Mysterious Egypt (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Mysterious Egypt: Slot Overview 

Released on January 12, 2021, Mysterious Egypt by Pragmatic Play takes players on a familiar yet enjoyable journey into ancient Egypt. This 5-reel, 3-row slot with 10 paylines is a classic take on the popular Book of genre but introduces a slight twist with its dual expanding symbols during free spins. The game boasts a high volatility rating and a solid RTP of 96.5%, promising big rewards for those willing to take on its risks. 

The maximum win of 5,533x the stake sets Mysterious Egypt apart, offering lucrative potential for both casual and high-stakes players. The game’s straightforward mechanics, combined with beautifully designed Egyptian imagery and an engaging bonus feature, ensure it holds its own in a competitive market saturated with similar slots.

Design and Graphics 

Pragmatic Play has a proven track record for visually striking games, and Mysterious Egypt is no exception. The slot features a familiar yet vibrant backdrop inspired by ancient Egypt, with majestic pyramids and golden temples set against a calming blue twilight. The visuals are crisp and sharp, with a glowing golden color palette that evokes feelings of opulence and mystery. The symbols on the reels align perfectly with the theme: 

• Low-paying symbols: Classic card royals 10, J, Q, K, and A are decorated with Egyptian motifs like ankhs and ornate trims. 

• High-paying symbols: Premium icons include iconic images of Egypt, such as birds, cats, golden pyramids, and the Eye of Horus, which is the highest-paying symbol, offering 500x the stake for a 5-of-a-kind combination. 

• Special Symbol: The Golden Queen, representing both the wild and scatter, is the centerpiece of the game, triggering free spins and substituting for all other symbols. 

While the theme of ancient Egypt is heavily used in the industry, Pragmatic Play does an excellent job of delivering a visually appealing game with detailed artwork and smooth animations.

Gameplay Mechanics 

Mysterious Egypt keeps its gameplay simple and straightforward, making it accessible for players of all experience levels. 

The game is played on a 5×3 grid with 10 fixed paylines, meaning all paylines are active during every spin. Wins are formed by landing matching symbols from left to right, starting from the first reel. 

Special Mystery Symbols 

What sets Mysterious Egypt apart from traditional Book of slots is its special mystery symbols feature. On each spin, a symbol is randomly chosen to act as a mystery symbol. This symbol can expand vertically to cover all positions on its reel and pays out from any position—meaning it does not need to be adjacent to form a winning combination. 

The mystery symbol adds an exciting dimension to the base game, as it introduces the potential for significant wins even outside the bonus feature.

Sound and Music 

The audio in Mysterious Egypt complements its visuals perfectly. The background music features a mystical, Egyptian-inspired score with soft flutes, rhythmic drums, and faint chimes that add a sense of suspense and wonder. This subtle soundtrack creates an immersive atmosphere without becoming repetitive or intrusive. 

During spins, the sound effects are crisp and satisfying, with gentle clicks for each reel and triumphant bursts of sound when wins occur. Triggering the free spins or landing expanding symbols comes with dramatic flourishes that heighten the excitement. 

Pragmatic Play strikes an excellent balance here, delivering sound design that enhances the theme without overshadowing the gameplay.

Bonus Features 

Free Spins with Dual Expanding Symbols

The Free Spins feature is the highlight of Mysterious Egypt. It is triggered by landing 3 or more Golden Queen scatter symbols anywhere on the reels. Players are awarded 10 free spins to start, along with an instant payout of: 2x the stake for 3 scatters 

20x the stake for 4 scatters 

200x the stake for 5 scatters 

Before the free spins begin, two symbols are randomly chosen to act as special expanding symbols. Unlike traditional Book of slots, where only one symbol expands, Mysterious Egypt doubles the excitement by selecting two. 

During free spins, when the special symbols land, they expand to cover the entire reel. 

These expanded symbols pay from any position, meaning they do not need to be adjacent to form a win. 

This mechanic significantly increases the chances of landing big wins, as players benefit from two high-potential symbols simultaneously. The free spins can also be retriggered, offering even more opportunities for massive payouts. 

Bonus BuyFor players who want to skip the base game grind, Mysterious Egypt includes a Bonus Buy option. For 100x the bet, players can instantly access the Free Spins feature with the same potential for big wins. This feature is ideal for high-risk players looking to jump straight into the action. 

Betting Options and Payouts 

Pragmatic Play ensures that Mysterious Egypt is suitable for all types of players with a wide betting range. The minimum bet starts at €0.10, while high rollers can wager up to €100 per spin. 

Key Payout Metrics: 

• RTP: 96.5% (industry standard) 

• Volatility: High (5/5) 

• Max Win: 5,533x the stake 

The game’s high volatility means that wins can be infrequent but substantial. Landing expanding symbols, particularly premium ones, during the free spins round is the key to achieving the game’s maximum payout. For example: 

• The Eye of Horus pays 500x the stake for 5-of-a-kind wins, making it the most lucrative symbol. 

• When combined with the special expanding mechanic, full-screen wins can lead to massive payouts.

Conclusion 

Mysterious Egypt by Pragmatic Play is a well-crafted slot that delivers a fresh twist on the popular Book of genre. While the ancient Egyptian theme may not feel groundbreaking, the addition of dual expanding symbols during free spins sets the game apart from its peers. 

Strengths: 

• Stunning visuals and atmospheric sound design 

• Special mystery symbols in the base game for added excitement 

• Free Spins feature with two expanding symbols 

• High win potential of 5,533x the stake 

• Bonus Buy option for instant free spins access 

Weaknesses: 

• High volatility may deter casual players 

• Gameplay may feel familiar to fans of Book of slots 

Overall, Mysterious Egypt is a solid and entertaining slot that combines classic mechanics with a modern twist. The dual expanding symbols significantly enhance win potential, making the game particularly appealing to fans of high-risk, high-reward gameplay. With its stunning design, engaging features, and respectable max win, Mysterious Egypt is a worthy addition to Pragmatic Play’s portfolio and a must-try for fans of the genre.