Book of Oz Lock ‘N Spin

Book of Oz Lock 'N Spin (Triple Edge Studios): Overview

When we reviewed the original version of Book of Oz back in December 2018, it was one of those rare occasions when we actually had something positive to say about a release connected to Microgaming (which includes all of its partnering studios). As many of you already know, our relationship with this particular company has been anything but harmonious. Microgaming, having failed to read Bigwinboard's reviewing policy, and who seemed to assume we were going to serve as their personal advertising agency, were shocked to see us rip apart their games (see Poke the Guy and Temple of Tut for further reference).

Following a series of incidents, in which Microgaming criticized us for these negative reviews, all communication was cut off. To Microgaming's defense, the representative we had been in touch with may very well have acted on her own and she now appears to have been replaced with professionals. Any provider reading this needs to understand one thing - our loyalty is towards our readers and no one else. Unlike some casino streamers and reviewing sites, we do not get paid by providers to showcase their products or say nice things about them, although there is nothing wrong with that as long as both parties are open about it. Anyway...

Developed by Microgaming partners Triple Edge Studios, Book of Oz Lock 'N Spin is the follow up to the successful Book of Oz slot. When put side by side, these two games are nearly identical to the point that some players might not even realize it's a different product. The 5x3, 10-payline reel format, music, symbols, and the overall design remains the same, but if you look closely, you will see a couple of new additions that can come in handy should you choose to make use of them. Highly volatile and with potential for wins of up to 5000 times your stake, you can enter this emerald world with your computer, mobile or tablet and start spinning from between 0.10 and €/£25 per spin.

Book of Oz Lock 'N Spin (Triple Edge Studios): Features

The first update that you will notice is the addition of Microgaming's Hyperspins™ feature. For a calculated fixed cost, the original version of the game allowed you to re-spin individual reels in the base game. In Book of Oz Lock 'N Spin, however, you can lock up to 4 full reels to give you a chance to complete wins or triggering the bonus. Of course, the more likely you are of landing a big win, the more expensive it gets locking the reels.

You can also gain access to the Free Spins feature the regular way by landing 3, 4 or 5 book scatter symbols anywhere on the reels - this will give you 10, 12 or 25 spins respectively. Moreover, 3 or more book scatters during the round will retrigger the feature. Just like with most other Book games, retriggers are relatively frequent here. Once in, the usual drill of awarding you a random special expanding symbol is carried out - but it comes with a twist. Thanks to the addition of the Second Chance feature, you can now opt for a reshuffle of the special symbol if you're not happy with it. It comes free of charge but involves a bit of a risk as you may end up with an ever worse symbol.

Book of Oz Lock 'N Spin (Triple Edge Studios): Verdict

While it offers little above the usual Book experience, the original Book of Oz is a solid substitute for those who are blocked from playing Novomatic slots. With Book of Oz Lock 'N Spin, you get more of the same really. Although the new features can come in handy, we're not really convinced that it warrants an updated version of the game as all the primary elements remain the same such as the paytable and potential.

In our opinion, this was a missed opportunity for Microgaming to launch a "Deluxe" version of the game with extra expanding symbols and doubled potential. With that said, Book of Oz Lock 'N Spin is still a good game, and we really don't mind a broader range of alternatives. Whether you choose to play it or not, is entirely up to you. High variance, it can reward you with wins of up to 5000 times your stake if you manage to land a five of a kind combination of the wizard symbol in the free spins game.