Uncover Ancient Riches: Comprehensive Review of Rick Wilde and the Book of Dead Slot
Rick Wilde and the Book of Dead is one of the most popular online slot games developed by Play’n GO. Known for its engaging theme, immersive graphics, and lucrative features, the game has captured the attention of both casual and seasoned players alike. Here’s a detailed review, covering everything from gameplay and theme to pay structure, rules, and overall experience.
Theme and Graphics
The theme of Rick Wilde and the Book of Dead is heavily inspired by ancient Egyptian mythology and adventure. It draws immediate comparisons to classic adventurer archetypes like Indiana Jones. The main character, Rick Wilde, is an explorer on a quest to uncover the mysteries of Egypt’s ancient treasures.
The visuals are incredibly sharp, with symbols and backgrounds reflecting the ancient Egyptian tombs and pharaohs. The game is set against a backdrop of pillars and golden artifacts, giving players the feeling of being deep inside a long-forgotten crypt. The rich use of gold, ancient hieroglyphics, and Egyptian iconography, such as the pharaoh, Anubis, and scarab beetles, create a cohesive and immersive experience.
The music and sound effects complement the theme perfectly, adding tension and excitement to the gameplay, especially during bonus features or big wins.
How to Play: Mechanics and Rules
Rick Wilde and the Book of Dead is a five-reel, three-row video slot game with 10 adjustable paylines. This means players can choose how many paylines to activate for each spin, anywhere from 1 to 10. However, to maximize your winning potential, it’s recommended to play with all 10 lines active.
1. Betting Options:
Players can adjust their bet per line, ranging from a minimum of 0.01 to a maximum of 2.00 (or the equivalent currency). Therefore, with 10 paylines, the total bet can range from 0.10 to 100.00 per spin, accommodating both low and high rollers.
2. Symbols:
The symbols in the game are a mix of standard and premium ones. The low-paying symbols are the classic card suits (10, J, Q, K, A), while the high-paying symbols are directly related to the ancient Egyptian theme:
- Rick Wilde (the highest-paying symbol),
- Pharaoh Mask,
- Anubis,
- Horus.
The most important symbol in the game is the Book of Dead, which acts as both the Wild and the Scatter. As a Wild, it can substitute for any other symbol to form a winning combination. As a Scatter, it triggers the game’s main feature.
3. Game Rules:
- Winning Combinations: Players need to match at least three symbols from left to right on an active payline to trigger a win (two for Rick Wilde, Anubis, Horus, and Pharaoh).
- The Book of Dead Wild/Scatter: This symbol not only substitutes for others but also triggers the bonus feature if three or more appear anywhere on the reels.
Bonus Features
1. Free Spins Feature:
The most exciting aspect of Book of Dead is the Free Spins feature, triggered by landing three or more Book of Dead symbols (Scatter) anywhere on the reels. This rewards players with 10 free spins.
Before the free spins start, one symbol is randomly selected to become a special expanding symbol. During the free spins, when this symbol lands on any reel, it expands to cover the entire reel (if it helps form a winning combination), boosting the chances of massive wins.
- The free spins can be retriggered by landing three or more scatters during the bonus round, adding another 10 free spins to the total.
The expanding symbol mechanic is where players can land some of the highest payouts in the game, especially if a high-paying symbol (like Rick Wilde) is chosen.
2. Gamble Feature:
After every win, players are given the option to gamble their winnings in a double-or-nothing mini-game. This feature allows you to either:
- Guess the color of a facedown card (red or black) to double your winnings,
- Guess the suit of the card (hearts, diamonds, spades, or clubs) to quadruple your winnings.
However, getting the guess wrong results in losing the entire amount. While this feature is exciting for risk-takers, it should be approached cautiously.
Pay Structure: How to Win
The payouts in Book of Dead are straightforward. As with most online slots, the amount won depends on the value of the symbol, the number of symbols in a combination, and the player’s bet per line.
Paytable:
- Rick Wilde Symbol: 5 of Rick Wilde on an active payline rewards you with 5,000x your line bet.
- Pharaoh, Anubis, and Horus: These are the next highest-paying symbols, with 5 of a kind paying up to 2,000x your line bet.
- Card symbols (10, J, Q, K, A): These offer the lowest payouts, typically ranging between 5x to 150x your line bet.
The game’s volatility is high, meaning wins may be less frequent, but they tend to be more substantial when they do occur. The game’s RTP (Return to Player) is around 96.21%, which is relatively standard for an online slot.
User Experience and Mobile Compatibility
Rick Wilde and the Book of Dead offers an excellent gaming experience across multiple platforms, including desktop and mobile devices. The game runs smoothly on both iOS and Android operating systems, with the mobile version retaining the same high-quality graphics and features as the desktop version. The layout is optimized for touchscreen use, making it easy to spin the reels and adjust your bets on smaller screens.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Engaging Theme: Ancient Egypt is a popular and exciting theme that pairs well with the adventurous character of Rick Wilde.
- Bonus Features: The Free Spins with expanding symbols can lead to massive payouts.
- High Volatility: Suitable for players who enjoy big potential wins, even if they come less frequently.
- Mobile Compatibility: Runs seamlessly on mobile devices.
Cons:
- High Volatility: While it’s a pro for some, others might not enjoy the long periods between big wins.
- Basic Features: Compared to other modern slots, it may seem lacking in variety with only one main bonus feature.
Conclusion
Rick Wilde and the Book of Dead is an iconic slot game that has stood the test of time. Its combination of an adventurous theme, high volatility, and the potential for big wins via the expanding symbols during free spins makes it a thrilling choice for many players. While it may not be as feature-rich as some other modern slots, its simplicity, fast-paced action, and lucrative bonuses ensure it remains a favorite.
For players who enjoy the high-risk, high-reward dynamic and have an interest in Egyptian-themed adventures, this game is a top choice.
