Book of Dragon Hold and Win, released by Felix Gaming in July 2024, combines classic Book mechanics with an innovative Hold and Win feature in a 5×3 grid slot with 10 paylines. The game stands out with its dragon and treasure theme, featuring stone-carved symbols and intricate dragon-claw details. The high-volatility gameplay offers a 96.21% RTP and maximum win potential of 5000x the stake. Players trigger 12 free spins with expanding symbols through the Book feature, while collecting dragon eggs activates the Hold and Win respins with four distinct egg types – Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Wooden. The bonus buy option provides direct access to features at 50x or 65x the bet. Felix Gaming has successfully merged two popular mechanics while maintaining balanced mathematics and strategic depth.
Felix Gaming has crafted an intriguing fusion in Book of Dragon Hold and Win, combining two beloved slot mechanics – the classic Book feature and Hold and Win respin system. Released in July 2024, this 5×3 video slot brings fresh innovations to both familiar mechanics while maintaining a modest 10 payline configuration.
A Tale of Two Features
The slot's standout innovation lies in its dual bonus system. Rather than simply copying existing Book mechanics, Felix Gaming has woven together an intricate interplay between expanding symbols and collectible dragon eggs. The Book feature transforms one regular symbol into an expanding powerhouse during free spins, while the Hold and Win system introduces four distinct egg types – Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Wooden – each carrying unique prize potential.
Mathematical Framework
With a theoretical return to player (RTP) of 96.21%, Book of Dragon Hold and Win positions itself in the competitive mid-range volatility segment. The betting range spans from 0.10 to 60, making it accessible to both casual players and high rollers. The maximum win potential caps at 5,000x the base bet, translating to a substantial 250,000 at maximum stake.
Visual Artistry and Symbol Design
The visual presentation breaks from typical dragon-themed conventions. Instead of the expected red and gold palette, the game employs a rich, dark aesthetic where symbols appear to be carved from ancient stone. Royal symbols feature dragon claws gripping their edges – a thoughtful detail that elevates them beyond mere filler symbols. Premium symbols showcase scrolls, mystical potions, treasure chests, and dragons rendered with noteworthy attention to detail.
Hold and Win Innovation
The Hold and Win feature demonstrates particular innovation through its egg-collection system. When six or more eggs appear, they trigger a respin sequence with unique characteristics: Gold Eggs serve as jackpot triggers, requiring three to award the Mega prize level. Silver Eggs contribute to the Major prize pool, while Bronze Eggs feed into the Mini jackpot system. The Wooden Eggs introduce an element of unpredictability, carrying random values between 1x and 100x the total bet.
Book Mechanics Reimagined
The Book feature activates with three scatter symbols, awarding 12 free spins. What sets this implementation apart is how the special expanding symbol interacts with the base game's premium symbols. The expansion mechanic pays on non-adjacent positions, creating potential for substantial wins even with scattered symbol positions – a deviation from traditional Book-style games.
Strategic Depth
Advanced players will appreciate the strategic layers introduced by the dual bonus buy options. The Free Games feature can be purchased for 50x the current bet, while the Hold and Win feature commands a 65x price point. This creates interesting decision points for players weighing immediate bonus access against standard gameplay variance.
Felix Gaming has succeeded in creating more than just another Book clone or Hold and Win variant. The thoughtful integration of both features, combined with attention to visual detail and mathematical balance, results in a slot that offers genuine innovation in an increasingly crowded market segment. While high volatility may deter some players, those seeking complex gameplay mechanics and substantial win potential will find much to appreciate in this release.