Editor’s Note: This game is still in development, and the soundtrack is currently being refined. A full review of Scepter of Anubis will be conducted once it is officially released.
Quickspin, a Stockholm-based game development studio, has a history of crafting slots inspired by exotic locations far beyond Scandinavia. The developer has previously explored the Asian continent with hits like Eastern Emeralds, Eastern Emeralds Megaways, and the beloved Sakura Fortune series. Now, Quickspin ventures into ancient Egypt with Scepter of Anubis, a reskin of the Sakura Fortune Epic Bloom slot, infused with a rich Egyptian theme while maintaining the core mechanics of full-reel wilds and respins that made its predecessor successful.
While Sakura Fortune Epic Bloom burst onto the scene with a vibrant display of pink petals, Scepter of Anubis offers a more subdued aesthetic initially. The game’s backdrop subtly hints at pyramids and palm trees, setting the scene for an Egyptian adventure, though the visuals don’t immediately evoke a strong emotional connection. However, as the gameplay unfolds, the immersive quality of the slot becomes more apparent, enhancing its appeal over time.
Game Mechanics & Stats
The core gameplay mechanics remain unchanged from its predecessor. Scepter of Anubis features a 5-reel, 4-row layout with 40 paylines that pay left to right. The slot runs on a high volatility math model, offering two RTP settings: 96.06% in standard play and 96.34% when the Extra Bet feature is activated. The Extra Bet doubles the base wager while increasing the likelihood of landing Anubis Wilds and triggering bonus rounds. Players can bet anywhere from $0.10 to $100 per spin.
Symbols & Payouts
The game’s symbols stay true to its Egyptian theme, with a mix of familiar motifs:
Low-paying symbols: Four winged scarabs in different colors, paying 1x the bet for a five-of-a-kind win.
Mid-tier symbols: A bird statue, a sphinx statue, Horus, and Sobek, with payouts ranging from 2x to 3x the bet for a five-symbol combination.
High-paying symbol: A golden pharaoh, rewarding players with 10x the bet for five-of-a-kind.
Slot Features
Anubis Wilds & Respins
The Anubis Wild is a fully stacked symbol appearing on all reels, substituting for all regular symbols except the scatter. When an Anubis Wild lands partially, there is a chance it will nudge to cover the entire reel. A full Anubis Wild triggers the respin feature, awarding 1 respin per wild. Additional Anubis Wilds grant extra respins, with the feature continuing until no new wilds appear.
Free Spins
Landing 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols or full-reel Anubis Wilds awards 8, 12, or 16 free spins, respectively. During free spins, all Anubis Wilds that land will expand to cover the full reel and become sticky, remaining in place for the rest of the bonus round. Additionally, each new Anubis Wild awards +1 extra free spin.
Super Free Spins
A special super scatter symbol appears on the rightmost reel. If it lands alongside at least 2, 3, or 4 scatters or Anubis Wilds, players receive 8, 12, or 16 super free spins, respectively. Super free spins introduce multipliers, randomly selecting x2, x3, x5, or x100 whenever an Anubis Wild covers a reel. If a new Anubis Wild lands during a respin, the multiplier either remains the same or increases.
Gamble Feature & Bonus Buy
Players who trigger free spins or super free spins with fewer than 5 scatters have the option to gamble their bonus for a chance to win up to 16 free spins. However, a failed gamble results in losing the entire bonus round.
For those eager to jump straight into the action, Scepter of Anubis offers two bonus buy options:
Free Spins: Costs 80x the bet, RTP 96.74%
Super Free Spins: Costs 160x the bet, RTP 96.65%
Scepter of Anubis: Final Verdict
Scepter of Anubis delivers an engaging experience with its nudge wilds, respins, and powerful super free spins multipliers. Although the initial visual impression might not be as striking as some of Quickspin’s other titles, the gameplay mechanics and winning potential more than make up for it. With a 10,000x max win cap, high volatility, and the thrilling chance to stack wilds and multipliers, this slot has plenty to offer players seeking an adrenaline-fueled Egyptian adventure.
While Scepter of Anubis does not reinvent the formula of its predecessors, it provides a solid alternative for fans of the Sakura Fortune series who enjoy Quickspin’s signature full-reel wild mechanics. If the final release brings an upgraded soundtrack and a bit more visual polish, Scepter of Anubis could easily become a go-to slot for players seeking a balanced mix of entertainment and high-risk potential.