Queen of Egypt Slot
A classic game for a classic era, this 5-reel historical epic from Gamesys sticks to the traditional formula for slot machines. Heavy on fun, and heavy on opportunities to win cash prizes.
You don’t have to be even half awake to pick up on the fact the title says it all about this one – we’re in Ancient Egypt, searching for the Pharaoh’s most treasured items. Or at least three of a kind in lettered tablets if the higher-value symbols don’t come our way, or any of the thematically-tuned in Wild and Scatter icons.
Opening the Tomb
The graphics and design of this game aren’t exactly going to blow anyone away, with simple, static, 2D iconography leaving little room for fuss or unnecessary distractions. Those after something that will jump off the screen at them should move on then. Those after something ready to let the spins do the talking stay put.
Visually speaking, the Egyptian theme is as omnipresent as you would expect from a game called Queen of Egypt. The lower value symbols are letters and numbers, presented as ancient scripture to stay in role. Higher value symbols come in the form of depictions of pyramids, two different treasures, a mummy’s coffin, and the Queen herself.
The reels themselves sit between ornate pillars, and that’s about all there is to it. Like we said, this is one to file in the no-nonsense category.
Enter the Pyramid
Like most slot machine games, Queen of Egypt has a maximum number of lines to bet on- 9- and a range of coin sizes you can start with. In this case the choices are pretty cheap- from 20p to £1. Click the - or + to increase or decrease the coin size, which in turn is indicative of just how much you stand to win in the end.
Once you’re happy with the amount you’re willing to bet, select your lines by clicking on the coloured numbers to the side of the reels- or, if you’re confident hit ‘Max Bet’ – and away you go.
Starting from the bottom, the lowest value tablets are the characters 10 and J (100). Q, K and A are 150; and the pictures are worth 200 (pyramid and treasure), 500 (mummy’s coffin), and 1,000 for the Queen symbol. From 10 to the pyramid, you need three or more of the same to match, all others will offer a payout with just two.
Magic and Mystery
The Ancient Egyptians themselves were said to have some pretty unique abilities- for example the ability to live on as immortals after their earthly death, and the skill of communicating with extra-terrestrial, or even cerebral forces. As such it’s unsurprising Queen of Egypt comes with its own magic symbols that can really wake the mummies from their almost-eternal slumber.
The first of these is the Wild, which depicts some purple jewelry. These can be used to substitute any other symbol in the proverbial deck, other than the Scatter- identifiable as a King Cobra in full on attack mode. Not just a random decision, we can presume this is because you’d scatter if faced with one of these ferocious serpents. Land two or more anywhere on the reels and you’ll get a payout.
All Hail Her Excellency
It’s also important to pay some respect to the exalted Queen here, too. Not only is she one of the icons to match, she can unlock the Pharaoh’s treasure, which gives you a cash prize 10,000x your coin size- the biggest payout in the game. The neat little touches don’t end there, either. Pays Either Way means that even though the game only has a possible nine paylines available, this is doubled because combinations of symbols, including those using Wild icons, are valid from right to left, not just left to right.
Worth Worshipping the Queen of Egypt?
Queen of Egypt is one of those deceptively simple slot machines. On the one hand, it only gives you nine paylines to plump for, and ten icons that can be matched. But then thanks to the inclusion of some nifty bonuses, along with the reverse order that comes with Pays Either Way, it actually feels much more open in terms of the possibilities.
Granted, it’s not the most technologically advanced you can find in terms of the look, and the way it functions is as traditional as you’ll find on a digital machine. But when it comes to the actual gameplay this is streets- or dusty roads- ahead of so much competition; it draws you in and keeps you there.