Return of the Dead (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Return of the Dead: Slot Review 

“Return of the Dead” by Pragmatic Play is a nod to the immensely popular “Book of Ra”-inspired slots, continuing the tradition of ‘book’ slots with a classic gameplay experience. Released on October 6, 2020, this 5-reel, 3-row slot features 10 paylines and a high volatility rating, catering to players who enjoy the potential for substantial payouts but are willing to embrace the inherent risks. With an RTP of 96.71% and a staggering max win of 20,000x the bet, “Return of the Dead” promises engaging gameplay for those familiar with this genre. 

The game’s theme is deeply rooted in the allure of ancient Egypt, with pyramids, sand dunes, and a color palette reminiscent of golden sands and fiery sunsets. While the gameplay doesn’t stray far from the typical ‘book’ slot structure, “Return of the Dead” boasts a higher RTP than many of its contemporaries, making it a compelling option for players seeking better long-term returns. This slot positions itself as a straightforward yet potentially rewarding experience, ideal for fans of classic slot mechanics.

Design and Graphics

The visuals of “Return of the Dead” are polished, yet they lean heavily on the conventions of its genre. The reels are set against a backdrop of the Giza Plateau, with pyramids and camels adding a touch of Egyptian authenticity. The design is well-executed but doesn’t break new ground, echoing the familiar look of other ‘book’-style slots. Symbols include traditional card royals (10, J, Q, K, A), rendered in bold colors with a slight Egyptian flair. High-paying symbols feature a scarab, Horus, a pharaoh, and the game’s protagonist, a charming explorer reminiscent of Indiana Jones or John Hunter. The explorer is the highest-paying symbol, delivering 500x the stake for five of a kind. The book symbol, which acts as both a scatter and a wild, is the centerpiece of the design, glowing with mystique and serving as the gateway to the game’s bonus features. 

While the visuals are not groundbreaking, they are clean and engaging, making the game accessible to both seasoned players and newcomers.

Gameplay Mechanics

At its core, “Return of the Dead” is a straightforward slot. The game uses a 5×3 reel layout with 10 fixed paylines. Wins are achieved by landing two or more matching high-paying symbols (or three or more low-paying symbols) from left to right, starting from the first reel. 

The book symbol serves a dual purpose, acting as both a wild and a scatter. As a wild, it substitutes for all other symbols to form winning combinations. As a scatter, landing three or more books triggers the free spins feature, the game’s main attraction. The mechanics are easy to grasp, making the game highly accessible to a broad audience.

Sound and Music

The soundtrack of “Return of the Dead” complements its Egyptian theme with an atmospheric score that combines traditional Middle Eastern instruments with subtle Western influences. The music creates a sense of adventure and mystery, enhancing the gameplay experience without becoming intrusive. Sound effects are standard for the genre, with satisfying jingles accompanying wins and dramatic tones highlighting significant events, such as triggering the free spins feature. 

While the audio design is effective, it doesn’t stand out as particularly innovative. It does its job well, maintaining the immersive atmosphere without overshadowing the gameplay.

Bonus Features

The primary bonus feature in “Return of the Dead” is the Free Spins round, triggered by landing three or more book symbols anywhere on the reels. Players are awarded 10 free spins, and before the round begins, one symbol is randomly selected to become the special expanding symbol. During the free spins, the special symbol expands vertically to cover all three positions on its reel whenever enough of these symbols land to form a win. Importantly, the expanded symbols pay out even when they are not on adjacent reels, providing opportunities for significant wins. 

Retriggers are possible during the free spins round. Landing three or more book symbols awards an additional 10 free spins, with no limit to the number of retriggers. This feature adds a layer of excitement and potential for big payouts, especially when high-value symbols like the explorer or the pharaoh are chosen as the special symbol. 

While the Free Spins feature is the game’s focal point, it doesn’t offer additional modifiers or multipliers, relying instead on the inherent appeal of the expanding symbols mechanic.

Betting Options and Payouts

“Return of the Dead” accommodates a wide range of players with its flexible betting options. The minimum bet is €0.10, while the maximum bet goes up to €250, making it suitable for casual players and high rollers alike. 

The game’s high volatility means that while wins can be significant, they may also be infrequent. The explorer symbol offers the highest payout, delivering 500x the stake for five on a payline. Combined with the potential for massive wins during the free spins round, “Return of the Dead” has an impressive max win of 20,000x the bet, making it one of the more lucrative slots in this category. 

The RTP of 96.71% is slightly above average for online slots, which is a positive aspect for players focused on long-term returns. However, it’s worth noting that this RTP may vary depending on the casino operator, so players should check before playing.

Conclusion

“Return of the Dead” by Pragmatic Play is a well-crafted addition to the ‘book’ slot genre, offering a familiar yet rewarding experience for fans of these games. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, its higher RTP and potential for massive payouts make it a standout option in a crowded field. 

The game’s design and graphics, while not groundbreaking, are visually appealing and contribute to the overall immersive experience. The straightforward gameplay mechanics ensure that players can quickly grasp the rules, while the free spins feature adds an exciting layer of unpredictability and potential for big wins. 

That said, “Return of the Dead” doesn’t offer much in terms of innovation. Players familiar with other ‘book’-style slots may find the game too similar to its predecessors. However, for those seeking a reliable and high-paying slot with a classic feel, “Return of the Dead” delivers on its promises. 

In conclusion, “Return of the Dead” is a solid choice for players who appreciate the simplicity and charm of traditional ‘book’ slots. While it may not be groundbreaking, its combination of engaging gameplay, attractive visuals, and the chance to win up to 20,000x the bet ensures it remains a worthwhile addition to Pragmatic Play’s portfolio.