This Ghost of Dead review runs through the key features of a spooky Play’n GO slot released in September 2021. Although Rich Wilde doesn’t feature in this particular release, it’s another game which utilizes the popular “Book of” format.
Dare you enter the haunted crypt in search of a 10,000x payout? Before you do, read our Ghost of Dead review in full to prepare yourself for the potential horrors within.
| Software Provider | Play’n GO |
| Release Date | September 2021 |
| RTP | 96.21% |
| Volatility | High |
| Max Win | 10,000x |
| Reels x Rows | 5 x 3 |
| Minimum – Maximum Bet | $0.01 - $50 |
| Number of Paylines | 10 |
| Themes | Ancient Egypt |
Ghost of Dead Details, RTP and Volatilit
To kick off this Ghost of Dead review, let’s quickly lay out what’s under the hood of this ghoulish game. For starters, be prepared for a scarily high level of volatility which results in a top potential win of 10,000x.
The game’s return to player rate is generally a quite average 96.21%. However, a number of lesser-paying versions exist online, including 94.21%, 91.21%, 87.22% and 84.22%, so watch out.
Unusually for Play’n GO, this is a penny slot, so you can literally play from just $0.01 per spin. There are 10 adjustable paylines on the 5x3 grid, with a maximum possible bet of $50.
Theme & Graphics in Ghost of Dead
If Play’n GO is known for one thing, it’s the Rich Wilde series. These slots further popularized the “Book of” format, originally developed by Novomatic. Although its Ghost of Dead slot doesn’t feature the erstwhile explorer, it still adopts one of the industry’s most popular slot themes — Ancient Egypt.
Unless you’re completely new to video slots, you’re sure to have seen at least one similar game in the past. This particular release does at least try to be a little scarier than most, set in an eerie, spider web-ridden tomb.
The music is equally creepy and the game’s sound effects echo ominously around the crypt. There’s also a ghost that haunts the scatter symbol, making an appearance during one of the free spins rounds. Ultimately though, it all looks and feels a lot like countless other slots.
Ghost of Dead Slot Features
At this stage of our Ghost of Dead review, it’s time to explore deeper into the game’s various features.
Regular Symbols
Nine regular symbols feature in the paytable, and the four highest-paying examples are very much in keeping with the theme. The ankh and Egyptian cobra both return a maximum of 600 coins for five on a payline, with the scarab beetle offering up to 1,600. However, the pharaoh’s mask is the most valuable, paying as much as 10,000 coins for five-of-a-kind.
Five lower-paing playing cards round things off, with the Q, J and 10 returning between four and 80 coins each. The A and K pay slightly better, with up to 120 coins on offer.
Wild and Scatters
Like all of the Play’n GO “Book of” games, the scatter doubles as a wild that can substitute for normal symbols to create wins. However, there are two scatters in this slot. Both are canopic jars, which the Ancient Egyptians used to mummify dead bodies.
One scatter is perfectly ordinary, but it can randomly turn “spectral” on any given spin and begin to glow green. Find three or more regular scatters to trigger Free Spins, while the Spectral Scatters unlock a special Awakened Free Spins game.
Ghost Spin
Something else which can randomly trigger on any base game round is the Ghost Spin. Here, a symbol is arbitrarily selected by the titular specter. If it’s able to create winning combinations, it will expand and cover a full reel.
Gamble
The Ghost of Dead slot also offers you the chance to gamble your prize after any winning spin. Simply guess the suit or color of the hidden playing card to increase your win by 4x or 2x. The game is entirely optional, of course, and you can collect at any time.
Free Spins
Collect three or more regular scatters to earn ten free spins. Before they begin, you’ll choose one of three symbols to act as the special expanding symbol throughout. These enable you to create winning combinations across reels which are not adjacent to one another.
Land three more scatters during the bonus game to retrigger the feature with a further ten spins.
Awakened Free Spins
These are triggered whenever you find three or more Spectral Scatters. They play out largely in the same manner as the regular spins, only a ghost will choose an extra expanding symbol for you.
How to Play Ghost of Dead Online
Before we wrap up our Ghost of Dead review, let’s quickly run through how to play. First, use the plus and minus icons to set a stake and toggle the number of active paylines from one to ten. Tap the circular arrows in the bottom-right corner to spin, or use up to 100 auto plays via the orange button.
The idea is simple enough: land matching symbols on a payline from left to right to secure a prize. You’ll need at least three of the low-payers and two of the more valuable symbols. Collecting three of either scatter triggers the corresponding free spins bonus.
Try the Ghost of Dead Demo for Free before playing for real money
We strongly advise playing our free Ghost of Dead demonstration game before heading to a real money casino. Even if the game seems straightforward, you may be caught out by an unfamiliar feature or rule. Testing free slots before risking money is always a good idea.
Ghost of Dead Review – Our Final Verdict
All in all, this is a solid addition to the Play’n GO catalog. Fans of Rich Wilde and other “Book of” slots will definitely want to give it a try, as will history lovers. It’s easy on the eye, too. But in truth, there’s not much going on that you won’t have already seen.
The random Ghost Spin is a minor but welcome addition to the usual format. It keeps things interesting while waiting for free spins, which can take a frustratingly long time to appear due to the game’s high variance.
There’s a bit of something for everyone, though. Smaller-staking players will appreciate the variable paylines and low betting limits, if not the high volatility. While the 10,000x top prize is sufficiently tempting to stick around.
Similar Slot Games
Those of you who liked our Ghost of Dead review and demo will probably enjoy these similar titles:
- Book of Dead: This 5x3 Play’n GO slot was released in January 2016 and introduced us to the popular Rich Wilde character.
- Cat Wilde and the Lost Chapter: Rich hands the baton to his daughter in this 96.20% RTP game with a 10,000x max win.
- Book of Ra: Novomatic’s 2008 release had a big influence on Book of Dead and played a huge role in popularizing the “Book of” format.
