TL;DR: Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness is a highly engaging 5×5 cluster pays slot from Play’n GO that combines Lovecraftian horror themes with innovative gameplay mechanics. With a 96.59% RTP, high volatility, and a max win of 2,000x, this sequel to Book of Dead offers cascading wins, multiple wild types, and an immersive Other World bonus feature.
Game Overview
Rich Wilde returns for another thrilling adventure, but this time he’s venturing into the dark realm of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos. Released in 2019, this Play’n GO creation takes the beloved explorer character in a completely new direction, trading Egyptian tombs for sinister cosmic horror.
Key Specifications:
- Developer: Play’n GO
- Release Date: June 27, 2019
- Grid Layout: 5×5 cascading reels
- Win Mechanism: Cluster pays (4+ symbols)
- RTP: 96.59% (with variants: 94.52%, 91.59%, 87.52%, 84.50%)
- Volatility: High (10/10)
- Max Win: 2,000x stake
- Bet Range: €0.10 – €100
- Hit Frequency: 3.24%
Theme and Atmosphere
The slot immerses players in a forgotten gothic hall where Rich Wilde stands confidently beside the ancient tome. The atmosphere is masterfully crafted with ominous graphics, dramatic lighting, and haunting sound effects that create genuine tension without becoming overly dark. The designers have perfectly balanced the sinister Lovecraftian elements with vibrant colors and engaging animations.
The visual design showcases Play’n GO’s expertise, featuring detailed symbol work and smooth animations. Rich Wilde himself has received a visual upgrade, sporting a sleek suit vest and red tie combination that makes him look more sophisticated than ever.
Symbols and Paytable
The game features eight paying symbols divided into two categories:
Lower-Paying Symbols (4-10+ clusters):
- Green, blue, red, and purple gemstones with alien inscriptions
- Payouts: 2x to 6x stake for 10+ symbol clusters
Higher-Paying Symbols (4-10+ clusters):
- Cthulhu skull, golden ring, mystical dagger, and octopus pendant
- Top Symbol: Octopus pendant pays 100x stake for 10+ symbols
- Other high symbols: 30x to 75x stake for 10+ clusters
Special Symbols:
- Book Wild: Standard wild substituting for all pay symbols
- Rich Wilde Wild: 2x multiplier wild (doubles wins when part of cluster)
- Mega Wild: Exclusive to bonus rounds, moves down the grid with cascades
Core Gameplay Mechanics
Cluster Pays System
Wins are formed by landing 4 or more matching symbols touching horizontally or vertically. Winning symbols disappear in cascades, allowing new symbols to drop down and potentially create additional wins from a single spin.
Portal Meter
The game’s central feature is the Portal Meter located on the left side of the screen. Every winning symbol contributes to charging this meter:
- 7+ symbols: Adds 2 Special Wilds to the grid
- 14+ symbols: Adds 2 Special Wilds + triggers Abyss Portal Effect
- 21+ symbols: Adds 2 Special Wilds + triggers Void Portal Effect
- 42+ symbols: Triggers the Other World Free Round
Eye Marks Feature
Purple-framed squares called Eye Marks appear randomly on the grid. Landing a winning combination on an Eye Mark opens it and adds 2 Special Wilds to the next spin when cascades end.
Bonus Features
Portal Effects
Two main portal effects can trigger during base play:
Abyss Portal Effect: Removes an entire row or column of symbols, creating space for new symbols and potential wins.
Void Portal Effect: Eliminates all instances of a randomly selected paying symbol from the grid.
Other World Free Round
The game’s main bonus feature triggers when 42+ symbols contribute to wins in a single spin sequence. Players receive:
- One free spin with enhanced features
- Additional Eye Marks placed on the grid (11-12 total)
- Portal effects continue to trigger after each cascade
- Extra portal effects awarded for every 3 symbols beyond the initial 42 (maximum 7 effects)
Mega Wild Cthulhu: If all Eye Marks are opened during the bonus round, the massive Mega Wild Cthulhu symbol is released. This giant wild moves down the grid with each cascade, creating numerous winning opportunities before disappearing.
Volatility and RTP Analysis
With high volatility and a 96.59% RTP, Tome of Madness fits the profile of a slot designed for patient players seeking substantial payouts. The high variance nature means:
- Less frequent wins during base play
- Longer dry spells between significant hits
- Higher potential for large payouts when features align
- Bonus rounds can deliver substantial multipliers through cascading mechanics
RTP Variants: Be aware that different casinos may offer varying RTP settings, ranging from 84.50% to 96.59%. Always check the RTP in your chosen casino’s game information.
Mobile Compatibility
The game is fully optimized for mobile play using HTML5 technology, ensuring smooth performance across Android and iOS devices. The 5×5 grid layout may feel slightly cramped on smaller screens, but the overall experience remains engaging and functional.
Strategy Tips
- Bankroll Management: High volatility demands patience and proper bankroll management
- Portal Awareness: Watch the Portal Meter closely – consecutive wins can quickly charge it
- Eye Mark Focus: Landing wins on Eye Marks provides immediate benefits
- Demo Play: Try the free demo to understand the complex mechanics before playing with real money
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional visual design and atmospheric sound
- Innovative cluster pays with cascading mechanics
- Multiple engaging bonus features
- Strong brand recognition with Rich Wilde character
- Good RTP at 96.59%
- Mobile-optimized gameplay
Cons:
- Relatively low maximum win (2,000x) for high volatility
- Complex mechanics may overwhelm new players
- Can experience long dry spells due to high variance
- RTP variants mean different payout rates at different casinos
Comparison to Other Play’n GO Slots
Tome of Madness shares DNA with other Play’n GO grid slots like Reactoonz, Moon Princess, and Viking Runecraft. However, it stands apart through its unique Lovecraftian theme and the integration of the Rich Wilde character storyline. The game represents a significant evolution from the traditional Book of Dead gameplay, offering much more complex mechanics and entertainment value.
Where to Play
The slot is widely available at online casinos that feature Play’n GO games. Many casinos offer a free demo version, allowing players to experience the full game without financial risk. When choosing where to play, ensure the casino offers the highest available RTP variant (96.59%) for optimal returns.
Final Verdict
Rich Wilde and the thetomeofmadness.com successfully combines nostalgic character appeal with innovative gameplay mechanics. While the 2,000x maximum win might seem modest compared to some modern high-volatility slots, the frequent cascade potential and engaging bonus features provide consistent entertainment value.
The game excels in creating an immersive experience that keeps players engaged through its complex but rewarding feature system. For fans of cluster pays slots, Lovecraftian themes, or the Rich Wilde series, this represents a must-try gaming experience.
Rating: 8.5/10
Tome of Madness stands as a testament to Play’n GO’s expertise in creating visually stunning and mechanically sophisticated slot games that push the boundaries of traditional slot design while maintaining broad appeal.
Ready to explore the mysteries of the Tome of Madness? Try the free demo first to master the complex mechanics, then dive into the real-money version for a chance at those substantial cascade wins. Remember to play responsibly and within your budget limits.
