Play'n GO
4.6
Book ofDead
Play'n GO
Book of Dead
Book of Dead still works because the formula is simple: high volatility, expanding-symbol free spins, and very little distraction around the main feature.
RTP 96.21%High5,000x bet
GreatSlots review · Play'n GO · 2019
Rise of Merlin Slot Review
Rise of Merlin takes the familiar Play'n GO book-slot structure and moves it into a wizard setting. The rules are not complicated, but the feature has enough personality to feel different from another Egyptian book clone.
Play'n GO
4.3
Rise of Merlin
RTP 96.58%High5,000x betMerlin magic5 reels x 3 rows
GreatSlots score
4.3/5
Best for
players who like book mechanics with a wizard theme
A good fit for players who like expanding-symbol free spins but want a fantasy skin instead of another tomb.
GreatSlots quick summary
Rise of Merlin is a high-volatility book-style slot with 10 paylines, a crystal-ball scatter, and expanding-symbol free spins.
How the slot works
Rise of Merlin plays on a 5x3 grid with up to 10 paylines. The crystal ball substitutes as a wild and also acts as the scatter that opens the bonus.
The free spins round follows the classic expanding-symbol pattern. One symbol is selected at the start, and when enough of that symbol lands during a spin, it can expand across full reels. Retriggers are especially useful because they can add more spins and increase the number of special symbols in play.
Bonus features
- The crystal ball works as both wild and scatter.
- Three or more scatter symbols trigger free spins with an expanding special symbol.
- Retriggers can add more free spins and introduce extra expanding symbols.
Pros
- +Expanding-symbol feature is familiar and easy to understand.
- +Wizard theme gives the book format a different tone.
- +96.58% RTP is strong for this style of Play'n GO slot.
Cons
- -Base game can feel sparse between scatter hits.
- -10 paylines make the grid less active than newer ways slots.
- -Players tired of book mechanics may not find enough novelty.
Who this slot is for
Rise of Merlin suits players who already understand the appeal of Book of Dead-style features and want a slightly different presentation. It also works for players comparing Play'n GO's book slots against each other.
Players who want modern cascades, multi-stage bonuses, or constant base-game action should look elsewhere.
Mobile play
The mobile version stays readable because the 5x3 grid is small and the crystal-ball scatter is easy to spot.
Similar slots
4.6
Play'n GO
4.5
Legacy of Dead
Play'n GO
Legacy of Dead
Legacy of Dead is a sharper Egyptian book slot, keeping the 10-line format simple while letting expanding-symbol free spins carry the upside.
RTP 96.58%High5,000x bet
Play'n GO
4.1
Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness
Play'n GO
Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness
Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness mixes a 5x5 cluster grid with portal features, special wilds, and a horror-adventure tone that is more interesting than the win cap suggests.
RTP 96.59%Medium2,000x bet
More ways to compare
Use these nearby comparisons when RTP, volatility, or feature shape matters more than the theme.
RTP guide
Slot RTP Guide
RTP is useful only when it is read with volatility, max win, feature access, and the exact game version being reviewed.
Bonus guide
Free Spins Slot Guide
Free spins matter most when the trigger, retrigger rules, multipliers, and symbol upgrades are clear enough to compare before play.
Jackpot guide
Jackpot Slot Guide
Jackpot-led slots can be appealing because of the ceiling, but the review needs to separate jackpot upside from base-game value.
Megaways guide
Megaways Slot Guide
Megaways slots need a different comparison because changing reel heights, cascading wins, and free-spin multipliers can reshape every round.
Jackpot comparison
Compare jackpot-led slots where RTP and feature access matter.
Megaways comparison
Compare changing reel sets, free spins, and multiplier pressure.
High-volatility comparison
Compare sharper bonus chases with longer dry stretches.
Cluster and fruit comparison
Compare faster boards built around tumbles, clusters, and simple reads.
FAQ
What is the RTP of Rise of Merlin?
The highest commonly listed RTP version is 96.58%, though Play'n GO games can have lower configured versions.
How many paylines does Rise of Merlin have?
It uses up to 10 adjustable paylines on a 5x3 reel set.
What makes Rise of Merlin different from Book of Dead?
It uses a similar expanding-symbol free spins idea, but the theme, symbol set, and retrigger progression give it a fantasy-wizard identity.