Book of Grimm

Holle Games’ “Book of Grimm” presents a fresh perspective on the well-known fairytale theme. The game’s visual presentation immediately distinguishes itself. The artwork has a dreamlike quality, with a palette of soft pastels and intricate details that evoke a sense of wonder without resorting to childish imagery. Characters from the Grimm tales are depicted with a unique artistic flair, giving them a renewed sense of mystery. This slot’s atmosphere is less about cartoonish renditions and more about capturing the subtle enchantment that made these stories timeless.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

“Book of Grimm” operates on a 5×3 reel structure with 10 fixed paylines. While this setup may seem conventional, the game distinguishes itself through its symbol interactions and bonus features. Wins are awarded from left to right, and the payline structure is straightforward, making it easy to track winning combinations. The paytable dynamically adjusts to reflect the current bet, providing clear and immediate feedback on potential payouts.

The symbol hierarchy is interesting. Alongside the lower-paying card symbols (10, J, Q, K, A), you will find iconic characters from the Grimm universe. The presence of figures such as Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and the Snow Queen contribute to the overall narrative. These characters are not merely symbols, they feel like protagonists in a visual story, each spin a new chapter.

The Book of Secrets: Scatter and Wild

The titular “Book of Grimm” serves as both the scatter and wild symbol, a dual function that adds a layer of strategic depth. Landing three or more of these symbols anywhere on the reels not only awards a payout but also triggers the Free Spins feature. The payout for the scatter is notably generous, with five books awarding 250 times the bet, offering a taste of the potential fortunes within.

As a wild, the Book substitutes for all other symbols, helping to complete winning combinations. This dual functionality makes the Book symbol the key to unlocking the game’s full potential, a central element around which the entire gameplay revolves. It is a clever design choice that elevates the Book from a simple icon to a powerful game-changer.

Free Spins and the Expanding Symbol

The Free Spins feature in “Book of Grimm” is where the game truly shines. Triggered by three or more Book symbols, it awards 10 free spins. However, before the free spins begin, a special expanding symbol is randomly chosen from the regular paytable. If you struggle to grasp the nuances of this expanding symbol feature, you can find a detailed explanation in the game’s official rules by launching the demo version and accessing the help section by pressing “(i)”.

During the free spins, after regular wins are paid, this chosen symbol will expand vertically to cover the entire reel if it can contribute to a winning combination. What makes this feature unique is that the expanding symbol pays independently of the paylines. The symbols do not need to be adjacent to form a win, offering a potential for substantial payouts. The potential for retriggering the Free Spins indefinitely by landing three or more Book symbols during the feature adds another layer of excitement, as each retrigger maintains the same chosen expanding symbol. It is possible to fill the whole screen with one symbol.

Gamble Features: Double or Nothing

“Book of Grimm” offers not one, but two distinct gamble features for those seeking an extra layer of risk and reward. These features are optional and can be engaged after any winning spin.

The Card Gamble is a classic double-or-nothing proposition. Players are presented with a face-down card and must guess its color (red or black). A correct guess doubles the winnings, while an incorrect guess forfeits them.

The Ladder Gamble offers a more nuanced risk-reward scenario. Players are presented with a ladder of increasing prize values. Each step up the ladder offers a higher potential payout, but also a greater risk of losing. You have three lives in this feature. The ability to collect winnings at any time or to gamble only half of the winnings, provides a strategic element to this feature.

Both gamble features are well-integrated into the game’s overall design and offer a chance to significantly boost winnings. However, they are high-risk options that should be approached with caution. The game’s maximum win potential of 5,000 times the bet can be achieved either through the base game, the free spins, or these gamble features.

“Book of Grimm” by Holle Games has a certain charm. This slot is likely to resonate with those who appreciate a more refined take on classic themes. While the game offers substantial winning potential, the relatively low frequency of larger wins and the high volatility of the gamble features suggest a game that rewards patience and a calculated approach. “Book of Grimm” is a game that deserves attention not for flashy gimmicks, but for its subtle artistry and engaging mechanics.