Cleopatra Plus

Cleopatra, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, remains a figure shrouded in mystique and power. Her image has graced countless slot games, and IGT's Cleopatra Plus, released in October 2016, offers a unique twist on this well-worn theme. While the base game presents a familiar 5×4 reel structure with 40 paylines and medium volatility, it's the innovative Level Up Plus feature that truly sets this game apart.

Beyond the Pyramids: Unveiling the Core Mechanics

Cleopatra Plus doesn't reinvent the wheel in terms of basic mechanics. The game adheres to a fairly standard format. Wins are awarded for matching symbols across active paylines, reading from left to right. The betting range caters to a broad spectrum of players, starting from a minimum bet of $0.01 per line. However, to experience the full potential of the Level Up Plus feature, activating all 40 paylines is crucial and pushes that minimum bet up to $0.40. High rollers can push the stakes considerably higher, reaching a maximum bet of $1000 per spin in some casinos.

While spinning the reels, players will encounter a familiar cast of Egyptian-themed symbols. These include the classic lower-paying card symbols (Ten through Ace) rendered in a hieroglyphic style. Higher value symbols take the form of iconic Egyptian deities and artifacts, with Bastet, Ra, Anubis, scarabs, and the Eye of Horus all making an appearance. The return-to-player (RTP) percentage fluctuates between 92.89% and 96.50%, depending on the specific casino, which falls within a reasonable range for online slots. The theoretically achievable maximum win clocks in at 1,500x the total bet, a figure that’s certainly enticing but far from the most impressive by today's standards. You can familiarize yourself with the mechanics in the demo version available on this page.

The Power of Plus: Leveling Up the Gameplay

The Level Up Plus feature is the true heart of Cleopatra Plus. This system allows players to progress through different levels, unlocking increasingly rewarding bonuses along the way. The journey begins at level one and culminates at level four. Progression is fueled by collecting special “follower” symbols represented by the golden pyramid, golden scarab, and the golden Eye of Horus. These symbols act as scatters, awarding followers based on their type: one, two, or three, respectively. Landing five of these scatter symbols also awards a direct payout, culminating in a 50x multiplier for five golden Eye of Horus symbols.

Each level reached unlocks a new location on the bonus map, expanding the options available during the Free Spins bonus round. Think of it as progressively unlocking different chambers within a vast Egyptian tomb, each harboring its own unique treasures.

Free Spins: A Journey Through Ancient Egypt

Triggering the Free Spins bonus round is the ultimate goal in Cleopatra Plus. This feat is achieved by landing three or more scatter symbols (any combination) on the reels. However, unlike traditional free spins rounds, Cleopatra Plus offers a compelling layer of strategy. Rather than a fixed number of spins and a set multiplier, players choose one of the locations they've unlocked on the bonus map. Each location offers a different number of free spins, multipliers, and the chance for additional cash prizes. For example, one location might offer fewer spins but a higher multiplier, while another could provide more spins with a lower multiplier and the potential for bonus cash awards. This element of choice introduces an engaging strategic dimension, inviting players to tailor the bonus round to their preferred risk level and play style.

Wild Wins and Stacked Symbols: Amplifying the Potential

The Cleopatra Plus logo serves as the wild symbol in this game. It substitutes for all other symbols except scatters, helping to complete winning combinations. What makes this wild particularly potent is its ability to appear stacked up to 10 symbols high on a single reel. This can lead to significant wins, especially when multiple stacked wilds land simultaneously. Furthermore, all wins involving the wild symbol are doubled, adding another layer of excitement.

Cleopatra Plus: A Classic with a Twist

Cleopatra Plus isn't a groundbreaking slot in terms of graphics or sound design. The visuals are functional and capture the Egyptian theme effectively, albeit without the breathtaking detail seen in some newer titles. The soundtrack leans towards the traditional, featuring familiar Egyptian motifs. However, where Cleopatra Plus truly shines is its innovative Level Up Plus feature and the strategic element it introduces into the Free Spins bonus round. This unique mechanic adds depth and replayability, making it more than just another Egyptian-themed slot. It appeals to players who appreciate a strategic layer within their bonus rounds and who enjoy the thrill of unlocking progressively rewarding features. While the base game may feel familiar, the innovative bonus structure elevates Cleopatra Plus beyond the typical slot experience and offers a captivating journey into the world of ancient Egypt.