Rise of pyramids

Review: Rise of Pyramids by Pragmatic Play

Pragmatic Play’s Rise of Pyramids takes players on an adventurous journey into the heart of ancient Egypt, a theme that continues to captivate slot enthusiasts. This game dives deep into the mysteries of pharaohs, pyramids, and treasures hidden in the sands of time, offering a blend of stunning visuals, engaging features, and high payout potential. Here’s an in-depth review of Rise of Pyramids, analyzing its theme, mechanics, features, and overall appeal.

Theme and Visuals

Rise of Pyramids is heavily inspired by Egyptian mythology and culture, featuring iconic elements like pyramids, scarabs, gods, and ancient artifacts. Pragmatic Play has gone the extra mile to ensure the slot’s visuals transport players to the enigmatic world of Egypt.

  • Backdrop: The reels are set against a desert landscape, with towering pyramids illuminated by the glow of the setting sun. Swirling sands and hieroglyphics etched into the frame add authenticity.
  • Symbols:
    • High-value symbols: Pharaohs, the Eye of Horus, Anubis, and golden scarabs.
    • Low-value symbols: Ornate playing card icons (10, J, Q, K, A) styled to match the Egyptian aesthetic.
    • Special symbols: The pyramid serves as the scatter, while a jeweled ankhs is the wild.

The animations are smooth and engaging, particularly during bonus rounds where symbols come alive with sparkling effects. A dramatic soundtrack featuring Egyptian-inspired music with ambient percussion and strings further immerses players in the theme.

Gameplay Mechanics

Rise of Pyramids is a 5-reel, 3-row slot with 20 paylines, a straightforward setup that appeals to both casual players and seasoned slot enthusiasts. The mechanics are intuitive, making it easy for players to jump in while still offering enough complexity to keep things interesting.

  1. Bet Range: The game caters to a wide range of players, with a flexible betting range from a low minimum to a higher maximum for risk-takers.
  2. Volatility: This slot offers medium-to-high volatility, meaning players can expect occasional big wins interspersed with periods of smaller payouts or dry spells. This volatility suits the theme of treasure hunting, where fortune favors the bold.
  3. RTP (Return to Player): The game boasts an RTP of 96.53%, which is above the industry average, making it attractive to players seeking value over time.

Bonus Features

Rise of Pyramids shines with its engaging bonus features, which are seamlessly integrated into the ancient Egyptian theme.

  1. Wild Symbol (Jeweled Ankh): The wild substitutes for all other symbols except the scatter, increasing the likelihood of forming winning combinations. In addition, wilds appear stacked on the reels, further boosting potential payouts.
  2. Pyramid Scatter and Free Spins: Landing three or more pyramid scatter symbols triggers the Free Spins Round. Depending on the number of scatters, players can receive:
    • 3 Scatters: 10 free spins
    • 4 Scatters: 15 free spins
    • 5 Scatters: 20 free spins
    During the Free Spins Round, an Expanding Symbols Feature is activated. Before the round begins, one symbol is randomly chosen to become an expanding symbol. When this symbol appears during free spins, it expands to cover the entire reel, leading to significant payouts, especially if multiple reels are involved.
  3. Mystery Multiplier Feature: This feature is randomly activated during both the base game and Free Spins Round. After a winning spin, a multiplier ranging from 2x to 10x is applied, significantly boosting payouts.
  4. Treasure Chamber Bonus Game: Landing three bonus symbols triggers the Treasure Chamber, a pick-and-click feature. Players choose from ancient artifacts to reveal cash prizes, additional free spins, or multipliers. This feature adds an interactive layer to the game, enhancing player engagement.
  5. Progressive Jackpot (Optional): In certain versions of the game, a progressive jackpot feature is included. This jackpot builds with each spin, offering players the chance to win a life-changing sum.

Payout Potential

The maximum payout in Rise of Pyramids is 5,500x the player’s bet, making it a highly rewarding slot for those willing to embrace its medium-to-high volatility. The best winning opportunities lie in the Free Spins Round, especially when high-value symbols are chosen as the expanding symbol and combined with the Mystery Multiplier.

User Experience

Pragmatic Play has ensured Rise of Pyramids is optimized for seamless gameplay across desktop, mobile, and tablet devices. The slot performs smoothly regardless of screen size, with the graphics retaining their high quality. The user interface is straightforward and player-friendly, featuring easy-to-navigate controls for setting bets, activating autoplay, and accessing the paytable.

For players who prefer fast-paced gameplay, the slot offers a quick spin option. Additionally, the inclusion of a detailed paytable and explanation of bonus features ensures that players understand the mechanics before diving in.

Strengths

  1. Immersive Theme and Design: The ancient Egyptian theme is beautifully executed, with high-quality visuals and a fitting soundtrack.
  2. Engaging Features: The combination of Free Spins, Expanding Symbols, Mystery Multipliers, and the Treasure Chamber keeps the gameplay dynamic and exciting.
  3. High Payout Potential: With a maximum win of 5,500x the bet, the slot appeals to players seeking substantial rewards.
  4. Wide Accessibility: The game’s compatibility with various devices ensures a smooth experience for all players.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Volatility Balance: The medium-to-high volatility might not suit players with smaller budgets or those looking for frequent wins.
  2. Limited Innovation: While the features are enjoyable, they largely follow traditional mechanics seen in other slots. Adding more unique or groundbreaking elements could enhance the game’s appeal.

Final Verdict

Rise of Pyramids by Pragmatic Play is an engaging online slot that successfully captures the allure of ancient Egypt while delivering solid gameplay and rewarding features. Its immersive visuals, exciting bonus rounds, and high payout potential make it a standout addition to Pragmatic Play’s portfolio. While it doesn’t introduce groundbreaking innovations, its polished execution ensures an enjoyable experience for both casual players and seasoned slot enthusiasts.

With its competitive RTP, stacked wilds, and opportunities for big wins in the Free Spins Round, Rise of Pyramids is well worth a spin for those looking to embark on a treasure-filled adventure.

Rating: 4.6/5