Hand of Anubis

Fortune Games® Slots Review of Hand of Anubis Slot Game

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Hand of Anubis Slot: An In-Depth Review

The Hand of Anubis slot brings the mystery and allure of ancient Egypt to life in a thrilling online gaming experience. Developed by Hacksaw Gaming, this slot game takes players on a journey through the underworld, where the god of death and mummification holds sway. With its stunning visuals and innovative gameplay mechanics, the Hand of Anubis slot has an impact on the world of online casino gaming, offering a unique blend of excitement and potential rewards.

This in-depth review aims to analyse every aspect of the Hand of Anubis slot. It delves into the game's overall design, explores its core gameplay features, and examines the two distinct free spin modes: Underworld and Judgement. Additionally, the article discusses the bonus buy options available to players and weighs the pros and cons of this Anubis-themed slot. By the end, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of what makes the Hand of Anubis slot stand out in the crowded online casino market.

Game Overview

Theme and Design

The Hand of Anubis slot transports players to the heart of ancient Egypt, offering a unique and dark interpretation of this popular theme. Unlike many Egyptian-themed slots that focus on bright, golden imagery, this game delves into the mysterious and foreboding aspects of the afterlife. The atmosphere is intensified by the presence of Anubis, the god of death and mummification, represented by two imposing jackal-headed statues flanking the reels. One statue has piercing blue eyes, while the other features menacing red eyes, adding to the game's eerie ambiance.

The visual design is striking, with a blackened temple serving as the backdrop for the reels. High-quality graphics bring to life symbols steeped in Egyptian lore, such as scarab beetles and the Eye of Ra. The colour scheme is predominantly dark, using shades that evoke the secrets of the pharaohs and the mysteries of their tombs. This gritty and ominous aesthetic sets Hand of Anubis apart from typical Egyptian-themed slots, creating a truly immersive experience.

Adding to the game's distinct appeal is the mysterious audio backdrop. The suspenseful guitar sounds contribute to the overall atmosphere, building anticipation with every spin and enhancing the player's journey through this representation of the Egyptian afterlife.

Technical Specifications

Hand of Anubis, developed by Hacksaw Gaming and released on 21 April 2022, offers a unique gameplay experience with its 5x6 grid layout. The game employs a cascading cluster pays system, where victories are achieved through clusters of five or more similar symbols. This mechanic adds an extra layer of excitement to each spin.

The slot features 30 symbols that drop onto the reels with each spin. Players can adjust their bets from a minimum of £0.10 to a maximum of £100 per spin, catering to a wide range of budgets. The game is fully optimised for play across various devices, including desktops, notepads, and mobile phones, ensuring a seamless gaming experience regardless of the platform.

Symbol-wise, the game includes both lower and higher-paying symbols. The lower-paying symbols are represented by 10, J, Q, K, and A, while the higher-paying symbols feature Egyptian characters with gemstones in turquoise, purple, yellow, green, and red. Landing 11 or more of the same lower-paying symbol type in a cluster pays 15 times the bet, while the same cluster of higher-paying symbols can reward between 20 to 60 times the bet. The game also includes red and blue soul orb symbols that serve as wild symbols, and a pharaoh symbol that acts as the scatter.

RTP and Volatility

The Return to Player (RTP) percentage is a crucial factor for players to consider when choosing an online slot. Hand of Anubis offers a default RTP of 96.24%, which is slightly higher than many other online slots. This percentage indicates that, over time, players could potentially win back 96.24% of their wagers. However, it's important to note that the actual RTP can vary at different online casinos, as the game has been created with multiple RTP settings.

In terms of volatility, Hand of Anubis is classified as a high volatility slot, rating 5 out of 5 on the volatility scale. This high volatility nature means that wins might not occur as frequently, but when they do, they have the potential to be quite substantial. The game offers a maximum win potential of up to 10,000 times the bet, adding to its appeal for players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay.

The hit frequency of the game stands at 36.92%, providing insight into how often players can expect to land winning combinations. This combination of high volatility and substantial win potential makes Hand of Anubis an exciting choice for players who are willing to take on more risk in pursuit of potentially larger rewards.

Gameplay Mechanics

The Hand of Anubis slot offers an innovative gameplay experience that sets it apart from traditional slot machines. This game utilises a unique combination of features that create an engaging and potentially rewarding experience for players.

