Finding riches in the Saharan sand is the goal in Desert Treasure II and there are plenty of opportunities to get your paws on the loot. The base game offers a maximum payout of 10,000 coins if you manage to find 5 head dress wearing nomads in a payline. Even four provides a bumper 2,000 coins. The other symbols are nowhere near as profitable - the Oasis gives 500 coins and the Camel 400.
The Gold Cobra acts as the wild and substitutes for all symbols apart from the Wild and Treasure Map. It is an expanding wild which can produce a tidy little boost to base game wins when it features on reels 2, 3 or 4. It's not just the base game that can offer riches though. Desert Treasure comes with two bonus features.
First is the Oasis Bonus feature which becomes active when the Treasure Map symbol appears on 3, 4 or 5 reels. In stage one, you'll be presented with a selection of treasure chests offering cash prizes. One of them will also contain a map which offers passage to stage two – either the Secret Tent or the Inner Sanctum. These are also pick me rounds. Choose from the offerings of jugs of water or plates of fruit to reveal awards of up to 100 times your stake. The number of picks in each round is based on how many Treasure Maps triggered the feature.
The second feature is the Free Games feature which is triggered with the arrival of 3 or more scatter symbols. You'll be awarded 15 free spins with all winning combination payouts doubled (2x multiplier). It's possible to trigger more free spins during the round if the scatters reappear. You can also benefit from expanding wilds here!
Playtech slots are usual a treat for the eyes and Desert Treasure II is no exception. The symbols on the reels well designed, all set against a Saharan backdrop. The gold and yellows could easily become a little overpowering but small touches like beetles and scorpions on the playing card symbols keep the visuals crisp and clear. It's all accompanied by a faintly hypnotic North African soundtrack.
The best route to riches in Desert Treasure II is via the expanding wilds. Find them during the free spins and this nicely designed slot can certainly deliver the treasure part of its name. It’s much better than the original Desert Treasure which is a low variance affair – Desert Treasure II is a medium to high variance game which is just the way I like my slots. I also recommend to play Cat Queen and Sultan’s Gold which offer you big, yet volatile, win potential.