Book of Ra review: why is it still Latvia's favourite game?

Well then, gambler, shall we do some Egyptology?

Let's be honest with ourselves - how many other casino games do you know that have been sung about in Singapūras Satīns' songs? Everyone knows those boys like to spin, but only this gaming-hall classic has a whole song dedicated to it. Setting aside the 40 000 EUR wins landed here in Latvia back in the day, what exactly makes this game special and unforgettable? Did most Latvian players really have ancient Egyptian history as their favourite class? We'll be hunting for answers to this question of vital importance to our culture and nation in this Book of Ra review.

Books, Indiana Jones and nostalgia - what can we say about the game's design

Video slots have come a long way since the early 2000s, their graphics changing dramatically from the earliest days. When Book of Ra first saw the light of day, its colourful Egyptian-themed visuals were fresh and unlike anything else. Likewise, the recognisable "Indiana Jones from Ali Express" character - in a world that hadn't yet seen mainstream pop-culture icons (Silent Hill, for example) collaborating with gambling developers - certainly gave the game extra recognition. Book of Ra's rapidly growing popularity made sure its machines found homes in countless European casinos, and time, player habits and nostalgia took care of the rest. Innovation slowly became habit, and habit became warm memories. Today, of course, the game is not remotely visually attractive, but it has become something far bigger - an industry icon whose symbols and sounds every self-respecting gambler will recognise.

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Your shot at the big win: RTP and volatility

This is where the game's true character hides. "Book of Ra" is definitely not a game for weak nerves - its classic version comes with a fairly low RTP and very high volatility.

• RTP (Return to Player): For the classic version it hovers around 92.13%, which is fairly meagre by today's standards (the Deluxe version does better - around 95.1%).
• Volatility: Very high - we already mentioned the big wins historically landed here in Latvia. Even though, overall, more money escapes your wallet playing Book of Ra, proper gamblers couldn't care less when weighed against the chance to pull out 4000 times what you've put on the line.

What does that mean? You can sit through quite a stretch of "empty" spins or pocket-change wins that don't even cover your bet. But when this game decides to give, it gives from the heart. It's no accident that the books are one of the game's most iconic features - the biggest wins here come precisely in the bonus round.

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Symbols and paylines

The classic version has 5 reels and just 9 paylines (which you can still adjust yourself). The mechanics are super simple, and I personally love that - no unnecessary thinking about where and how exactly the symbols should connect. You get to enjoy pure, brain-free button mashing, which at times is balm for the soul.

Low-value symbols:

Standard cards (10, J, Q, K, A).
High-value symbols: the Scarab, the Statue of Isis, the Pharaoh and, of course, "Ali Jones" himself (the game's most valuable symbol).
Special symbol: the Book itself. It works both as a Wild (substituting for any other symbol) and as a Scatter (it triggers the bonus).

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The legendary bonus rounds

This is the main reason any of us play this game at all. Catch 3 or more Books anywhere on the screen and you get 10 free spins (Free Spins).
Before the spins themselves begin, the book opens and randomly picks one special expanding symbol. If enough of the chosen symbol lands during the bonus, it expands across the whole reel and pays even when the symbols aren't next to each other. If you're lucky enough to get the Explorer as your special symbol and you catch all five... well, go ahead and fetch the champagne, because the evening is a success.

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How the game runs on mobile

Novomatic (Greentube) have done their homework properly. Even though the game itself has a beard on it, it's fully optimised for HTML5. It loads fast and looks great on any phone - whether you're on iPhone or Android. The buttons are big, so you can happily spin away while stuck in traffic or sprawled on the sofa. Unless some casino gets particularly creative with its licence, the game will run just fine.

Alternative game versions

"Book of Ra", like every major hit, has to live through the fate of countless spin-offs. This time we won't get into all the innumerable book games inspired by "Book of Ra" - let's look at "Book of Ra's" own variations instead. If you want something slightly fresher or less risky, give these a look:

• Book of Ra Deluxe – Upgraded graphics and 10 paylines. These days it's the de facto standard pick in most casinos.
• Book of Ra Magic – If you catch more books during the bonus (retrigger), you get not just extra spins but another special expanding symbol as well.
• Book of Ra 6 – All the same, plus a sixth reel that lets you catch 6-symbol combinations and genuinely cosmic wins.

Which players is this game right for?

If you're looking for a chill game with frequent small wins - this one will wind you up very quickly. "Book of Ra" was made for the patient and for those who love risk. It's meant for players who enjoy classics, simplicity and that insane adrenaline surge the moment two books land and you're waiting for the third. A true hardcore players' classic.

The best casinos to play at

Since this game holds cult status around here, you'll find it on practically any licensed site. But if you want my personal favourites with decent bonuses, check these:

• Laimz Casino – A great choice to start with - a modern site that often offers very juicy welcome bonuses and risk-free spins.
• Kingmaker – A fresher breeze on the market. Definitely worth checking out their campaigns and trying your luck there.
• Optibet – The good old standard that needs no introduction. A trusted brand with a hefty game arsenal.

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