Introducing Emelia Lionheart
Meet Emelia Lionheart, a new character sporting a fedora and a mischievous grin, who could easily be mistaken for a distant relative of John or his sister Jane Hunter, whom we encountered not too long ago in Jane Hunter and the Mask of Montezuma. Emelia adds a fresh face to the adventure, though her role doesn’t revolutionize the gameplay.
Familiar Territory
However, beyond the introduction of this new character, Diamonds of Egypt doesn’t stray far from the familiar, offering features such as multiplier wilds, a pick-me Jackpot Bonus Game, and free spins with the removal of royal symbols. For enthusiasts of sandy landscapes, Diamonds of Egypt might just hit the mark, as sand features prominently throughout the game.
A Sandy Setting
The sand is scattered across the background in the base game, accompanies big win celebrations, and even manifests as a sandstorm during transitions between game phases. Given its setting in Egypt, the abundance of sand is quite fitting, although one would hope for more exploration of pesowin the country’s rich history, architecture, and artifacts, which do make sporadic appearances in Diamonds of Egypt.
Classic Egyptian Elements
From pyramids and the Sphinx to statues, flaming braziers, and gold, the game incorporates all the classic Egyptian elements, albeit without much innovation thus far. These elements create a familiar backdrop for players who enjoy ancient Egyptian themes but are looking for something beyond the typical representations.
Symbol Breakdown
Turning our attention to the symbols, Diamonds of Egypt offers 11 regular pay symbols, including the typical 9-A low pay card royals and higher-value scarab jewelry, a cup, a ring, bracelets, and a Pharaoh mask. Achieving a 5-of-a-kind winning combination results in payouts ranging from approximately 0.17x the bet for the royals to around 1.45x to 7.73x the bet for the premium symbols.
Wilds and Multiplier Wilds
Emelia herself graces the wild symbols, which appear on reels 2, 3, and 4, capable of substituting for any symbol, including scatters. Additionally, there’s a multiplier wild, exclusive to reel 3 during both the base game and free spins, boasting a x5 multiplier that applies to all wins upon landing. This pesowin feature can significantly boost winnings, adding a layer of excitement to the gameplay.
Slot Features
Whenever at least 1 wild symbol lands, there is a chance the Jackpot Bonus Game is triggered. As well as this, Diamonds of Egypt has a free spins bonus round as its final extra. These features are staples in many slot games, ensuring players have opportunities for big wins and engaging gameplay.
Jackpot Bonus Game
Upon activation, a selection of pots appears on the screen, allowing players to choose them one by one. Each pot conceals one of the four Jackpots. Upon revealing three of the same Jackpot, players are awarded the corresponding prize. This translates to 10 times, 20 times, 100 times, or 1,000 times the initial bet for obtaining the Mini, Minor, Major, or Grand Jackpot, respectively. This game within the game offers an engaging way to score significant rewards.
Free Spins Galore
If players land 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols in Diamonds of Egypt, they receive payouts of 5, 10, or 50 times the bet, respectively, in addition to triggering 8 free spins. Furthermore, if 3 or more scatter symbols appear during the free spins round, another 8 free spins are triggered, with no limits on the number of additional spins. During these free spins, the lower-paying royal symbols are removed from the reel strips, potentially enhancing the chances of landing higher-value combinations.
Verdict: A Safe Bet
In the realm of adventure-themed slots, Diamonds of Egypt falls somewhat short of capturing the thrill akin to, let’s say, an Indiana Jones escapade. It appears that Pragmatic Play aimed to create a game that would appeal to a broad spectrum of gamblers, resulting in a rather safe and unremarkable endeavor.
Visuals and Gameplay
Ancient Egypt, as a slot theme, is as conventional as they come, catering to a significant number of players who are familiar with or will eventually encounter it. While Diamonds of Egypt boasts agreeable visuals typical of Pragmatic Play’s polished style, there’s nothing particularly innovative or outstanding about them.
Standard Gameplay
Similarly, the gameplay in Diamonds of Egypt feels rather pedestrian. Features like the multiplier pesowin wild, the pick-and-click Jackpot Bonus Game, and the free spins without royal symbols are all standard fare. While these elements function adequately, there are no moments of excitement or surprise that make one sit up and take notice.
Modest Ambitions
Everything in the game fits together smoothly and performs its function competently, but it’s evident that the game had modest ambitions from the outset. This modesty extends to the game’s winning potential, capped at 2,500 times the initial bet. In essence, Diamonds of Egypt may appeal to some players due to its relaxed nature, decent flow, and the inclusion of two bonus rounds.
Final Thoughts
It’s a visually appealing game with glossy aesthetics, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression or make a pesowin significant impact in the gambling world. Nevertheless, it’s doubtful that Pragmatic Play intended to revolutionize the industry with Diamonds of Egypt in the first place. For those who enjoy a laid-back slot experience with familiar features and a touch of Egyptian mystique, this game might just fit the bill.
