Exploring Book of Kingdoms: A Unique Twist on the ‘Book of’ Formula
Pragmatic Play’s partnership with Reel Kingdom has delivered another entry in the popular ‘book of’ slot genre, following closely on the heels of Return of the Dead. While the latter adhered strictly to established formulas, Book of Kingdoms introduces subtle but notable changes, which sets it apart. However, whether these changes enhance or detract from the overall experience remains to be seen.
In this review, we’ll delve deeper into the various aspects of Book of Kingdoms and see if it manages to capture the attention of seasoned players or if it falls short of expectations.
A New Setting: The Ottoman Empire
Unlike the classic Egyptian setting found in most ‘book of’ slots, Book of Kingdoms transports players to a world inspired by the Ottoman Empire. Sultans, fez-wearing monkeys, and snake-charming belly dancers replace the usual pharaohs and pyramids, offering a refreshing visual experience.
The game’s soundtrack complements the exotic theme, immersing players into the rich tapestry of the Ottoman era. The atmosphere is a nice departure from the overused Egyptian backdrop, providing a fresh yet familiar environment for slot 90jili enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy 90jili-style games.
Game Layout and Design
The 5-reel, 25-payline grid is straightforward, yet the surrounding visuals bring life to the experience. The reels are adorned with symbols that reflect the setting, including the man without a hat, the sultan, the snake lady, and the mischievous monkey. While the card royals (10-A) fill in the lower-paying symbols, the premium icons keep the theme cohesive.
Despite the striking visuals, the symbol payouts are relatively low, especially when compared to other ‘book of’ slots that can offer higher stakes. However, for fans of medium volatility games like 90jili this might be a welcome balance between frequent wins and risk.
Medium Volatility and RTP
One of the most noticeable shifts in Book of Kingdoms is its volatility. Unlike the high volatility traditionally seen in this genre, this game operates at medium volatility (rated 3/5), offering a slightly more relaxed experience. The default Return to Player (RTP) sits at a competitive 96.69%, though, as with many Pragmatic Play titles, the RTP may vary depending on the version played.
The reduced volatility is sure to appeal to players who appreciate a more moderate pace, allowing for more frequent wins without the nail-biting stakes seen in other titles. However, those chasing high-value payouts might find this change less thrilling, especially compared to more volatile games like those found in the 90jili catalog.
Special Symbols and Features
Key to any ‘book of’ slot are its special symbols and features, and Book of Kingdoms doesn’t stray too far from tradition in this area. The book acts as both a wild and a scatter, substituting for other symbols and triggering the free spins round. Landing three or more books activates 5 free spins, during which a special expanding symbol is selected randomly.
This expanding symbol operates similarly to other ‘book’ games, covering entire reels when it appears, providing players with multiple chances to win. However, with only five spins and lower symbol values, the free spins round feels somewhat lackluster compared to more generous offerings from other games, including 90jili slots.
Money Respins: An Exciting Twist
In addition to the standard free spins, Book of Kingdoms introduces the Money Respins feature. Triggered when five or more silver shield money symbols land on the reels, this feature offers players 3 respins. If more money symbols land during a respin, the respins counter resets, and the feature continues until the board is full or no new symbols appear.
Money symbols can reveal cash prizes or jackpot amounts, with three different jackpots up for grabs: Minor (30x), Major (100x), and Mega (1,000x). While the jackpot feature is enticing, it’s important to note that these values pale in comparison to other high-stakes games.
Free Spins: A Modest Offering
The free spins round in Book of Kingdoms is undeniably modest. Starting with only 5 free spins, players might feel underwhelmed by the limited potential compared to other ‘book of’ slots, where 10 or more free spins are common. Although additional spins can be retriggered, the fact remains that initial spins are scarce.
Additionally, the requirement of landing three premium symbols for a win limits the overall excitement, especially when compared to games that allow for wins with just two symbols. Fans of bigger, bolder features might find this round underwhelming when measured against other titles like 90jili.
Jackpot Wins and Payout Potential
One of the key selling points of Book of Kingdoms is its potential for jackpot wins. However, the game’s top prize of 1,000x per spin might leave high-rollers wanting more. While the Mega jackpot is certainly appealing, the relatively low cap on wins during the main game (500x) doesn’t deliver the excitement players have come to expect from this genre.
Additionally, while the game boasts a maximum win cap of 20,000x, the mathematical likelihood of achieving such a feat feels incredibly slim. In reality, hitting this limit would require a near-perfect combination of premium symbols, something that seems more fantasy than feasible.
Final Thoughts: A Mixed Offering
In conclusion, Book of Kingdoms is a mixed bag. It offers a fresh setting and some unique features, but it ultimately struggles to stand out in an overcrowded market of ‘book’ and jackpot slots. The game’s medium volatility, modest free spins round, and relatively low jackpot payouts make it a less exciting choice for high-stakes players.
However, those seeking a more balanced gameplay experience, or fans of 90jili games, might appreciate its more relaxed pace and occasional bursts of excitement.