Cluster Pays System

At the heart of the Hand of Anubis slot is the Cluster Pays system. Unlike conventional slots with paylines, this game employs a grid-based structure where winning combinations are formed by clusters of matching symbols. Players need to land a minimum of five identical symbols connected vertically, horizontally, or both to create a winning cluster. The larger the cluster, the higher the payout.

This system offers several advantages:

  1. Increased winning opportunities: Clusters can appear anywhere on the grid, not just from left to right.
  2. Multiple wins per spin: Several winning clusters can form in a single spin, boosting potential payouts.
  3. Dynamic gameplay: The absence of traditional reels and paylines creates a more fluid and exciting gaming experience.

Cascading Reels

The Hand of Anubis slot incorporates a cascading reels feature, which adds an extra layer of excitement to each spin. Here's how it works:

  1. When a winning cluster forms, the symbols in that cluster disappear.
  2. New symbols then cascade down to fill the empty spaces.
  3. This process continues, potentially creating new winning clusters.
  4. The cascade feature only ends when no new winning combinations appear.

This mechanic has an impact on the gameplay by offering players the chance to win multiple times from a single spin. It creates a sense of anticipation and excitement as players watch new symbols fall into place, hoping for additional winning combinations.

Soul Orbs Feature

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Hand of Anubis slot is the Soul Orbs feature. These special symbols play a crucial role in enhancing the game's winning potential:

  1. Soul Orbs act as wild symbols, substituting for other symbols to create winning clusters.
  2. They come in two colours: red and blue, each with unique properties.
  3. Soul Orbs absorb power from all cluster wins in a round, applying a stacking win multiplier to wins they're part of.

The red and blue Soul Orbs have distinct characteristics:

  • Red Soul Orbs: Their multiplier increases by 1x for each symbol in each win.
  • Blue Soul Orbs: Their multiplier increases by 1x per winning cluster, but resets before each new spin.

When two Soul Orbs are part of the same win, their values multiply each other before being applied to the win, potentially leading to substantial payouts.

The Soul Orbs feature adds a strategic element to the gameplay. Players must consider the placement and colour of these special symbols to maximise their winning potential. This feature, combined with the Cluster Pays system and cascading reels, creates a dynamic and engaging gaming experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats with every spin.

Base Game Features

The Hand of Anubis slot offers a unique and engaging base game experience, centred around the intriguing Soul Orb feature. These special symbols play a crucial role in enhancing the game's winning potential and adding an extra layer of excitement to every spin.

Red Soul Orb

The red Soul Orb is one of the two wild symbols in the game, substituting for other symbols to create winning clusters. What sets it apart is its progressive multiplier feature. Each time a red Soul Orb lands, it absorbs power from all cluster wins in that round. The multiplier on the red Soul Orb increases by 1x for each symbol in every cluster win. This means that larger clusters have the potential to significantly boost the multiplier value.

For example, if a cluster win contains 10 symbols, the red Soul Orb's multiplier would increase by 10x. This multiplier is then applied to any subsequent wins that include the red Soul Orb, potentially leading to substantial payouts.

Blue Soul Orb

The blue Soul Orb functions similarly to its red counterpart but with a slight variation in its multiplier mechanics. Like the red Soul Orb, it acts as a wild symbol and absorbs power from cluster wins. However, the blue Soul Orb's multiplier increases by 1x per winning cluster, regardless of the cluster's size.

This means that if there are multiple winning clusters in a round, the blue Soul Orb's multiplier could potentially increase more rapidly than the red Soul Orb's. However, it's important to note that the blue Soul Orb's multiplier resets before each new spin, adding an element of volatility to its potential.

Multiplier Interactions

One of the most exciting aspects of the Soul Orb feature is the potential for multiplier interactions. When both a red and blue Soul Orb are part of the same winning cluster, their multiplier values multiply each other before being applied to the win. This interaction has the potential to create massive payouts, especially if both Soul Orbs have accumulated high multiplier values throughout the round.

For instance, if a red Soul Orb has a 5x multiplier and a blue Soul Orb has a 3x multiplier, and both are part of the same winning cluster, the total multiplier applied to that win would be 15x (5 x 3).

