The Bottom Line: Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness is a visually stunning cluster-pays slot that successfully merges Play’n GO’s signature grid mechanics with H.P. Lovecraft’s cosmic horror themes. While the 2,000x max win might seem modest, the engaging portal system and multiple bonus features make this a compelling choice for fans of high-volatility gameplay.
Game Overview
Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness is the fourth installment in Play’n GO’s popular Rich Wilde series, taking our intrepid explorer into the sinister world of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu mythos. Released in 2019, this slot marks a dramatic departure from the series’ typical archaeological themes, instead plunging players into a realm of cosmic horror and eldritch mysteries.
Key Game Statistics:
- Developer: Play’n GO
- Game Type: 5×5 Cluster Pays Slot
- RTP: 96.59% (most common version)
- Volatility: Very High
- Max Win: 2,000x bet
- Bet Range: €0.10 – €100
Visual Design and Theme
The game takes place in a dark chamber with Rich Wilde standing next to the giant grid, featuring stunning graphics quality and a sinister voiceover that will give you goosebumps. The atmosphere is deliberately ominous, with candles illuminating a statue of an angel in the distance, while a quote from Lovecraft is read as players enter the hall of a mansion.
The symbol design perfectly captures the Lovecraftian aesthetic, featuring precious gems marked with enigmatic emblems – rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and amethysts – alongside strange creatures with tentacles and alien-like features that bring to mind Lovecraft’s iconic Cthulhu mythos.
Game Mechanics
Cluster Pays System
The game uses a 5×5 grid powered by the Cluster Pays engine, where four or more symbols of a kind touching vertically or horizontally form winning groups or clusters. When wins occur, symbols disappear in cascading fashion, allowing new symbols to drop down and potentially create additional wins.
The Portal System
The game’s standout feature is the Portal charging system. Every win contributes to charging the portal, which rewards players with different features at various stages of its cycle. This progressive system keeps gameplay engaging throughout the base game experience.
Portal Charge Levels:
- 4 symbols: Unlocks Special Wilds
- 7 symbols: Additional bonus features
- 14 symbols: Enhanced modifiers
- 27 symbols: Advanced features
- 42 symbols: Triggers the Other World Free Spins
Wild Symbols and Features
The game features three distinct types of Wild symbols:
- Special Wild (The Tome/Necronomicon): Can replace all high-paying and low-paying symbols to help create winning clusters
- Multiplier Wild (Rich Wilde): Doubles any win it’s part of
- Mega Wild (Cthulhu): A 2×2 sized wild that appears during the bonus round
Portal Effects
As the portal charges, various modifiers activate:
- Abyss Feature: Triggered by purple Special Wilds, removing either a column or row from the reels
- Void Feature: Triggered by turquoise Wilds, removing one symbol type from the reels
Bonus Features
Other World Free Spins
The free spins round is triggered by hitting a winning combination of 42 symbols. This unique approach to free spins provides just one free spin with loads of bonuses attached, creating intense excitement.
During this feature, 11 or 12 eye marks appear on the grid. If you form winning clusters over an eye, that eye will open. Opening all eyes releases the Mega Wild Cthulhu symbol, which moves down the grid with each cascade.
Additional Portal Effects: 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.
Paytable and Winning Potential
The paytable features two main categories:
- Low-paying symbols: Four different colored gems with mystical markings
- High-paying symbols: Cthulhu skulls, rings, daggers and octopus pendants, with the latter being the most valuable giving you 100 times your stake for a cluster of 10+ symbols
The maximum payout is 2,000x the bet, which can result in an ultimate prize of up to €200,000 for maximum stake players.
RTP and Volatility Considerations
Important RTP Warning: While the most widespread version comes with an RTP rate of 96.59%, alternative versions exist with rates of 94.52%, 91.59%, 87.52%, and 84.50%. Players should verify which version their chosen casino offers.
The very high volatility means the volatility levels suggest using a betting system, regardless of your experience and budget, to keep the risk optimized and eventually survive until the bonus round activation.
Mobile Compatibility
The game is built with advanced HTML5 technology and can be played on Android and iOS mobiles, though the 5×5 grid can feel a little cramped on smaller devices.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Exceptional visual design and atmospheric soundtrack
- Innovative portal charging system keeps base gameplay engaging
- Multiple wild types add variety to wins
- Unique free spins trigger mechanism
- The cascading system, along with Special Wilds and the Portal, means once you get on a roll, wins can keep coming
Weaknesses:
- The maximum win of 2,000x is not the highest you might find in online slots
- Very high volatility may deter casual players
- Variable RTP configurations across different casinos
- Some players report the maximum win is almost impossible to achieve
Final Verdict
Play’n GO are incredibly skilled at creating grid slots, and thetomeofmadness.com maintains the same high quality players have come to expect with gameplay that’s as engaging and thrilling as ever. While it may not be their absolute best grid slot, this is a fresh take on the series with a different theme which has been brought to life through gripping gameplay and a fantastic combination of bonus features.
The game is ideal for fans of Rich Wilde, those who love a volatile ride and players who seek thrills and features by the dozen. The Lovecraftian theme is expertly executed, making this a must-play for horror enthusiasts and fans of sophisticated slot mechanics.
Rating: 8.5/10
Best For: High-volatility enthusiasts, Rich Wilde series fans, players who appreciate innovative bonus systems, and anyone drawn to horror-themed slots with exceptional production values.
