The Alter Ego

The Alter Ego Review

Step into the shadowy world of Victorian London with Pragmatic Play’s The Alter Ego, a slot that masterfully blends mystery and excitement. This game takes inspiration from the classic tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, offering players a thrilling experience as they uncover the secrets hidden within its reels.

Game Overview

The Alter Ego features a unique 3-4-4-4-3 reel setup in the base game, providing 576 ways to win. As you spin the reels, you’ll encounter symbols that reflect the game’s Victorian theme, including top hats, pocket watches, and revolvers. The atmospheric backdrop of a moonlit cobblestone street sets the perfect tone for this enigmatic adventure.

Gameplay and Features

Mystery Symbols

One of the standout features of The Alter Ego is the Mystery Symbol mechanic. These symbols, marked with a question mark, can appear on any reel during both the base game and free spins. When they land, all Mystery Symbols transform into the same randomly chosen paying symbol, potentially creating significant winning combinations.

Free Spins Bonus

The real excitement begins when you trigger the Free Spins bonus. Landing three or more Scatter symbols (represented by green potion bottles) awards you 3 free spins. However, this is where The Alter Ego truly lives up to its name, transforming the gameplay dramatically:

• Each time a Scatter lands during free spins, it resets the spin count to 3
• Scatters also expand the reel they land on by one position, up to a maximum of 10 symbols high
• If all reels reach their maximum height, you’ll be playing with an incredible 100,000 ways to win

This expanding reel mechanic creates an exhilarating sense of progression and anticipation with each spin, as players watch the playfield grow and the potential for massive wins increase.

Volatility and Potential

The Alter Ego is classified as a high volatility slot, which means wins may be less frequent but potentially more substantial when they do occur. This aligns well with the game’s maximum win potential of 10,000x your stake. It’s worth noting that the game’s RTP (Return to Player) is set at a competitive 96.07%, slightly above the industry average.

Betting Range and Buy Feature

Catering to a wide range of players, The Alter Ego offers betting options from as low as $0.20 up to $240 per spin. For those who prefer to jump straight into the action, the game includes a Buy Feature option, allowing you to purchase direct entry into the Free Spins bonus at a cost of 100x to 200x your bet, depending on the number of Scatters you wish to trigger with.

Visual and Audio Design

Pragmatic Play has done an excellent job creating an immersive atmosphere that captures the essence of the Jekyll and Hyde story. The graphics are crisp and detailed, with the moonlit street and Victorian-era symbols contributing to the game’s mysterious ambiance. The soundtrack, featuring eerie piano melodies and sweeping violins, perfectly complements the visual elements, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Strategy and Tips

When playing The Alter Ego, keep these tips in mind to maximize your enjoyment and potential returns:

• Manage your bankroll carefully, given the game’s high volatility
• Consider starting with lower bets to get a feel for the game’s rhythm
• Pay attention to the Mystery Symbols, as they can lead to unexpected wins
• During Free Spins, focus on landing as many Scatters as possible to expand the reels and increase your winning potential
• If using the Buy Feature, weigh the cost against your overall budget and risk tolerance

Final Thoughts

The Alter Ego stands out as a compelling addition to Pragmatic Play’s portfolio. Its combination of a captivating theme, innovative expanding reels mechanic, and high win potential make it an attractive option for slot enthusiasts. While the high volatility may not suit all players, those who enjoy the thrill of chasing big wins in a richly themed environment will find much to appreciate here.

Whether you’re a fan of classic literature or simply looking for an engaging slot experience, The Alter Ego offers a unique blend of storytelling and gameplay that’s well worth exploring. Just remember, like Dr. Jekyll’s experiments, approach with caution and always play responsibly.