Even a Wombat knows there’s a world of ancient Egyptian-themed slots out there but a new comic Pharaoh game from Inspired Gaming tickled my funny bone. Inspired Gaming are those nice fellas and lasses who designed the Grand National slot in case you didn’t know. That’s another good ‘un!
Who’s the king of the castle, I mean the pyramids? In this case, the answer is the all-powerful Pharaoh! I have to say this dude looks pretty happy with his lot, given he’s the ruler of his realm and the reels.
This game offers you three different bonus modes plus there’s a Fortune Bet feature where you pay to boost your bonus chances. Those dusty old days are looking up!
Look and Feel
The cartoony graphics look like they cost a king’s ransom- I mean a Pharaoh’s! Inspired Gaming has gone for it in the looks department. The land of the Pharaoh looks darn fine. We love a theme full of legends like the Viking Wilds slot and Pharoah fits right into that category, the big difference being the weather is a little warmer in Egypt!
The action takes place between the brightly coloured pillars of an ancient temple. The Pharaoh welcomes you to the game with his grinning face and walks just like an Egyptian around the reels for entertainment value. Each reel is done out in regal purple- of course!
Your slot spin is jollied along but the tones of exotic Egyptian music make for a good atmosphere.
At the bottom of the reels note the special red and gold Fortune Bet button.
Pharaoh Slot GamePlay
The desert play takes place over three rows, five reels and twenty pay lines, so twice the amount of a game like the Bookie of Odds slot. This slot tale of old looks a picture on any of your devices.
To make a win you need to collect three matching symbols in a row from left to right. The slot gods give you a little consolation prize for landing two of the icons together.
The reels are bulging with Egyptian artefacts with the highest scoring being a treasure chest of booty, a golden Scarab beetle and two ancient books. The Ace through Jack of the card deck make up the lower value icons of the game.
The word “Wild” substitutes for all icons except the Bonus symbol, the game’s namesake, the Pharaoh in his headdress and finery looking mighty pleased.
The Bonuses
Land a trio of our regal chum the Pharaoh on reels 1, 3 and 5 and enter the rewarding world of the bonus game. Now you’ll get to choose between several bonus side games. The five side games are laid out on a neat map, now you get to virtually “roll” the dice to decide which game you’ll take on.
First up is a Free Spins game where you’re presented with a wheel that is spun. This handy wheel will set the number of free spins you’ll get and the level of multiplier that your wins will be subject to.
By royal decree, you’ll gain a high-value symbol in a swap for a low-scoring one. Not a bad feature to kick off your bonus round.
Pharaoh Wild Spins gives you four free spins. Nice.
During the spins, two further Wilds are added to the reels, giving you a winning boost.
Pyramid of Prizes is a fun pick ‘n win game. Make your choices and climb the steps of a mini pyramid for bigger and bigger prizes. If you make it to the top you will either gain access to the Free Spins or the Wild Spins.
Upping the Ante
If you’re prepared to pay an extra 50% for your wager, you can hit the Fortune Bet button beneath the reels. Do this, and you’ll increase your chances of activating the bonus game with the arrival of more Bonus icons, and they’re supersized too!
Conclusion
We love an Egyptian-themed game and the Pharaoh slot provides some innovative bonus games and has a nice vibe to it. It’s a solid performer in the genre, a great all-rounder with the Fortune Bet adding to the entertainment.
Wombat Score: 4 out of 5
This game isn’t available in the UK. Sorry about that Wombat fans! Why not have a spin on Pharaoh’s Treasure Deluxe slot from Playtech instead?