Rise of the Pharaohs - Review, Demo Play, Payout, Free Spins & Bonuses

Introduction

Rise Of The Pharaohs welcomes players into the dusty depths of an ancient catacomb, where they’ll play for free spins and bonuses on this Ancient Egyptian slot theme. Thoth leads the paytable in terms of payouts, followed by Khnum, Horus and two versions of Anubis.

Parchments showing letters and numbers lag slightly behind. Wilds appear too, along with a special scatter symbol that can trigger those free rounds if you manage to collect 3 or more. Rise of the Pharaohs’ bonus game is the true highlight though, and it’s reason enough to visit this desert.

Amass enough Pharaoh bonus symbols and you’ll get the chance to pick between three sarcophaguses. Each one holds a different prize and there are some fantastic wins on offer if you make the correct decision!

Archaeologists and those with an interest in Ancient Egypt should head for 888 Slots slots to try Rise Of The Pharaohs.

Theme, Graphics & Design

Despite being another in a long line of Ancient Egyptian styled games, Rise Of The Pharaohs does enough to set itself apart. The setting is uniquely claustrophobic. The grid is situated in the dusty depths of a burial tomb with the statues of long-dead Pharaohs and rulers lining the walls. This being a tomb, there isn’t much by way of embellishment but the background is detailed, imposing and more than a little creepy.

Brooding, slightly sinister background music builds the atmosphere still further. Rise Of The Pharaohs has a genuinely suspenseful feel, as though the dead might emerge from their tombs at any moment! The paytable is a special highlight, not least because of its detailed visuals and faded parchment look, but because it includes some underused Gods.

There are plenty of Egyptian slots around but they all seem to feature the same iconography, so it was refreshing to find symbols showing lesser-known deities like Thoth and Khnum. 888 Gaming clearly knows its Egyptian history, because these are some of the best looking symbols around and their bold colours really stand out.

Rise of the Pharaohs RTP and Variance

The RTP of Rise of the Pharaohs is 95.02%. It’s just a touch below average but not enough to be any cause for concern. Variance remains a mystery though, as does the top win.

How to Play Rise of the Pharaohs

Secrets await beneath the sands of Egypt but you won’t have to work too hard to uncover them:

1. As is usually the case on an online slot, a single control panel beneath the grid contains all the controls and information that you’ll need.
2. Give i a quick tap to have a look at the paytable and then use the yellow arrows to scroll through pieces of parchment explaining the bonuses and how the paylines are laid out.
3. Press the cross to return to the grid.
4. Your stake is displayed near the centre of the panel. Press bet to adjust it or bet max to skip to the highest possible total.
5. Players can choose between 10, 25, 50 or 75 autospins, or simply spin the reels manually.
6. Keep gaming fun with a sensible budget and stick to it.
7. Press spin and start the excavations!

Bet & Win Sizes

With a top bet of 450, Rise of the Pharaohs is perfect for high rollers, but more cautious players will be satisfied with the low minimum of just 0.15. The long beaked Thoth symbol awards (for x5) the top single line win of x1,500.

Let’s shed some light on the other top payouts.

Five Thoth = x 1,500

Five Khnum = x 800

Five Horus = x 500

Five brown Anubis = x 300

Five black Anubis = x 100

Five As = x 90

Five Ks = x 80

Five Qs = x 70

Five Js = x 60

Five 10s = x 50

You won’t be able to adjust the paylines on Rise of the Pharaohs, but since there are 15 that isn’t too much of a problem. 

Rise of the Pharaohs Bonus Features

Egyptian catacombs usually conjure images of treasure stuffed vaults, and Rise of the Pharaohs has plenty hidden beneath the surface.

Here’s a rundown of its bonuses:

Free Spins

Free spins are a welcome sight on Rise of the Pharaohs. All you need to trigger them are 3 scatter symbols. To make things even easier, these can land in any position. Sticky wilds are added during free spins, too.

Bonus Game

The Pharaoh bonus symbol appears on the grid with a knowing look and undeniable sense of style! Land 3+ of her and you’ll be ushered to a different part of the tomb, where three sarcophaguses await. Each one hides a different prize, so cross your fingers and take your pick!

Rise Of The Pharaohs Review: Verdict

Rise of the Pharaohs is a slow burner that builds tension gradually, hauling players deeper into its subterranean world. The simmering music, ominous statues and detailed tomb setting are all absorbing, especially when paired with some original symbols.

The bonus game is the undisputed highlight, however. It’s impossible not to feel your heartbeat quicken at least a little as you’re faced with golden sarcophaguses, each of which contains a prize. With free spins also in the mix, Rise of the Pharaohs can’t be accused of holding back.

Ancient Egyptian slots aren’t usually the most original, but Rise of the Pharaohs carves out a niche with its unusual setting and a paytable that takes a deeper dive into Egyptian mythology.

Egyptophiles will also love the Pharaoh's Fortune slot and they won’t have to go far to find it - it’s just a click away at Slots Temple.

Disclaimer: Rise of the Pharaohs trademark / license is owned by 888 Slots. This site is not endorsed by 888 Slots.