Introduction to Book of Golden Sands
When analyzing a game title such as Book of Golden Sands, one might expect encounters with expanding symbols in the mystical realm of Ancient Egypt. Developer Pragmatic Play has created a slot that revolves around expanding symbols, set in the ancient and mysterious sands of Egypt. However, unlike many similar titles, Pragmatic Play has infused this game with unconventional features and mechanics, offering a unique twist to the familiar formula.
Visuals and Audio: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Visually, Book of Golden Sands adheres closely to the expected Egyptian theme. The central glossy game grid is adorned with familiar motifs: temple structures, glimpses of pyramids, sands, palm trees, and columns—elements typical of the genre. If you’ve played Egyptian-themed slots before, this setting will feel familiar.
However, the soundtrack introduces a surprising element: a blend of drum and synth effects with Egyptian undertones. This combination creates an unexpectedly lively, almost nostalgic 1980s ambiance that somehow complements the traditional scenery. This distinct audio experience is something that sets Book of Golden Sands apart from other slots, adding to the game’s overall allure.
Symbol Overview: The Key to Winning
Book of Golden Sands features eleven standard pay symbols. The lower-paying symbols include various icons like Ankhs, offering between 1.25 to 1.5 times the stake for six-of-a-kind wins. Beyond these, higher-paying symbols include jewelry items and character symbols, rewarding between 2 to 5 times the bet for landing six-of-a-kind combinations.
Notably, the game includes a dedicated wild symbol appearing on all reels except the first. These wilds substitute for any pay symbol and come with random multipliers of x2 or x3, enhancing any wins they contribute to. This feature is especially thrilling when the wilds align just right, offering substantial rewards to players on swerte99.
The Unique Slot Features: What Sets It Apart
In addition to wilds, Book of Golden Sands includes a book symbol present on all reels. Landing 3, 4, 5, or 6 book scatters not only awards 10 free spins but also provides a payout of 2, 10, 50, or 500 times the stake, respectively.
Before the free spins commence, a random pay symbol is chosen from the pages of a flicking book. This selected symbol then becomes the special expanding symbol for the duration of the free spins bonus. During these free spins, after the regular payouts are determined, any occurrences of the special expanding symbol can expand to cover entire reels if they can form a winning combination.
Expanding Symbols: The Heart of the Game
These expanded symbols pay from any position, even if not adjacent, and can start their wins from any reel. Furthermore, each time an expanding symbol expands, one instance of that symbol is collected at the top of its respective reel. With each subsequent expansion, these symbols expand to cover three positions, plus the number of collected symbols at the top of their reels, up to a maximum of 10.
This innovative mechanic significantly increases the potential ways to win during the evaluation of wins. Moreover, the bonus round can be prolonged by landing 3 or more scatters during free spins, which grants an additional 10 free spins. Retriggers have no limit, and the initially chosen special expanding symbol remains consistent throughout the retriggers.
Free Spins Purchase Option: A Shortcut to Big Wins
For those who can’t wait to trigger the free spins naturally, swerte99 allows players the option to purchase free spins for a cost of 100 times the total stake. Purchasing free spins maintains the same RTP of 96.46% as the regular gameplay, offering a balanced approach to achieving potentially massive rewards.
Slot Verdict: A Fresh Twist on a Classic Genre
Pragmatic Play hasn’t completely departed from the familiar ‘Book of’ format seen in games like Book of Shadows, but Book of Golden Sands introduces several unique elements not commonly found elsewhere. While the theme and execution follow a well-trodden path, aside from some unconventional audio choices that add a touch of personality, the game could benefit from a more original presentation to match its unorthodox gameplay.
Nonetheless, Egyptian-themed ‘Book of’ slots remain immensely popular, and Book of Golden Sands boasts the polished finish characteristic of Pragmatic Play’s slots.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Spin
In the base game, while multiplier wilds add excitement, the values of symbols aren’t as substantial as in typical ‘Book of’ slots, leading to a somewhat leisurely pace. Free spins, however, deliver as expected, with the innovative special symbol collection mechanic enhancing gameplay for enthusiasts of the genre.
Accumulating symbols to maximize their impact in expanding wins isn’t straightforward but can yield thrilling results when executed effectively. Importantly, Pragmatic Play has ensured ample rewards for players chasing big wins, with Book of Golden Sands offering up to 10,000 times the initial bet—a generous incentive despite not being the highest in the category.
Book of Golden Sands isn’t overly complex, but it lacks the straightforward intensity of iconic titles like Book of Dead. It requires a bit more alignment of its various components to truly shine. Once it finds its stride, however, swerte99 ensures that Book of Golden Sands promises an engaging experience and adds a distinctive twist to the immensely popular genre of ‘Book of’ slots.
