Dawn of Kings (Hacksaw Gaming) Slot Review

Dawn of Kings: Slot Overview

“Dawn of Kings” by Hacksaw Gaming brings players on an exhilarating adventure into an Ancient Egyptian world, blending a strong theme with modern gameplay elements. Released on March 7, 2024, this medium-volatility slot is designed to cater to players who enjoy a mix of consistent gameplay and exciting features. The game takes a fresh approach to the Egyptian genre with its 5×3 reel setup, 13 paylines, and a maximum win potential of 10,000x the stake. Amy Dawn, a bold explorer, leads this treasure-hunting adventure with a spirited energy reminiscent of classic adventurer tropes.

With an RTP ranging from 96.24% to 88.07% depending on the selected bonus buy options, Dawn of Kings offers flexibility for casual players and high rollers alike. It combines engaging mechanics like the expanding symbols in the free spins round with the innovative “Best of Bonus” feature for added excitement. The game’s hit frequency of 33% ensures that wins feel achievable without sacrificing tension. Let’s explore the game in detail.

Design and Graphics

Dawn of Kings shines with its immersive design, evoking a sense of mystery and grandeur in Ancient Egyptian tombs. The reels are framed by a golden structure with hieroglyphic carvings, while a glowing blue light adds a modern touch to the atmosphere. The backdrop depicts a subterranean tomb illuminated by flickering torches, enhancing the sense of exploration.

Character design stands out as a highlight, with Amy Dawn herself embodying a charismatic and determined lead. Other symbols, such as Egyptian gods like Bastet, Anubis, and Horus, are crafted with precision, blending traditional aesthetics with a contemporary polish. The scarab symbol, an iconic motif in Egyptian culture, adds a layer of thematic consistency. The overall design is stylish without being overly flashy, making it visually appealing without detracting from gameplay clarity.

Gameplay Mechanics

At its core, Dawn of Kings uses a classic 5-reel, 3-row setup with 13 paylines—an unusual number that offers a slight departure from the typical configurations. Players achieve wins by landing matching symbols from left to right, starting from the first reel.

The game’s low-pay symbols consist of the standard card ranks 10-A, presented in vibrant colors. High-paying symbols include Bastet, Anubis, Horus, and Amy Dawn, the latter offering the highest payouts—up to 1,000x the stake for a 5-of-a-kind combination. Wild symbols, represented by books, substitute for all regular pay symbols and also serve as scatters.

A notable feature is the Base Game Book Mechanic, where a random symbol may expand to cover entire reels after a spin, introducing a dynamic twist to the base game. This mechanic keeps gameplay engaging even outside the bonus rounds, making every spin feel potentially rewarding.

Sound and Music

The audio in Dawn of Kings is as captivating as its visuals. The soundtrack features a blend of traditional Egyptian melodies and cinematic orchestration, building an atmosphere of intrigue and excitement. Subtle sound effects, such as the hum of magic or the clinking of gold, enhance the immersion without overwhelming the gameplay. When big wins or bonus features activate, the music swells dramatically, creating a sense of triumph. Overall, the audio design complements the theme perfectly and contributes to the game’s polished feel.

Bonus Features

Dawn of Kings is rich in features, offering multiple layers of bonus rounds and unique mechanics. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

Base Game Book Mechanic

Randomly activated during the base game, this mechanic selects a symbol to expand and cover entire reels. These expanded symbols pay anywhere on the reels, regardless of position, significantly increasing win potential.

Book of Dawn Bonus

Landing 3 Book scatter symbols triggers 10 free spins. At the start of the round, one symbol is chosen as the special expanding symbol. If the symbol lands on at least three reels during a spin, it expands to cover the reels and pays on all paylines. Players can earn additional spins by landing 2 or 3 scatters during the bonus.

Triple Book of Dawn Bonus

Triggered by landing 4 or 5 scatters, this round awards 12 free spins with at least two randomly selected special expanding symbols. This feature increases the excitement by allowing multiple symbols to expand, creating massive win opportunities.

Best of Bonus Features

• Best of Book of Dawn Bonus: Awards three Book of Dawn bonus rounds, with the best result being paid out.
• Best of Triple Book of Dawn Bonus: Plays out three Triple Book of Dawn rounds, paying out the most rewarding result.

Feature Buys

For players who prefer to skip straight to the action, Dawn of Kings offers several feature buy options:

• BonusHunt FeatureSpins: Costs 3x the bet and increases the likelihood of triggering a bonus.
• Silver FeatureSpins: Costs 50x the bet, guaranteeing at least 3 expanding symbols.
• Golden FeatureSpins: Costs 100x the bet, ensuring at least 3 high-paying expanding symbols.
• Other bonuses include direct access to the Book of Dawn or Triple Book of Dawn features.

Betting Options and Payouts

Dawn of Kings accommodates a wide range of players with its flexible betting range of 0.10 to 100 per spin. This inclusivity makes the game accessible to both casual players and high-stakes enthusiasts. The RTP varies depending on the chosen bonus options, with the highest at 96.24% during standard play.

The max win potential of 10,000x the stake is a significant draw, especially for a medium-volatility slot. While achieving this may require a combination of free spins and expanding symbols, the frequent triggers and dynamic mechanics ensure a thrilling experience.

Conclusion

Dawn of Kings by Hacksaw Gaming is a compelling addition to the studio’s portfolio, offering a fresh take on the popular Egyptian theme. While it doesn’t stray far from the mechanics seen in other “Book of…” slots, it injects enough originality through features like the Base Game Book Mechanic and the “Best of Bonus” rounds to stand out. The polished graphics, engaging audio, and dynamic gameplay make it a slot worth exploring for players who enjoy adventures with high stakes.

With its medium volatility, generous hit frequency, and substantial win potential, Dawn of Kings strikes a balance between accessibility and thrill. Whether you’re a fan of Egyptian mythology or simply looking for a slot with innovative features, this game delivers a memorable experience that stands out in a crowded genre.