Return of the Sphinx Slots
Egyptian-themed slots have become something of a common fixture amongst the land-based slots market. And this Return of the Sphinx offering from the guys at IGT is another to add to the ever-growing list of slots in that category.
IGT are, of course, the market leaders when it comes to the Egyptian-themed slots but we shall discuss that a bit later on. Fans of IGT slot machines will know that this game has all the makings of what could potentially be their next favorite title.
Return of the Sphinx is a 3-reel, 5-pay line slot machine with a three-level progressive jackpot to be won. It has that old-school feel to it with the aged graphics and the reel layout but there is something quite vintage about that. The inclusion of the max bet reel also allows you to expand the number of reels you play during the base game.
The game as a whole still has that raw appeal to it. The sound effects are classic casino floor and you will likely find yourself coming into playing this game with low to average expectations which means you could be pleasantly surprised.
Theme
As we mentioned earlier, IGT are the kings (or should that be pharaohs?) of the Egyptian-themed slots so there was a lot of expectation and anticipation surrounding this slot machine's release all those years ago.
Other IGT slots that have hit the market with an Egyptian theme and have really bossed it include the legendary Cleopatra and the equally superb Crown of Egypt. These are names that transcend the slots industry with casino goers that play all types of table games even aware of their existence.
Return of the Sphinx might not have the depth of those 5-reel slot machines but it does prove that 3-reel games still have a place in the market. The symbols are as Egyptian as you might expect and the music feels like it is straight out of ancient Cairo.
Features
There are a number of cool features in Return Of the Sphinx which you might not expect from a 3-reel slot. These give you plenty of action and ensure that you have the chance to win some decent prizes.
Pyramid Chamber Bonus – this bonus feature can be triggered if you are using the max bet fourth reel. There are 15 blocks present in the Pyramid Chamber waiting to be filled by Ankh symbols.
When an Ankh is collected from the fourth reel, you are awarded with 5 credits and one of the 15 blocks is filled. Awards in this feature are then paid out depending on how many blocks are filled. Gold Ankhs pay out up to 250 credits.
Green Ankhs will trigger the Sarcophagus Bonus and can pay up to 245 credits. They also have the potential to offer a Sphinx statue which can reward one pick in the Sphinx Chamber Bonus. Finally, blue Ankhs can reward up to 2,500 credits and give you one pick in the Sphinx Chamber Bonus.
Sarcophagus Bonus – this bonus feature is available when it is triggered by a green Ankh being selected in the Pyramid Chamber Bonus. You will be asked to choose one of give Sarcophagi to reveal a prize.
Sphinx Chamber Bonus – the third and final bonus feature on this slot machine is triggered by the Sphinx statue or blue Ankh during the Pyramid Chamber Bonus. Very much like the Sarcophagus Bonus, you will be asked to select one of the five Sphinx blocks to reveal a winning prize.
Summary
Honestly, when I saw this was a 3-reel slot machine I was not holding much hope I would enjoy it. Call me a new age ignorant but I have never been a massive fan of the 3-reel slot machines but that changed here.
Return of the Sphinx is an iconic slot machine in the 3-reel market and shows that the slots still have a role to play. It offered an insight into the slots of old but also felt like a modern slot in its own right. Approach it with an open mind and you will be pleasantly surprised.
