Developer: Play’n GO
RTP: 96.59%
Volatility: Very High
Max Win: 2,000x
Bet Range: £0.10 – £100
Grid: 5×5 Cascading Cluster Pays
The Adventure Begins
Rich Wilde returns in his most terrifying adventure yet with Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness, the fourth installment in Play’n GO’s popular Rich Wilde series. This time, our intrepid explorer ventures into the dark realm of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos, where he must unlock the secrets of the sinister Cult of Cthulhu.
Unlike his previous Egyptian adventures in Book of Dead, this supernatural thriller takes Rich into a gothic horror setting that showcases Play’nGO’s skill in producing superbly original slots. The game transforms the familiar treasure-hunting theme into something far more sinister and atmospheric.
Visual & Audio Experience
Play’n GO are known for creating stylish games with impressive graphics, and Tome of Madness is certainly no exception, featuring spooky music and graphics with dramatic music and sound effects adding to the adventure. The game creates stunning graphics quality with sinister voiceover that will give you goosebumps.
The soundtrack features an ominous melody combined with a steady drumbeat, with reels spinning with a metallic clang that adds realism. As players enter the slot, a quote from Lovecraft is read in the hall of a mansion, with a statue of an angel visible in the distance, illuminated by candles.
The visual symbols include precious gems marked with enigmatic emblems – rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and amethysts – along with strange creatures featuring tentacles and alien-like features that bring to mind Lovecraft’s iconic Cthulhu mythos.
Game Mechanics & Features
Core Gameplay
Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness uses a 5×5 cascading grid where you must match 4 or more symbols vertically, diagonally, or horizontally rather than traditional paylines. When you land a win, the symbols involved in the combination disappear and new symbols take their places, so you can hit multiple wins on a single spin.
Wild Symbols System
The game features three distinct types of Wild symbols:
1. Multiplier Wild (Rich Wilde)
Rich Wilde himself appears as a Multiplier Wild that substitutes for all regular figures by doubling any win.
2. Special Wild (The Tome/Necronomicon)
The book itself serves as a Special Wild, otherwise known as the Necronomicon, which can activate other portal features.
3. Mega Wild (Cthulhu)
The one-eyed monster Mega Wild appears only during the bonus game and comes with a 2×2 size, moving one step below on the grid with every cascade.
Portal Charging System
All symbols participating in winning clusters are collected by the Portal meter, which requires 42 characters to fully charge. The charging process consists of 4 stages:
- 14 symbols: 2 Special Wilds added, triggering Abyss (removes row/column)
- 27 symbols: 2 Special Wilds added, triggering Void (removes all symbols of one kind)
- 42 symbols: Other World Free Round activated
Eye Marks Feature
Purple framed squares known as Eye Marks rotate around the grid in different positions each spin. Landing a win on an eye mark awards two additional special wilds to your grid.
The Other World Free Round
The free spins feature is triggered by hitting a winning combination of 42 symbols, offering just one free spin but with loads of bonuses attached. For every three symbols collected above the 42 that trigger Other World, you’ll get an extra portal effect added on, up to a maximum of seven portal effects.
During this bonus round, 11 or 12 eye marks will be visible on the grid. If you form any winning clusters over an eye, that eye will open. If you open all the eyes, the Mega Wild Cthulhu symbol will be released and continues to move down the grid with each cascade.
RTP & Volatility Analysis
Return to Player
The Tome of Madness RTP is 96.59%, which is well above the 96% average for online slots. However, players should be cautious as alternative RTP versions exist at 94.52%, 91.59%, 87.52%, and 84.50%, which are too low for a high-variance online slot.
Volatility & Winning Potential
The volatility is classified as very high, with Play’nGO rating it as maximum. The max win is 2,000x the bet, which can result in an ultimate prize of up to €200,000. This maximum win will happen every 100 million spins on average, with bigger wins typically coming in the Other World Free Round feature.
Mobile Compatibility
Thanks to advanced HTML5 technology, you can play Tome of Madness on Android and iOS mobiles. However, being a 5×5 grid, it can feel a little cramped on smaller devices.
Pros & Cons
✅ Strengths
- Atmospheric Horror Theme: Highly original sci-fi themed slot with stunning interactive player experience
- Innovative Mechanics: Well-crafted cascading grid and cluster system makes it easier to spot wins straight away
- Multiple Features: Packed to the brim with thrilling, animated special features
- Strong RTP: 96.59% RTP is well above average for online slots
- Engaging Gameplay: Really keeps you interested with so much going on during the base game, with wins being triggered constantly
❌ Weaknesses
- Limited Max Win: 2,000x max win potential might deter some players, as it’s not the highest you might find in online slots
- Very High Volatility: Can eat up your budget while you get lots of little wins and wilds, as Cthulhu is not a forgiving demon beast
- Complex Features: The rules can seem a bit confusing for new players
Verdict: A Masterpiece of Horror Gaming
Rich Wilde and the https://thetomeofmadness.com/ stands as one of the best video slots around, successfully transforming the Rich Wilde series with a fresh take featuring a different theme brought to life through gripping gameplay and a fab combination of bonus features.
While the low max win potential might deter some, the big-bonus action and solid RTP more than make up for this. The game excels in creating a well-designed upgrade for a popular series, ideal for fans of Rich Wilde, those who love a volatile ride and players who seek thrills and features by the dozen.
Final Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Perfect for players who appreciate atmospheric gaming experiences, complex bonus mechanics, and don’t mind high volatility in exchange for the potential of substantial wins. The Lovecraftian theme and innovative portal system make this a standout entry in the Rich Wilde series.
Ready to face the madness? Try Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness at licensed online casinos. Remember to gamble responsibly and within your means.
