Secret of Dead (Play'n Go) Slot Review

Secret of Dead: Slot Overview 

Play’n GO’s prolific output of “book-style” slots continues with Secret of Dead, a game that fuses familiar mechanics with a couple of subtle but meaningful twists. The game draws from a well-worn Egyptian theme and builds upon the legacy of titles like Book of Dead, Scroll of Dead, and Legacy of Dead. However, Secret of Dead shakes things up by expanding the reel set to six reels (rather than the usual five) and unlocking that sixth reel during all stages of play — a notable departure from Scroll of Dead, where the sixth reel only activates in free spins. 

Thematically, Secret of Dead leans heavily into the mystique of Ancient Egypt, with references to the deity Shai — the God of Fate — who symbolically guards the treasures within. With high volatility (8/10) and a maximum win potential of 10,000x the bet, the slot aims to keep players on edge, especially during bonus rounds. It may not feel radically different at first glance, but these adjustments lend enough variety to make it a compelling chapter in Play’n GO’s expanding book saga.

Design and Graphics 

Visually, Secret of Dead sticks closely to the established aesthetic of the genre. The game grid is framed by ornate Egyptian architecture with two towering statues flanking the sides, setting a regal, temple-like ambiance. Symbols are richly detailed, featuring a blend of traditional card royals (10 to A) and iconic high-paying symbols like scarab beetles, cobras, cats, and Shai himself. These premium symbols glisten with gold and gem accents, giving them an appropriately “treasure-like” feel. Although the layout is similar to other Play’n GO slots, the sixth reel’s inclusion gives the interface a fresh spatial balance. That said, players familiar with Scroll of Dead will notice just how closely the visuals align. It’s a familiar, polished look that doesn’t reinvent the visual wheel but executes the established formula well.

Gameplay Mechanics 

Secret of Dead operates on a 6-reel, 3-row grid, with 1 to 10 adjustable paylines — an increasingly rare trait in modern slots, where fixed lines tend to dominate. Wins are paid from left to right, starting from reel 1, and require at least three matching symbols on a payline. The game’s flow is relatively straightforward, making it accessible for players familiar with classic “book” slots or newcomers looking to explore the genre. 

The major mechanical twist lies in the permanently active sixth reel, which not only increases win potential but also allows players to hit six-symbol wins even during the base game — a departure from other titles that only offer this during bonus features. The expanding symbols mechanic, which plays a central role in free spins, can lead to powerful full-screen wins, particularly when high-value premiums are selected.

Sound and Music 

The soundtrack in Secret of Dead is suitably atmospheric — a subtle blend of ambient Egyptian-inspired melodies with suspenseful undertones. It does a good job of creating immersion without overwhelming the experience. During key moments like free spins or big wins, the music swells in intensity, adding a layer of drama to the action. 

Sound effects are finely tuned, with satisfying clinks for symbol drops and a resonant chime when scatters land. It’s not overly flashy, but it feels well integrated and polished. One minor point: the audio cues for bonus triggers are quite similar to other Play’n GO titles, which might feel a touch repetitive to long-time players.

Bonus Features 

Secret of Dead’s standout features revolve around the Ankh symbol, which serves as both wild and scatter. This dual-purpose symbol replaces regular pay symbols and also activates the Free Spins feature when 3, 4, 5, or 6 Ankhs appear. In addition to cash payouts of 1x, 10x, 50x, or 250x the bet, players are awarded 8, 10, 12, or 15 free spins respectively. 

Before the free spins begin, one pay symbol is randomly selected to become the special expanding symbol. These symbols expand to cover their entire reel and pay across all active paylines — even when not adjacent. This mechanic is a cornerstone of “book-style” slots and delivers the most dramatic moments, especially when high-value symbols like Shai or the cat are chosen. 

The bonus round also allows for re-triggers. Landing three or more Ankhs during free spins adds +5 free spins and introduces a second expanding symbol, escalating the payout potential. Up to 6 expanding symbols can theoretically be in play — though achieving that would take quite the lucky streak. 

Finally, there’s an optional Gamble feature after any base game win. Players can choose to double or quadruple their prize by guessing the colour or suit of a face-down card. This gamble can be repeated up to five times or until the limit of 2,500 coins is reached.

Betting Options and Payouts 

The betting range is highly flexible, starting from just €0.01 per spin (with a single payline) up to a max of €100 per spin (with all ten lines active). This wide range accommodates both casual players and high rollers. 

The Return to Player (RTP) sits at a respectable 96.20% by default, though it can be lower depending on the market, with configurable versions dropping under 90%. It’s always worth checking the specific RTP at your chosen casino. 

In terms of symbol values: 

• Card royals (10–A) pay up to 25x the stake for six of a kind. 

• Cobras, scarabs, cats, and Shai form the premium symbols, with payouts ranging from 100x to 500x the stake for a full six-symbol line. 

The maximum win potential is capped at 10,000x the bet, significantly higher than the 5,000x ceiling found in Book of Dead. This makes Secret of Dead one of the more lucrative entries in the genre — at least in theory.

Conclusion 

Secret of Dead may not break radically new ground in the world of “book” slots, but it delivers an evolved version of the formula with two meaningful tweaks: the always-active sixth reel and the potential for multiple expanding symbols in free spins. These adjustments subtly shift the dynamics, offering higher potential wins and a slightly more engaging bonus round. 

Visually, the game is familiar but attractive, maintaining Play’n GO’s signature polish. The gameplay remains simple enough for newcomers to grasp while offering enough variance and explosive potential to satisfy veterans. Its max win of 10,000x the bet and flexible paylines give it extra appeal, though RTP variations across markets warrant some caution. 

All in all, Secret of Dead is a solid and rewarding addition to Play’n GO’s Ancient Egypt repertoire. It might not be the most daring entry in the series, but it executes its ideas with precision and style — and sometimes, that’s enough to keep us spinning.