For players who prefer to skip the grind of base gameplay, the Bonus Buy feature allows instant access to the Free Spins round for 100x the total bet. This is a convenient option for those seeking immediate excitement and higher winning potential.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Book of the Fallen offers flexible betting options, catering to a wide range of players. Bets start at €0.10 and go up to €100 per spin, making the game accessible for casual players and high rollers alike. The high volatility ensures that while wins may be less frequent, they are potentially significant. 

The paytable features: 

• John Hunter: The highest-paying symbol, awarding up to 500x your stake for five on a payline. 

• Anubis, Tutankhamun, and the Ankh: These premium symbols provide payouts ranging from 75x to 200x for five matches. 

• 10-A card ranks: Low-value symbols, paying between 5x and 15x for five matches. 

The maximum win is capped at 5,000x the stake, with a hit frequency of 1 in 3.25 spins. While the RTP is slightly lower than the industry average at 95.50%, it remains competitive within the genre. 

Conclusion 

Book of the Fallen is a solid addition to Pragmatic Play’s lineup, offering a familiar “Book of” experience with a few new twists. The ability to choose your special expanding symbol during free spins and the Super Spin Ante Bet feature adds a layer of strategy that sets it apart from its predecessors. However, the game doesn’t stray far enough from the established formula to truly stand out in the crowded market of Egyptian-themed slots. 

Its high volatility and potential for significant wins make it a great choice for risk-takers, while the adjustable betting range ensures inclusivity for players of all budgets. If you’re a fan of classics like Book of Ra or Book of Dead, Book of the Fallen is worth exploring, particularly for its engaging bonus features and polished presentation. However, if you’re looking for something groundbreaking, this slot might feel like a rehash of well-trodden territory. 

Ultimately, Book of the Fallen serves as a reliable, entertaining game for slot enthusiasts, with enough features to keep the experience fresh without straying too far from the tried-and-true formula.