Diamonds of Egypt: Slot Overview
It seems we’re still recovering from the sunburn of our recent Egyptian-themed slot review, given how frequently these types of games are released. The latest entry, Diamonds of Egypt by Pragmatic Play, features a new character named Emelia Lionheart. With her fedora and mischievous look, Emelia appears to be a distant relative of John or Jane Hunter, the latter of whom we recently encountered in Jane Hunter and the Mask of Montezuma. Beyond introducing Emelia, Diamonds of Egypt offers familiar elements like multiplier wilds, a pick-me Jackpot Bonus Game, and free spins with royal symbols removed.
The Egyptian Setting: A Classic Touch
If you’re a fan of sandy settings, Diamonds of Egypt has plenty to offer. Sand dominates the background in the base game, features prominently in big win animations, and even blows through in a sandstorm between game phases. Given its Egyptian theme, the game naturally includes an abundance of sand. It also showcases Egypt’s fascinating history, architecture, and antiquities, such as pyramids, the Sphinx, statues, flaming braziers, and gold. While these elements are classic in Egyptian-themed slots and may not be groundbreaking, it’s still early days for this game.
Betting Options and Volatility
Diamonds of Egypt appears to cater to a more casual gambling audience and might even appeal to those with an affinity for the number 8, commonly significant in some Asian cultures. This connection is evident in the betting options, which range from 88 p/c to PHP 8,258.17 per spin—less ideal for those looking to maximize a limited bankroll. The game features a 5-reel, 3-row layout with 243 ways to win, where winning combinations start from the leftmost reel and continue across adjacent reels. Highly volatile, with a volatility rating of 4 out of 5, Diamonds of Egypt offers a default theoretical return to player (RTP) of 96.49%.
Symbols and Their Payouts
The game’s symbols include 11 regular pay symbols: low-value 9-A card royals and high-value scarab jewelry, a cup, a ring, bracelets, and a Pharaoh mask. Achieving a 5-of-a-kind combination pays about 0.17x the bet for card royals and approximately 1.45x to 7.73x the bet for premium symbols. Emelia appears on wild symbols located on reels 2, 3, and 4, and these wilds can substitute for all other symbols, including scatters. Additionally, there’s a multiplier wild that substitutes for anything except scatters and Swerte99 appears exclusively on reel 3 during the base game and free spins, multiplying all wins by x5 when it lands.
Jackpot Bonus Game: How It Works
Whenever at least one wild symbol appears on the reels, there is a chance that the Jackpot Bonus Game will be activated. This exciting feature adds an extra layer of anticipation to the gameplay. Players are presented with a selection of pots to pick from on the screen. Each pick reveals one of the four Jackpots. Once three identical Jackpot symbols are revealed, the player wins the corresponding prize, which ranges from 10x the bet for the Mini Jackpot, 20x for the Minor, 100x for the Major, to 1,000x the bet for the Grand Jackpot.
Free Spins: A Closer Look
Landing 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols awards a payout of 5, 10, or 50 times the bet, respectively, and also triggers 8 free spins. During the free spins round, landing 3 or more scatter symbols awards an additional 8 free spins, with no limit to the retriggers. Throughout this round, all low-pay royal symbols are removed from the reels. This means players have a higher chance of landing valuable combinations, enhancing the overall experience of the game.
The Visuals and Soundtrack
In terms of aesthetics, Diamonds of Egypt delivers the expected visuals—pleasant, with a glossy land-based feel typical of Pragmatic Play’s style, but lacking in distinctiveness. The game’s soundtrack complements the theme with atmospheric Egyptian-inspired music, which enhances the immersive experience. However, while the game is visually appealing, it might not leave a lasting impression compared to more innovative titles in the genre.
Overall Verdict: A Safe Bet
For a game themed around adventuring in the vein of Indiana Jones, Diamonds of Egypt feels quite restrained. It seems Pragmatic Play aimed to create a game appealing to the broadest possible audience. There’s nothing controversial, nothing especially innovative, and nothing that particularly stands out. Ancient Egypt Swerte99 remains a well-trodden and safe slot genre, familiar to many gamblers or those who will encounter it eventually.
Diamonds of Egypt delivers the expected visuals and gameplay elements—standard fare for an Egyptian-themed slot. While functional and well-executed, there were no moments of surprise or novelty. Each element performs as expected but reflects modest ambitions from the start. This modesty extends to the game’s winning potential, capped at 2,500 times the bet.
Conclusion: For Casual Players
So, what’s the takeaway? Some players might find Diamonds of Egypt appealing for its straightforward approach and decent flow, despite its unusual bet levels. It offers an easy-going experience with two bonus rounds, and while it’s visually appealing, it’s unlikely to leave a significant impression. It seems Pragmatic Play didn’t aim to revolutionize the gambling scene with Diamonds of Egypt, but rather to deliver a solid, albeit unremarkable, game.For more exciting slot options, players looking for a dynamic experience might also consider checking out Swerte99.
