In the world of online slots, one character has proven to be as enduring as the ancient treasures he seeks – John Hunter. Pragmatic Play’s answer to Indiana Jones, John Hunter, is back in action, this time in “John Hunter and the Book of Tut Megaways.” If you’re in the mood for an Egyptian adventure with a Megaways twist, let’s dive into this thrilling game.
A Familiar Egyptian Landscape
For those who’ve explored the depths of Egyptian-themed slots, the backdrop of “John Hunter and the Book of Tut Megaways” will feel familiar. Pragmatic Play has retained the enchanting ambiance of Ancient Egypt, complete with pyramids, swaying palm trees, a captivating sky, golden sands, and a tranquil river. The main visual change comes in the form of an expanded game area, offering six reels with varying symbols, adding an element of surprise to every spin.
A Multitude of Ways to Win
The number of symbols on the reels in this game is as dynamic as the shifting sands of Egypt, varying from 2 to 7 symbols per reel, resulting in up to a staggering 117,649 ways to win. Winning combinations are formed from the first reel and pay from left to right, but there’s a twist – expanding symbols can pay from any position. Players can choose from several versions of the game with different Return to Player (RTP) rates, with the highest set at 96%. “John Hunter and the Book of Tut Megaways” follows a highly volatile math model, catering to players who love a thrilling challenge. Bet options range from 20 pence/cents to £/€240, and activating the Ante Bet increases the stake by 25% while slightly shifting the RTP to 96.01%. The Ante Bet offers a higher chance of triggering free spins when more scatter symbols are present on the reels.
Symbols of Ancient Riches
Exploring the paytable, you’ll encounter two distinct categories of symbols. First, there are the traditional 10-A card ranks, offering payouts of 0.4 to 0.5 times the bet for a 6 OAK (6 of a kind) winning combination. The higher-paying symbols include scarab jewelry, a cat statue, a pharaoh, and the protagonist, John Hunter, providing rewards of 0.6 to 2 times the bet for a six-symbol win. The wild symbol, a key element in many slot games, appears on the three central reels and can substitute for any regular pay symbol. It’s worth noting that the wild and scatter symbols are distinct entities in this game.
The Magic of Expanding Symbols
“John Hunter and the Book of Tut Megaways” maintains the tradition of special expanding symbols, a hallmark of games in this genre. In this slot, the special expanding symbol feature is available both in the base game and during free spins. On any base game spin, one pay symbol is randomly chosen to be the special expanding symbol. After regular wins have been calculated, these selected symbols expand to cover all positions on their respective reels. These expanded symbols pay from any position on their respective reels, but expansion occurs only if it results in a winning combination.
Unearthing Free Spins
A total of 10 free spins is awarded when at least three scatter symbols appear on the reels. The reward increases with more scatters, offering a payout of 3x, 15x, 100x, or 500x the bet for 3, 4, 5, or 6 scatter symbols, respectively. As the free spins round commences, a special pay symbol is randomly chosen, and it remains an expanding symbol throughout the feature. Landing three or more scatter symbols during free spins will grant you an additional 10 free spins.
Unlocking Free Spins with the Buy Free Spins Option
For those who prefer a shortcut to the action, players have the option to purchase free spins directly by paying 100 times their bet. This feature provides a return value of 96.06%.
John Hunter’s Ongoing Quest
In the world of online slots, John Hunter has become synonymous with high-quality gameplay, exciting adventures, and the pursuit of ancient treasures. From “John Hunter and the Book of Tut” to “John Hunter and the Book of Tut Respins,” and now “John Hunter and the Book of Tut Megaways,” the series continues to captivate players. The enduring popularity of John Hunter’s escapades has motivated Pragmatic Play to keep delivering exciting slots to fans of the series.
A Familiar Yet Thrilling Adventure
“John Hunter and the Book of Tut Megaways” doesn’t stray far from its successful predecessors. It sticks to the formula, combining the beloved ‘book of’ style gaming with the innovative Megaways mechanic. Although it’s not the first game to blend these elements, it certainly holds its own. Similar hybrids, such as Blueprint Gaming’s “Legacy of Ra Megaways” and Skywind’s “Book of Gems Megaways,” have demonstrated the appeal of this approach.
In essence, “John Hunter and the Book of Tut Megaways” delivers precisely what it promises. If you’re a fan of the expanding special symbol mechanic and the Megaways format, this game offers you an expanded grid and impressive winning potential, with a maximum payout of 10,000 times your bet. While the game delivers solid gameplay and exciting features, it’s fair to wonder if Pragmatic Play could have injected some fresh innovations to truly mark the occasion. However, the success of John Hunter’s adventures in uncovering ancient riches suggests that we haven’t seen the last of his quests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What is the theme of “John Hunter and the Book of Tut Megaways”?
“John Hunter and the Book of Tut Megaways” is set in Ancient Egypt and follows the adventures of John Hunter, an intrepid explorer.
What is the return to player (RTP) rate in the game?
The RTP rate in “John Hunter and the Book of Tut Megaways” varies depending on the version played but can go up to 96.06%.
What is the maximum win potential in the game?
“John Hunter and the Book of Tut Megaways” offers a maximum win potential of 10,000 times the bet.
How do expanding symbols work in the game?
In the base game, one pay symbol is randomly chosen to be the special expanding symbol. After regular wins are calculated, these symbols expand to cover their respective reels, paying from any position.
How are free spins triggered in “John Hunter and the Book of Tut Megaways”?
A total of 10 free spins are awarded when a minimum of three scatter symbols appear on the reels. Additional free spins can be won by landing more scatters during the free spins round.
Can players buy free spins in the game?
Yes, players have the option to buy free spins for the cost of 100 times their bet, with a return value of 96.06%.
Is the game compatible with mobile devices?
“John Hunter and the Book of Tut Megaways” is optimized for mobile play and is compatible with smartphones and tablets.
Are there additional games in the John Hunter series?
Yes, Pragmatic Play has released several games featuring John Hunter as the protagonist, each offering unique gameplay experiences.
How does the Megaways mechanic work in the game?
The Megaways mechanic varies the number of symbols on the reels, offering up to 117,649 ways to win, and expanding symbols pay from any position.
What sets “John Hunter and the Book of Tut Megaways” apart from other games in the series?
While the game retains the core elements of the John Hunter series, it introduces the Megaways mechanic, providing an expanded gaming experience with the potential for significant winnings.