It's worth noting that on each new round, there's a chance of landing either one Soul Orb, both Soul Orbs, or neither. This randomness adds an element of anticipation to every spin, as players never know when these powerful symbols might appear.

The Soul Orb feature in the base game creates a dynamic and potentially lucrative gameplay experience. Players must keep a keen eye on these special symbols, as their placement and colour can significantly impact the winning potential of each spin. The progressive nature of the multipliers, combined with the possibility of multiplier interactions, means that even the base game has the potential for substantial payouts.

This innovative feature sets Hand of Anubis apart from many other slot games, offering a unique blend of strategy and chance. Players must consider the different properties of the red and blue Soul Orbs, understanding that while the red orb's multiplier can increase more dramatically with large clusters, the blue orb's multiplier might increase more frequently with multiple smaller clusters.

Underworld Free Spins

The Underworld Free Spins feature in the Hand of Anubis slot offers players an exciting opportunity to boost their winnings through a unique multiplier system. This bonus round takes place in an even more ominous setting than the base game, adding to the overall atmosphere of ancient Egyptian mysticism.

Trigger Mechanism

To activate the Underworld bonus round, players need to land exactly three bonus symbols on the reels. Once triggered, the game awards 10 free spins to start the feature. This initial set of spins provides a solid foundation for players to explore the bonus round's potential.

Green Soul Orbs

A key element of the Underworld Free Spins is the introduction of a special green Soul Orb. This symbol plays a crucial role in activating the multipliers associated with each reel. When a green Soul Orb lands on a reel, it unlocks the corresponding multiplier below that reel, making it active for the remainder of the bonus round.

The appearance of a green Soul Orb has an impact on the gameplay in two significant ways:

  1. It activates the multiplier for that specific reel, allowing it to contribute to potential wins.
  2. It awards an additional three free spins, extending the player's time in the bonus round.

This mechanism ensures that players have more opportunities to build up their multipliers and potentially secure larger payouts.

Multiplier System

The Underworld Free Spins feature employs a complex multiplier system that has the potential to lead to substantial wins. Each reel has its own multiplier, starting at 0x, which can increase throughout the bonus round.

Here's how the multiplier system works:

  1. Winning Clusters: Whenever a winning cluster forms, the number of winning symbols on each reel is added to the corresponding multiplier below it. For example, if a winning cluster contains three symbols on the first reel, the multiplier for that reel increases by 3x.
  2. Anubis Skull Symbols: These special symbols can land during the bonus round and multiply the number below them by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x. However, these multiplier values remain inactive until a green Soul Orb lands on the corresponding reel to activate them.
  3. Multiplier Activation: When a multiplier is activated by a green Soul Orb, all activated multipliers become global. This means that the values of all activated multipliers are added together and applied to each winning cluster.
  4. Multiplier Cap: Each individual multiplier can reach a maximum value of 9,999x, providing the potential for truly massive wins.

The interplay between these elements creates a dynamic and potentially lucrative bonus round. As players progress through their free spins, they have the opportunity to build up multiple active multipliers, each contributing to the overall win potential.

It's worth noting that the bonus round can be extended beyond the initial 10 free spins. Each time a multiplier is activated by a green Soul Orb, an additional three spins are awarded. This mechanism allows players to potentially accumulate a significant number of free spins, giving them more chances to build up their multipliers and land substantial wins.

The Underworld Free Spins feature in Hand of Anubis offers a thrilling and potentially rewarding experience. With its unique multiplier system, the introduction of green Soul Orbs, and the possibility of extending the bonus round, this feature adds an extra layer of excitement to the game, keeping players engaged as they chase those big wins in the depths of the ancient Egyptian underworld.

Judgement Free Spins

Activation Method

The Judgement Free Spins feature in the Hand of Anubis slot offers players an exciting and potentially lucrative bonus round. To trigger this feature, players need to land four Pharaoh Skull Free Spins symbols during a base game spin. This is one more symbol than required for the Underworld Free Spins, making it a more elusive but potentially more rewarding bonus.

Once activated, players are awarded three refilling free spins. The bonus round begins with a significant transformation of the game grid. All high and low-paying symbols from the base game are removed and replaced with special 'block' symbols, creating a unique gameplay experience. Additionally, 1x multipliers appear above each reel, setting the stage for potentially massive wins.

