The Cursed King (Hacksaw Gaming) – Review & Demo Play

The Cursed King Slot Overview

The Cursed King by Backseat Gaming runs a 5x5 grid with 19 paylines and a mummified Pharaoh who turns reels into full‑reel wilds with multipliers up to x100. In base play the reel only expands when a win is present, while in free spins these wild reels walk and can merge their values. Released 13.02.2024, it has a clear stake range of 0.10 to 100 and a max potential of 12,500x. I’ve seen payouts spark out of the blue once those wild reels land.

Slot Theme And Storyline in The Cursed King

Set in a dim chamber with hieroglyphs and flickering fire, The Cursed King leans into the spooky side of ancient Egypt. Bats glide across a dark grid, while colourful symbols keep the screen from feeling flat. The soundtrack hums with tension, matching the 3D visuals that add depth without overdoing it. I rate the presentation as solid rather than flashy, which fits the math focus. The tomb vibe works, and the Pharaoh’s presence ties the mechanics to the theme.

Egypt slots are everywhere, yet this one feels tight and readable in longer sessions. The interface echoes what I expect from Backseat Gaming’s partnership work, so I settled in quickly. The tone stays moody, but the brighter icon set helps track wins at a glance. It’s a familiar setting done with care, and the moment a reel goes Pharaoh, the whole screen suddenly feels alive. That contrast kept me engaged between features and nudged me to press on.

The Cursed King RTP, Volatility, And Max Win

The headline RTP sits at 96.31%, with lower configurations in the mix depending on where you play. Volatility is high, roughly 4 out of 5 on the studio scale, so bankroll swings are part of the ride. The advertised max win is 12,500x, reachable in base or bonus when multipliers stack. Stakes run from 0.10 to 100. I always aim for the top‑tier RTP and accept dry spells, as the game tends to pay in streaks when the wild reels cooperate.

The Cursed King Rules And Gameplay

You’re paid for 3 to 5 matching symbols across at least one of the 19 paylines, on a 5x5 layout. Wild symbols substitute and also pay 10x for five of a kind. Scatters are the eye symbols that trigger the bonus. The bet spread covers 0.10 to 100 per spin, which suits testing and ramping. Interface is straightforward. It’s the expanding reel mechanic that drives momentum, and I kept a close eye on reels showing the Pharaoh frame.

When the Pharaoh symbol lands and a win is present, that reel expands into a full‑reel wild with a random multiplier from x2 to x100. If more than one expanded reel connects in the same line win, their values add before applying. That’s where base game hits can pop. I’ve seen quiet stretches, then a double‑stacked line sends the meter flying. Payouts can explode out of the blue in all stages, which keeps the session lively.

Symbols And Paytable in The Cursed King

Top pays come from the red bird, purple jar, and blue scarab. For five of a kind they return 10x, 8x, and 6x, with 1.5x/4x for the bird at 3 and 4, 1.2x/3x for the jar, and 1x/2x for the scarab. Mid symbols, the scorpion and jewellery cross, pay 0.5x, 1x, and 4x for 3–5. The wild ‘W’ substitutes and pays 10x for five on a line. These values line up with the brisk, volatile feel.

Low pays are the royals and 10s. A pays 0.1x, 0.4x, 1.5x for 3–5, K and Q pay 0.1x, 0.3x, 1.2x, while J and 10 pay 0.1x, 0.3x, 1x. The eye scatter doesn’t pay but 3, 4, or 5 on a base spin trigger 3, 4, or 5 free spins. It’s a lean paytable that hits harder when multipliers enter the picture. I learned to value line coverage first, then let the Pharaoh do the heavy lifting.

The Cursed King Symbols and Paytable

Symbol	Quantity	Payout
	5	x10
	4	x4
	3	x1.5
	5	x8
	4	x3
	3	x1.2
	5	x6
	4	x2
	3	x1
	5	x4
	4	x1
	3	x0.5
	5	x4
	4	x1
	3	x0.5
	5	x1.5
	4	x0.4
	3	x0.1
	5	x1.2
	4	x0.3
	3	x0.1
	5	x1.2
	4	x0.3
	3	x0.1
	5	x1
	4	x0.3
	3	x0.1
	5	x1
	4	x0.3
	3	x0.1
	Wild
	5	x10
	Scatter

The Cursed King Bonuses And Special Features

Cursed King Wild Reels are the star. A Pharaoh on a winning reel expands and assigns a random multiplier between x2 and x100. That reel substitutes for pays and applies its value to the line win. If more than one expanded reel participates, multipliers add together before the total is applied. One reel can carry a round, but two or three make the numbers jump. In my sessions, timing those expansions was everything.

The bonus triggers when 3, 4, or 5 scatters land, giving 3, 4, or 5 free spins. Expanded Pharaoh reels become walking wild reels that move left or right, and you get respins as long as any are on the grid. When two meet on the same reel, their multipliers merge. They can turn around at any time, and they leave when they step off the edge. Scatters don’t appear here, so the feature leans on respins for length.

A Buy Bonus panel appears in some markets (not UK). Options are priced at 2x for BonusHunt FeatureSpins at 96.3% RTP, 50x for Cursed Kings FeatureSpins at 96.29% RTP with at least one Pharaoh full‑reel walking wild, and 125x for the Bonus Game at 96.26% RTP. All options run hot. When available, I use the 50x mode to set up additive multipliers, then let the respins carry the round nicely.

Review Summary And Verdict on The Cursed King

Verdict wise, The Cursed King shines through its expanding multiplier wilds and the walking behaviour in free spins. Visuals are decent, though the blacked‑out grid can feel a bit heavy. The maths is the hook, and 12,500x potential makes the ride worth it. Adjustable RTP ranges mean I pick the highest setting when possible. The free spins start short, yet respins often extend the run. If you like Egyptian slots with multiplier action, this is well worth a whirl.