Book of Monsters

Book of Monsters Slot Review

Pragmatic Play’s Book of Monsters presents a distinct approach to the ‘Book of’ slot genre, eschewing conventional mechanics for a cluster-pays system on a 7×7 grid. This slot diverts from typical Egyptian or historical themes, plunging players into a subterranean world populated by peculiar, cartoonish monsters residing within a luminous cave. These are not fearsome beasts, but rather whimsical entities struggling with an unusual predicament: unpredictable growth spurts triggered by a magical tome. This premise sets the stage for gameplay that blends light-hearted monster visuals with the potential for substantial grid-covering wins.

Okay, please see the summary table of bonus features for the “Book of Monsters” slot below:

Book of Monsters Slot – Bonus Features Overview

Unpredictable Growth and Cluster Payouts

Book of Monsters operates on a 7×7 reel setup, employing a cluster pays mechanism. Wins are awarded when five or more matching symbols connect horizontally or vertically. This departure from traditional paylines immediately distinguishes it from many slots, and especially from typical ‘Book of’ style games. The slot features a default Return To Player (RTP) rate of 96.5%, although operators can select lower RTP versions of 95.50% and 94.50%. The game is characterized by high volatility, suggesting less frequent but potentially larger payouts. The maximum win is capped at 5,000x the bet.

The core gameplay in the base game revolves around forming clusters of monster and letter symbols. Lower-value symbols are represented by playing card ranks (J, Q, K, A) adorned with card suits, while higher-value symbols are depicted as purple, green, and red monsters. Landing 49 matching premium symbols in a cluster can yield significant returns, up to 5,000x the initial bet for the top-tier red monster. The absence of wild symbols is notable; however, the game introduces “Fat Symbols” as a base game modifier. Triggered randomly, the magical book at the side of the grid can open to reveal a paying symbol that will then materialize on the grid in sizes ranging from 3×3 to a colossal 7×7. This can lead to unexpected and substantial wins outside of the free spins bonus.

For players seeking immediate action, or for those simply wanting to understand bonus mechanics quickly, a demo version of the slot is available. This allows players to experience the Fat Symbols feature and cluster pay system firsthand, and examine the paytable and in-game help section, usually accessible via an ‘i’ button within the demo, to grasp the full ruleset without financial risk.

Free Spins and the Gamble Feature

The primary bonus feature in Book of Monsters is triggered by landing Bonus symbols, represented by a single, gazing orange eye. Landing 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 Bonus symbols not only initiates the free spins round, awarding 5, 6, 7, or 8 free spins respectively, but also provides an initial payout, reaching up to 100x the bet for seven symbols. Notably, even just two Bonus symbols awards a small 2x bet payout, offering minor consolation when falling short of the main bonus trigger.

Prior to commencing the free spins, Book of Monsters introduces a gamble feature, adding a layer of strategic decision-making. A paying symbol is randomly selected to become the “Fat Symbol” for the duration of the bonus round. Players are then presented with two gamble options: one to potentially increase the number of free spins and another to upgrade the Fat Symbol to a higher value symbol. Each gamble comes with a displayed percentage chance of success. Choosing to gamble introduces risk: failing the gamble, indicated by the book revealing “The End,” results in the complete loss of the bonus feature and a return to the base game. Successful gambles can progressively increase the free spins count, potentially up to 8 spins from the initial trigger, and upgrade the Fat Symbol to the highest paying monster. This gamble element injects volatility right at the bonus entry point, adding a layer of tension before the free spins even begin.

Once the free spins commence, the chosen Fat Symbol begins as a 1×1 tile and moves to a new random position on each spin. A progressive meter tracks the collection of regular symbols that match the designated Fat Symbol, accumulating symbols that land during the free spins and are not covered by the Fat Symbol itself. Reaching specific thresholds in this meter triggers growth in the Fat Symbol’s size, alongside awarding extra free spins – between one and three additional spins are granted with each size upgrade. The Fat Symbol expands sequentially: from 1×1 to 2×2, then 3×3, 4×4, 5×5, 6×6, and finally to a grid-filling 7×7. This progressive growth mechanic is central to the bonus round, offering escalating win potential as the Fat Symbol occupies more grid positions.

Volatility, Betting, and Bonus Access

Book of Monsters is classified as a high volatility slot. This suggests that while wins might not occur on every spin, there is potential for more substantial payouts when wins do happen. The betting range is flexible, accommodating various player preferences with stakes from a minimum of 0.20 to a maximum of 240. For players aiming to increase their odds of triggering the free spins bonus organically, the Ante Bet feature can be activated, increasing the bet by 100% but reportedly increasing the frequency of bonus triggering by a factor of seven. Alternatively, for players who prefer to bypass base game play and directly access the bonus feature, a Bonus Buy option is available, at a cost of 100x the current bet.

Thematic Execution and Distinctiveness

Visually, Book of Monsters adopts a cartoonish, playful monster aesthetic, reminiscent of other Pragmatic Play titles with monster themes. The cave setting, while somewhat generic, is rendered with detailed rock formations and pulsating blue lighting, punctuated by more ominous specters lurking in the shadows. The visual style is generally upbeat and less focused on horror, aligning with the whimsical nature of the monster characters. The floating book, constantly steaming atop its pedestal, serves as a focal point, visually signaling the game’s key mechanics.

Compared to standard ‘Book of’ slots, Book of Monsters differentiates itself significantly through its cluster pays, 7×7 grid, and progressive Fat Symbol mechanic during free spins. While not a ‘Book of’ slot in the traditional sense of expanding symbols during free spins, it incorporates a book element to initiate features and select special symbols. The Fat Symbol growth is evocative of slots like Fat Rabbit by Push Gaming, but Book of Monsters uniquely applies this mechanic to regular paying symbols within a cluster pay framework, on a larger grid. This combination creates a gameplay experience that feels distinct from both conventional ‘Book of’ slots and classic symbol expansion games.

Book of Monsters delivers an engaging, if somewhat unusual, slot experience. Its deviations from standard ‘Book of’ mechanics and themes, combined with the progressive Fat Symbol and gamble feature, offer experienced slot players seeking something different a noteworthy option. While the base game can be feature-sparse, the free spins bonus and potential for large grid-covering wins, alongside the playful monster theme, provide sufficient entertainment value for players looking for free online slot diversions or for those studying unique slot mechanics before real-money engagement.