With any sequel there is a delicate balance to be drawn. This is especially the case when you are amending a blueprint which has proven so successful. Naturally the very fact you are producing a second option on a product, any product, would suggest that the original was at least a passing success. In the case of Cleopatra II though, IGT were not looking to mess with the formula of arguably the most popular online slot game out there. On this premise it is understandable that they took the decision to only make subtle changes to the working of the game.
Cleopatra Slot II Gameplay
Immediately recognizable as the younger sibling, Cleopatra II utilizes the same format as the original game. Graphically the appearance is distinguishable only by the slightly crisper graphics. The opening sequence still utilizes Cleopatra’s eyes but this time you get more of her face. How nice. Ostensibly, if you have played Cleopatra, you can dive straight into Cleopatra II without fear of not knowing what any new knobs or buttons do. You will find the same 5 reel 20 pay line set up and the same coin range to play by. The changes IGT have made to one of their flagship games are under the hood.
Wilds and Scatters in Cleo II
The Cleopatra II symbol (or in truth Cleo II) is your Wild symbol and rewards you double when you form a winning combination with 2 wilds. Your Scatter is the Sphinx and provides you with your route to the bonus game, which in turn provides the principle difference between the original and the sequel.
Free Spins Bonus
You will be propelled into the Free Spins Bonus feature by landing a minimum of 3 scatters anywhere on the reels. Nothing much new there but what lies behind is. You will find you are presented with 3 boxes to choose from. The value of what is inside these boxes is dictated by how many Sphinx scatters took you into the feature in the first place. The scale is:
3 Sphinx symbols – between 5 and 15 free spins (max multiplier 15x)
4 Sphinx symbols – between 8 and 18 free spins (max multiplier 18x)
5 Sphinx symbols – between 10 and 20 free spins (max multiplier 20x)
Irrespective of your reward, with each free spin win, the multiples will increase by 1. Anyone’s math can cope with this. Once inside the feature you really can hit Cleopatra’s Gold. The feature can re-trigger during any visit up to a maximum of 50 free spins. Thus, theoretically, you can be spinning for a 50x multiple on the last of these. That is not too shabby.
Conclusion
In our previous review of the original Cleopatra we looked at what makes a classic slot just that. Indisputably, Cleopatra has achieved that level and as such, the follow up has an already converted following to call on. Not unduly tinkering with a winning formula, IGT have produced a newer version that provides slightly higher variance than the original and this will appeal to most, if not all players. Cleopatra has such a dedicated following some will not move across. But for those who do, Cleo II has a little more to offer and certainly a sharper appearance to modernize the old girl a tad. But the makings of a classic are all still there – an easy to understand, eminently playable online slot, with a Bonus Game that can pay dividends.
- Software: IGT
- Type: Video Slot
- Reels: 5
- Paylines: 20
- Min/Max Bet: $0.01 up to £100
- Jackpot:100,000 coins
- Bonus Round: Yes
- Free Spins/Multiplier: Yes
- Progressive: No
- Scatter Symbol: Yes – Cleopatra
- Wild Symbol: Yes- Sphinx
- 3D: No