Classic pokies are getting rare on platforms, but Book of Ra is one of the few projects not budging from the top spots. Our team got to thinking – what keeps this not-so-young game among the most popular? On this page, we’ll break down the ins and outs of Book of Ra and its Deluxe version, plus stack them up against each other.
Classic pokies are getting rare on platforms, but Book of Ra is one of the few projects not budging from the top spots. Our team got to thinking – what keeps this not-so-young game among the most popular? On this page, we’ll break down the ins and outs of Book of Ra and its Deluxe version, plus stack them up against each other.
Tracking down popular games to play is no big deal, but finding the exact version of Book of Ra takes some serious digging. That’s why we’ve put together a list of top platforms where both the demo mode and full-on play are ready to roll.
Let’s kick off the breakdown with the overall vibe of the pokies. After all, the first thing that hits a player is the visuals and sound.
Let’s start with the visuals and they’re restrained. The game doesn’t scream luxury, no room here for flashy effects or detailed backgrounds. That might throw off players used to modern standards at first, but only at first.
After a few spins, our team found the Book of Ra game feels surprisingly good. Winning isn’t a walk in the park, but when it hits, it’s genuinely satisfying. Once the game gets going, the plain surroundings (true for the Deluxe version too) stop feeling like a downside. Honestly, we’re so used to overloaded visuals that this simplicity with dark tones feels fresh and unusual. The project bears a strong visual resemblance to another iconic pokies – the Cleopatra slot.
When it comes to music, the game keeps it dead simple – there’s none, except for a short jackpot jingle. But the lack of background tunes has its upside, no stray sounds drown out the clank of the reels or the chime of a win.
On the tech side, it’s all straightforward. The game runs well, no issues with animations (when there’s barely any, it’s hard to spot flaws), and textures display properly. The only hiccup on PC is occasional loading trouble. While putting together the platform list, our team had to wait a fair bit. Also worth noting some odd scaling in full-screen mode, but that’s minor stuff.
On smartphones, it’s much the same as a PC, except the buttons sit nicely on the screen. Display’s solid symbols scale correctly. Effects don’t lag, no bugs spotted. Overall, both versions hold up well.
Now let’s talk about the payoff of playing. The money situation here isn’t the strongest, but more on that later – first, a bit about bets. The betting options are pretty varied. Starting at A$0.01 and going up to A$50, we think the max could’ve been higher, but for old-school pokies, it’s not bad.
The bet range suits those who don’t go all in but prefer playing small. Wins follow the classic setup – left to right on active lines, no fancy Pay Anywhere stuff. The grid in both versions is a standard 5x3, nothing extra. For those seeking a classic gaming experience, similar to Book of Dead, our featured guest today is an excellent option.
The game’s volatility is medium. Wins don’t drop often, but when they do, the sums are decent. RTP at 92.13% in the original and 95.1% in Book of Ra Deluxe is noticeably below modern standards (~96%), so long-term returns aren’t stellar. Max win is 5000x the stake in both versions, which was cool back in the day but looks modest next to today’s 15,000x+ beasts.
Bonuses hinge on luck. The game’s big draw is free spins with an expanding symbol, triggered by three or more book symbols (scatter). The Book of Ra Deluxe version is slightly more generous thanks to better RTP and visuals, but the mechanics stay the same. Without cascades or bonus buys, landing a big payout takes patience, but it’s definitely worth the wait.
Now to the main stuff, the symbol features, and yeah, the game packs a decent number of them. Let’s break each one down quick.
We noticed these symbols really liven up the game, and honestly, every spin had us hoping to land them. But beyond the symbols, the bonus features don’t disappoint either.
With all these tricks, leaving the game feels tough, it’s genuinely gripping. That goes for both the Book of Ra classic and Deluxe versions. The feature set’s identical, though the payout sizes differ. Still, the game’s no spring chicken, and some mechanics, like the win lines, might feel dated to newer players.
While working on this page, we kept thinking about how to show the differences between the game’s versions. Unlike newer projects that just spruce up animations and boost the win pool, the Deluxe version mechanically stands apart from the original.
We settled on a table format, laying out all the distinct features of the games.
| Feature | Book of Ra | Book of Ra Deluxe |
|---|---|---|
| RTP | 92.13% | 95.1% |
| Paylines | 9 | 10 |
| Graphics & Textures | Basic, dated | Sharper, more modern |
| Animations | Simple, minimal | Smoother, slightly more detailed |
Let’s clear this up right away, the Deluxe version feels nicer and more rewarding compared to the original. Everything’s better there, with higher volatility, but for those hooked on the classic vibe or craving something vintage, the original’s definitely worth a spin.
Book of Ra is an old-school slot with a modest RTP but mechanics that can deliver a hefty payout if luck’s on your side, perfect for thrill-seekers and fans of classic vibes.
Otherwise, we in the editorial team think the game’s genuinely engaging, even if it struggles to keep up with modern brands like the Dog House. The project still holds its fanbase tight and isn’t backing down. No wonder this game was synonymous with pokies for years.
But don’t forget – nothing is more important than safety. If an online casino isn’t licensed, has hardly any player reviews, or mostly negative ones, we strongly recommend skipping that gambling site. Play smart and don’t take unnecessary risks – especially with your money and personal information.
Honestly, the game still holds up, especially if you’re into classic pokies. Its Egyptian vibe, free spins with expanding symbols, and that gamble feature pack a punch, but the low RTP and old-school mechanics might feel off for fans of modern slots. We in the editorial team found it gripping, with wins feeling super satisfying when they hit. Give it a spin on our listed platforms to see if it clicks.
The rules are super simple – line up 5 symbols on a payline. All the player needs to do is hit the “play” button and place a bet. But with a 92.13% RTP, losses aren’t uncommon.
