Introduction to Day of Dead Slot Game
If you are familiar with slot games, you may already know about the Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Celebrated in November, it’s a time to honor departed loved ones in a joyful manner. Families gather at gravesites, believing the spirits of their loved ones return to visit. This theme has become quite popular in online slots, and Pragmatic Play has recently joined in with their game “Day of Dead.” However, they opted for the name “Day of Dead” instead of “Day of the Dead” due to an existing slot with the original title. While the change may seem minor, it reflects a lack of creativity. In this article, we will explore the key features of this game and what sets it apart from other Día de los Muertos-themed slots.
Visual and Audio Atmosphere
The game’s background is dominated by a 5×4 grid, leaving little space for elaborate visuals. The setting mimics a spooky graveyard with a Halloween-like atmosphere, giving the game an eerie, dim appearance. The reels, however, contrast this with vibrant, festive symbols and a lively mariachi soundtrack that enhances the theme. This visual and audio combination aims to draw players into the spirit of the Day of the Dead. However, while the presentation makes a solid first impression, it doesn’t have enough depth to maintain long-term engagement.
Gameplay Overview
Pragmatic Play has designed Day of Dead with a default RTP of 96.50%, making it a solid option for those who enjoy games with decent return-to-player rates. The game is rated as highly volatile, with a volatility score of 5 out of 5. This means wins can be substantial but may take time to hit, with the maximum win capped at 4,500 times your stake. You can bet anywhere from P1.00 to P5,000 per spin, making it accessible to both casual players and high rollers.
Symbols and Wilds
In Day of Dead, most symbols are the typical pay symbols you find in many slot games, with two wild symbols and one scatter symbol. The lower-paying symbols are represented by card suits (spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs), while mid-tier symbols include musical instruments 90jili like shakers, drums, and guitars. The higher-paying symbols are four character icons, each offering payouts from 6 to 15 times your stake when you land five of a kind.
The wild symbols in this game play an important role. The standard wild, shown as a green symbol, substitutes for all other paying symbols. Additionally, there is an expanding wild, represented by a tombstone, that activates several key features.
Walking Wilds Feature
One of the standout features in Day of Dead is the Walking Wilds mechanic. Whenever a tombstone wild appears, it expands to cover the entire reel, triggers a win, and initiates a respin. The wild then “walks” one reel to the left with each respin until it exits the grid. If more expanding wilds land, they follow the same path, potentially creating extended win sequences. The respins continue as long as Walking Wilds are present on the reels.
Free Respin Feature
Another core feature of the game is the Free Respin bonus. Landing three scatter symbols on reels 1, 3, and 5 during the base game triggers this feature. Unlike traditional free spins, the respin round has no set number of spins. Instead, it continues as long as Walking Wilds are on the grid. The feature starts with two collectable wilds, and additional wilds can be collected during the bonus. These wilds are stored and can randomly appear during the respins, keeping the round going until no wilds remain.
Bet Setting and Autoplay Options
Setting your bets in Day of Dead is easy. Players can use the +/- buttons to open a panel that lets you adjust the number of coins per line and the coin value, or set the total bet amount directly. For players who prefer a hands-off approach, there’s also an Autoplay feature where you can activate Turbo Spin, Quick Spin, and set the number of spins to automate. For those who are more impatient, the Buy Free Spins option allows 90jili you to jump straight into the bonus feature without waiting for it to trigger naturally.
Bonus Features
Pragmatic Play has added a feature that adds a unique spin on standard wilds. Known as the 90jili bonus, this aspect enhances the gameplay experience by incorporating extra wilds that can trigger during respins. These wilds not only substitute for symbols but also increase your chances of hitting big wins, especially during the Free Respin feature. While the concept of wilds is nothing new, the 90jili bonus brings an extra layer of excitement to an otherwise predictable mechanic.
Final Thoughts
While Day of Dead boasts a high RTP and a potentially lucrative Walking Wilds feature, it lacks the creativity and depth found in other games themed around Día de los Muertos. The graphics and audio, while polished, feel too safe and generic, as if the game was designed to appeal to the broadest possible audience rather than celebrating the rich cultural history of the Day of the Dead.
Overall, if you’re looking for a simple slot game that captures the festive spirit of the holiday without delving too deep into its cultural roots, Day of Dead may suffice. However, if you’re seeking an immersive, innovative slot experience, you might find it lacking in uniqueness.
