Based on an ancient deity, the Book of Atem slot is the latest in the long line of ancient Egyptian-themed slots. This one has been created by All 41 Studios for Microgaming and combines high class sound and visuals with simple but potentially explosive gameplay. Played using a 5 reel, 10 payline game engine, look out for a free spins round where expanding symbols can really get the coins flowing. Play this volatile game from 10p to £25 per spin.
Understated ancient Egyptian theme
Many Egyptian-themed slots are dripping in gold and jewels – Book of Atem is a slightly more understated affair. With sandstone buildings and a lovely garden in the background you’ll see A to 10 royals on the reels alongside a pink flower, a cobra and a bird of prey. The Pharaoh is the most rewarding symbol. Land 2, 3, 4 or 5 of these in combination for a payout of 1, 7.5, 100 or 500 times your total bet.
Wild scatters
The mysterious Book of Atem of the title serves a dual role. It’s a wild so replaces all the standard symbols. It’s also a scatter and key to unlocking the game’s feature round.
Free spins with expanding symbols
Land 3, 4 or 5 of the Book of Atem symbol on the same spin and you’ll win a payout equal to 2, 20 or 200 times your total bet. You’ll then go on to play the Free Spins feature with 10 free spins. Before the round begins, 1 of the standard symbols is randomly chosen. Each time this symbol lands, it will expand and fill the whole of that reel or better still, reels. Re-triggers are possible too. Land 3 or more Book of Atem symbols to add another 10 free spins to your total.
Simple but volatile
The gameplay in Book of Atem is straightforward. The combination of free spins with expanding symbols is a popular one. Get a high value symbol as the expander then look out. Be warned though, this is a high variance game so expect plenty of big swings. If you fill the reels with the high value pharaoh symbol, you’ll win 5,000 times your total bet.
Classic Egyptian fare
It might not be filled with bonus features but Book of Atem is a very playable slot. It looks excellent, the backing track is a perfect fit and the bonus round can deliver some explosive gameplay. Put that together and you have a simple but enjoyable Egyptian-themed slot.
Saying that, it is just another game which uses expanding symbols and has an ancient Egyptian theme – I would much rather stick to the Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead game by Play ‘N Go which has become the go-to slot.