Special Symbols

The Judgement Free Spins feature introduces several special symbols that play crucial roles in determining the outcome of the bonus round:

  1. Multiplier Blocks: These blocks carry a value equal to the multiplier of the reel they land on. They fall to the bottom of the grid and stack on top of each other, gradually filling up the reels.
  2. Ice Blocks: When an Ice Block lands, it's immediately crushed, making way for a Multiplier Block to drop from above. This mechanism ensures a constant flow of valuable symbols onto the grid.
  3. Crusher Blocks: These special blocks fall through all other blocks, destroying Multiplier Blocks in their path. Upon reaching the bottom, they transform into a Multiplier Block with a value equal to the sum of all destroyed blocks.
  4. Multiplier Modifier Blocks: These blocks can either add to or multiply the existing multiplier values, potentially leading to substantial increases.

Multiplier Modifiers

The Multiplier Modifier Blocks come in four variants, each with its own effect on the multipliers:

  1. Skull: Adds a value between +1 and +100 to the multiplier directly above.
  2. Epic Skull: Adds a value between +1 and +100 to all visible multipliers.
  3. Anubis Skull: Awards a multiplier between x2 and x10 to the multiplier directly above.
  4. Epic Anubis Skull: Awards a multiplier between x2 and x10 to all visible multipliers.

These modifiers have the potential to significantly boost the multiplier values, leading to massive win potential. The Epic variants are particularly valuable as they affect all visible multipliers, potentially creating a scenario where all reels have high multiplier values.

The Judgement Free Spins feature has a unique mechanism to extend the bonus round. Every time a Multiplier Block, Multiplier Modifier Block, or Crusher Block lands, the remaining spins reset to three. This gives players more opportunities to build up their multipliers and accumulate Multiplier Blocks on the grid.

The bonus round comes to an end when three consecutive spins occur without landing any of these special blocks. At this point, the sum of all Multiplier Block values is multiplied by the bet level to determine the final payout. This mechanism has the potential to lead to substantial wins, especially if players have managed to accumulate high-value Multiplier Blocks throughout the feature.

The Judgement Free Spins in Hand of Anubis offers a thrilling and potentially lucrative bonus experience. With its unique block system, multiplier modifiers, and resetting spin counter, this feature keeps players on the edge of their seats as they chase those big wins in the realm of the ancient Egyptian god of death.

Bonus Buy Options

The Hand of Anubis slot offers players the opportunity to bypass the base game and directly access the exciting bonus features through the Bonus Buy option. This feature allows players to purchase either the Underworld Free Spins or the Judgement Free Spins, providing instant access to the game's most thrilling elements.

Underworld Free Spins Purchase

Players can buy their way into the Underworld bonus for 129 times their bet. This option has an RTP (Return to Player) of 96.29%, which is slightly higher than the base game. When purchasing this bonus, players receive 10 free spins to start with.

The Underworld Free Spins feature offers a unique gameplay experience with its multiplier system. Below the grid, five numbers starting at zero appear. As winning clusters form, the number of winning symbols on each reel is added to the corresponding multiplier. The Anubis Skull multiplier symbol plays a crucial role, as it can multiply the multiplier value by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x.

To activate these multipliers, players need to land green Soul Orb symbols. When a green Soul Orb appears, it activates the multiplier on that reel. The total of all active multipliers is then applied to each winning cluster, with a potential maximum of 9,999x. Additionally, each time a multiplier is activated, players receive three extra spins, potentially increasing the total free spins to 25.

Judgement Free Spins Purchase

For those seeking an even more intense experience, the Judgement Free Spins can be purchased for 200 times the bet. This option has an RTP of 96.18%. Upon activation, players receive three refillable spins, with multipliers appearing above the reels.

The Judgement bonus introduces several special blocks that enhance the gameplay:

  1. Multiplier Blocks: These carry a value equal to the reel's multiplier and stack at the bottom of the grid.
  2. Ice Blocks: These disappear upon landing, making way for new symbols.
  3. Crusher Blocks: These smash through Multiplier Blocks, collecting their values.
  4. Multiplier Modifier Blocks: These can add to or multiply the existing multiplier values.

The Multiplier Modifier Blocks come in four variants: skull, epic skull, Anubis skull, and epic Anubis skull. These can significantly boost the multiplier values, potentially leading to massive wins.

