Mystery Express Online Slot: Review

Software provider IGT returns with a slot machine that shows how even one of the most tradition-bound providers can embrace modern design and gameplay techniques without betraying its roots. Mystery Express is a graphical masterpiece that welcomes players with an opening video and impressive animations. Nevertheless, the gameplay remains highly intuitive and suitable for all types of players, even the most inexperienced. On a classic 5x3 grid, you can bet on 30 paylines, with an estimated RTP of 96% combined with high volatility.

Mystery Express slot machine: features

The Mystery Express slot machine comes to life with rich and detailed graphics, evoking the charm and intrigue of a train journey across Europe in search of hidden treasures. The graphics are stylistically in line with classic period mystery elements, featuring two main characters reminiscent of classic detective fiction: an elegant man and a sophisticated woman, both dressed in period clothing. The man wears a detective's suit with a green hat and cane, while the woman sports a long red coat with a matching hat, holding a magnifying glass.

The backgrounds of the two screens capture London's essence, with Big Ben and the city skyline shrouded in fog, creating a mysterious and captivating atmosphere. The full moon, dominating the night sky, adds a touch of suspense to the game's theme. The reel icons include objects that seem to come straight from a mystery tale: sparkling jewels, a monogrammed handkerchief, a revolver, and a poisoned piece of cake, all details suggesting a crime investigation.

Mystery Express Paytable

To win on the Mystery Express online slot, you need to align 3 to 5 matching symbols, with 9 different paying icons available. The minimum possible bet is 0.30€, and the bravest can bet up to 600€ per spin. The maximum win is calculated at 41,667x the initial bet value, showing IGT's generosity in this aspect. The RTP is generally set at 96%, but remember that versions of the slot exist with return to player rates slightly below 95% or slightly above 97%. The symbols and their respective payouts are:

• Wild paying up to 33.3x;
• Christopher paying up to 13.33x;
• Isabella paying up to 13.33x;
• Pendant paying up to 5x;
• Ring paying up to 4x;
• Whisky Bottle paying up to 3.33x;
• Cake Slice paying up to 3.33x;
• Gun paying up to 3.33x.

Mystery Express Bonus Features

Game Levels: As you spin the reels, the speedometer counter gains points and allows players to access 4 game levels beyond the base level. Starting with the Traveler level, you progress through Voyager, Adventurer, Explorer, and Globetrotter levels. Each level unlocks a different background (showing new cities, as if traveling the world) and increases the potential bonus game payout. As levels progress, the two main characters' outfits also change.

Mystery Box: Golden mystery boxes are obtained when progressing from Traveler to Explorer level. Players can choose one of three boxes and win up to 200x the initial bet.

Wild and Scatter: The Wild symbol substitutes for all base icons as a joker and allows for more winning combinations. The Scatter is a ticket with 'Bonus' written on it, and when it lands 3 times on reels 1, 3, and 5, it activates the Bon Voyage bonus. If the Scatter only lands on reels 1 and 3, you get a second chance to activate the bonus through an extra respin.

Mystery Wild Bonus: This feature can activate during standard spins. When it occurs, the Mystery Express can randomly appear between the first and fifth reel as an Expanded Wild.

Bon Voyage Bonus: During this feature, you access a board game-style map and can roll dice to move across it. Each space awards prizes such as win multipliers, extra rolls, or experience added to the speedometer. Special tiles are distributed on the map that allow access to the Mini Slot Bonus and Wheel Bonus. The first can be played in Paris, Belgrade, Budapest, and Brussels, while the second takes place in London, Venice, Istanbul, or Vienna. The Mini Slot Bonus allows you to pull the lever of an old-style machine, awarding prizes based on the symbol combination obtained. The higher the level reached in the Base game, the higher the prizes offered by the Mini Slot Bonus. The Wheel Bonus allows you to spin a wheel of fortune, also obtaining immediate prizes that increase with higher game levels.

Slots Similar to Mystery Express

Interesting alternatives to Mystery Express online slot are:

• Steam Tower by NetEnt;
• Cash Elevator by Pragmatic Play;
• Down the Rails by Pragmatic Play.

Pros and Cons of Mystery Express Slot

IGT's Mystery Express online slot was launched in 2020 but remains one of the most intriguing games with features available online. The level system maintains high player engagement, allowing for increasingly higher prizes, although the downside is that leveling up can take quite a while. The bonuses are all original and fun, despite the possible absence of traditional Free Spins. RTP and volatility meet industry averages, while such advanced graphics definitely mark an excellent step forward for IGT provider.