Luxor Valley Slot
This slot looks different to any Viaden Gaming slot I have played. It is very rich graphically, with a level of detail in the symbols and the background that many slots by this mobile-friendly slot software house lack. The theme is decidedly Egyptian, with pyramids, an ankh to spin with and even the god Ra on the reels. The whole thing is made to look like stone tablets – which is actually very effective, even on a smaller screen. You’ll find a free spins feature which includes expanding scatter symbols (this is randomly chosen before the bonus starts proper) and you’ll have the opportunity to turn a small stake into a big win too.
The sides of the reels are marked with the snaking tops of sand dunes, with detailed pyramids in the background. Reels are enclosed in ovals within what looks like a stone block or ruined temple. There is a very colourful bird on top of the reels and many of the clichéd ancient Egypt symbols on top. These include the mask of a dead Pharaoh, Ra (at least I assume that is what the blue guy represents), a side profile, presumably of a pharaoh, a bird and a highly decorated ankh. There are also a lot of playing card symbols in use – though to be fair a lot of work has gone into making these Egypt themed.
In the background a track which is probably not authentic Egyptian music but is close enough to pass for most people plays. This is reasonably pleasant; though the spinning sounds like stone being moved is what gives the slot its atmosphere.
Setup and Play for Luxor Valley
You’ll get to select from up to 9 win lines for this game – though most players will naturally choose the full amount. Bets are between 1c and 5c, which gives a max spin of only 45c, putting this game firmly into the penny slots category. You can gamble after wins (on the flip of a playing card) and you can also set up auto-play from a configurable list of options.
The best paying regular symbol is the highly decorated ankh. This is worth 5000 coins for a full set of 5 on a line, 1000 coins for 4, 100 for 3 and 10 for just 2. Next comes Ra, who will pay out up to 2000 coins if you get all 5. The Pharaoh is worth 750 for 5, as is the coloured bird. Playing cards are in their usual supporting role, making up the smaller wins that keep your bankroll ticking over while you wait for the feature.
Wilds, scatters and bonus symbols are all combined into one for this game – in the form of the golden mask. This pays out a multiple of your total bet with 3+ anywhere on the reels. The top prize is 200x that bet for 5, with 20x for 4 and 2x for just 3. This symbol works with all of the others to complete winning combinations too. If you hit 3+ of these masks then you’ll trigger the free spins bonus game.
Luxor Valley Bonus Feature
Expanding scatters can make a big difference to your wins, making this bonus game worth hitting. Before you start you will see wheel surrounded by symbols. A pointer spins and lands on one at random that will be your symbol for the free spins. You then get 10 spins (a counter at the top of the screen keeps track) and any time you hit your special symbol it expands to cover all of the reels. There are occasions when I got 4 reels full, though I have yet to hit all 5.
Confusingly, there is nothing that lets you know you have gone back to the regular game. If you are using auto spin, then you might be momentarily confused as to why your scatter symbol has stopped expanding.
Luxor Valley – Conclusion
This is a nice looking slot, which has the advantage of working well on both mobile phones and computers. The graphics are unique, though they do use the same old clichéd symbols common to this theme. I liked the free spins game, with the expanding scatters adding a new level of interest to this which you will not find on many other Viaden slots. There is also the potential for a decent sized win from regular play, with up to 5000 coins possible from a single spin.