Each time a Multiplier Block, Multiplier Modifier Block, or Crusher Block lands, the spin count resets to three. The bonus round ends after three consecutive spins without landing one of these special blocks, at which point the sum of all Multiplier Block values is awarded.

It's important to note that while the Bonus Buy option provides immediate access to these exciting features, the wins will not always exceed the price of the bonus. However, for players who enjoy the thrill of these bonus rounds and don't want to wait to trigger them naturally, the Bonus Buy option offers an enticing shortcut to the most engaging aspects of the Hand of Anubis slot.

Pros and Cons

The Hand of Anubis slot offers players an exciting and unique gaming experience, but like any casino game, it has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's explore both sides to help players make an informed decision about whether this game suits their preferences.

Advantages

  1. Innovative Gameplay Mechanics: The Hand of Anubis slot features a cluster pays system with cascading reels, providing a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience. This mechanic offers multiple winning opportunities and keeps players on the edge of their seats with each spin.
  2. Exciting Bonus Features: The game boasts two distinct free spin features - Underworld and Judgement - each offering unique gameplay elements and the potential for substantial wins. These bonus rounds add depth and variety to the overall gaming experience.
  3. High Win Potential: With a maximum win of 10,000 times the bet, Hand of Anubis offers the chance for truly life-changing payouts. This high win potential is particularly appealing to players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay.
  4. Soul Orb Feature: The innovative Soul Orb feature in the base game adds an extra layer of excitement and win potential. The progressive multipliers associated with these special symbols can lead to significant payouts even in the base game.
  5. Flexible Betting Range: With bets ranging from 0.50 to 100 per spin, Hand of Anubis caters to a wide range of players, from casual gamers to high rollers. This flexibility allows players to adjust their stakes according to their budget and risk tolerance.
  6. Bonus Buy Option: For players who prefer to jump straight into the action, the Bonus Buy feature allows immediate access to the exciting free spin rounds. This option can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy the thrill of bonus features.

Disadvantages

  1. High Volatility: The Hand of Anubis slot has extremely high variance, which means that while it can generate mega wins, it may take a very long time for those wins to appear. This high volatility can lead to extended periods of losses, which might not suit players with smaller bankrolls or those who prefer more frequent, smaller wins.
  2. Complex Features: The game's multiple features, including the Soul Orb mechanics and the intricate bonus rounds, might be overwhelming for new players or those who prefer simpler slot games. The learning curve could be steep for some players.
  3. Potentially Addictive Gameplay: The high win potential and exciting features of Hand of Anubis could lead to addictive behaviour in some players. It's crucial for players to gamble responsibly and set strict limits on their playing time and budget.
  4. RTP Variations: The Return to Player (RTP) percentage can vary depending on the casino and the specific feature being played. For instance, the Judgement Free Spins feature has a lower RTP (96.18%) compared to the base game (96.24%). Players should be aware of these variations when choosing their gameplay strategy.
  5. Limited Theme Appeal: While the ancient Egyptian theme is popular, it might not appeal to all players. Those who prefer different themes or more modern slot designs might find the game less engaging.
  6. Mobile Play Challenges: Given the game's complex features and information-rich display, playing Hand of Anubis on mobile devices might be challenging. The smaller screen size could make it difficult to fully appreciate all the game elements and features.

Conclusion

The Hand of Anubis slot has a revolutionary effect on the online casino gaming scene, offering players a unique blend of ancient Egyptian mysticism and cutting-edge gameplay mechanics. Its innovative features, including the Soul Orb system and two distinct free spin modes, provide an immersive and potentially lucrative gaming experience. The game's high volatility and substantial win potential cater to thrill-seekers, while its flexible betting range makes it accessible to a wide array of players.

Despite its complex features and high variance, Hand of Anubis stands out as a compelling option for slot enthusiasts looking for something different. Its strengths lie in its engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and the chance for massive payouts. However, players should approach the game with caution, keeping in mind its high volatility and the importance of responsible gambling. Ultimately, Hand of Anubis offers a thrilling journey into the Egyptian underworld, promising an unforgettable gaming adventure for those willing to take the risk.

*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Win, etc.) mentioned in relation to this slot game are subject to change at any time