Links of Ra: Slot Overview
Slingshot Studios introduces Links of Ra, adding yet another entry to the saturated category of Egypt-themed slot games. Microgaming partner Slingshot Studios What new insights can one truly offer about this enigmatic region that hasn't already been extensively reviewed? Imagine yourself slathering on sunscreen and donning a hat to face the searing heat of the ancient desert. Immerse yourself in an exotic journey where you solve puzzles, ascend the grandeur of pyramids, and explore hidden tombs. Slingshot's game encapsulates this experience in Links of Ra, allowing players to spin for wins with features like Power Stacks, free spins, and a Link&Win feature complete with four different jackpots.
In Links of Ra, Slingshot transports players unmistakably to an Egyptian setting. Dominating the backdrop are colossal pyramids, complementing the game's UI and jackpot display. Although Giza is famed for its trio of Great Pyramids and smaller counterparts, Slingshot utilizes creative freedom to enhance the enigma, suggesting a yet-unexplored region of Egypt. Uncovering such a vast, forgotten civilization would immortalize any archaeologist's career, mirroring the thrill of stumbling upon random pyramids in the Egyptian desert. This all builds into the visually appealing and culturally rich gameplay in Links of Ra.
The heart of the action lies on a central 5-reel, 4-row setup, offering 40 paylines for players' winning combinations. These paylines reward from the leftmost reel onwards. Although captivated by the glint of Egyptian sunlight, players should note the Return to Player (RTP) percentage varies. Ideally, it peaks at 96.20%, but can dip to 94.23% or lower. The game's 'very high' volatility indicates that major winnings may come during streak respins, while the base game mostly banks on sporadic Power Stacks. Links of Ra can be played on any device, with bets ranging from 20 p/c to $/€20 per spin.
The symbols used in Links of Ra fit the theme well and are artistically crafted. The lower-paying symbols consist of four gemstones, while higher payouts come from five deities resembling Khnum, Sobek, Bastet, Anubis, and Horus, rewarding you 5 to 7.5 times your bet for five matching icons. The game's title serves as the wild symbol, appearing anywhere on the reels, substitutes for any pay symbol in a winning line, and can yield up to 25 times the bet for five in a row.
Links of Ra: Slot Features
Most of the additional features in the game, such as Power Stacks, free spins, and the Link&Win function, have already been mentioned.
Power Stacks
At any moment during the game, symbols may become Super Stacked by chance. These stacked symbols are spread across all reels, excluding wilds and scatters.
Free Spins
Securing 3 scatter symbols in the base game activates 15 free spins, where all wins benefit from a 2x multiplier.
Link&Win
During gameplay, landing 6 or more coin symbols activates a special feature, locking those coins in place while awarding 3 respins. Regular pay symbols don't appear here, but new coins do, locking into position and resetting respins. Once the feature ends, the total values on the locked coin symbols are tallied and paid out.
When the Link&Win is triggered from the base game, each coin can range in value from 1 to 15 times the original stake. There are also 4 jackpot coin symbols - Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand, valued at 20x, 100x, 500x, and 2,500x the stake, respectively. If this feature is triggered during free spins, all coin values including jackpots are doubled.
Links of Ra: Slot Verdict
Let's acknowledge that Links of Ra is a slot crafted with impressive attention to detail. The visuals are outstanding, the user interface is sophisticated, and overall, the product is exceptionally polished. Should players be drawn to the alluring Egyptian theme, this could be enticing. However, fans may find it less compelling if they’re seeking something groundbreaking, as repeating themes do tend to become predictable. The traditional Egyptian scenery and familiar deity symbols are well-designed, yet they echo what many other such games offer. If developers want to maintain interest, they need to innovate beyond excellent execution. Despite its polished finish, there isn’t enough originality in Links of Ra to bring back players who have had their fill of Egyptian-themed adventures.
This sentiment extends to the in-game features that, while functioning correctly, lack innovation for those seeking it. Doubling win values during free spins and the routine streak respin round offer no unique surprises compared to more sophisticated games from other developers. However, the doubling of Link&Win prizes when activated from free spins is an appreciated addition, potentially leading to the top 5k prize. Notably, winnings in Links of Ra are capped at a $/€500,000 maximum, suggesting an incredible payout potential of 25,000 times the max bet, though practicality might dictate this estimated potential is likely overestimated.
Perhaps it's a result of experiencing an overload of streak respins during our evaluation, or maybe it's just due to it being another attractive game delivering more of the familiar experience. Whatever the reason, Links of Ra is visually appealing and performs adequately but doesn’t compel a revisit.
In Short
Links of Ra is visually appealing and performs adequately, but it doesn't offer enough to inspire a player to return.
(1 = worst / 10 = best)