Book of Time Slot Review: A Timeless Adventure with Canny the Can
Introduction: Step into a Living Cartoon
If you're a fan of slots that blend classic mechanics with a truly unique personality, then the Book of Time slot from Hacksaw Gaming is a journey worth taking. This game, released in November 2022, welcomes you back into the whimsical world of Canny the Can, a charming character first introduced in Hacksaw's earlier titles like Stick 'Em and Stack 'Em.
What makes this Book of Time review particularly compelling is how it takes the beloved "Book of" formula and injects it with Hacksaw's signature style. The game has gained popularity for its distinctive canvas-like graphics that mimic an old-school, almost 1920s Disney-esque cartoon, setting it apart from the typical high-gloss slots. But don't let the charming aesthetics fool you—beneath the surface lies a highly volatile experience with the potential for a 10,000x max win. Whether you're curious about the Book of Time RTP or want to test the waters with Book of Time free play, this guide will walk you through every mysterious page of this intriguing slot.
Book of Time Slot: Key Specifications at a Glance
Before we delve into the mechanics, let's look at the technical foundation. The table below outlines the key specifications every player should know.
Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
Provider | Hacksaw Gaming |
Release Date | November 2022 |
Reels/Grid | 5 reels, 4 rows |
Paylines | 20 fixed paylines |
RTP (Return to Player) | 96.13% (highest setting, adjustable to 94.34%, 92.33%, or 88.25%) |
Volatility | High |
Max Win | 10,000x total bet |
Min/Max Bet | $0.10 to $100 |
Hit Frequency | 16.35% |
Bonus Features | Expanding Special Symbols, Wild Multipliers, Two Free Spin Modes, Bonus Buys |
Theme | Cartoon / Fantasy |
The Book of Time RTP of 96.13% represents the highest available setting, though operators may choose lower values, so it's wise to check this before playing. The high volatility means wins may be less frequent but potentially substantial when they occur, making it suitable for players who enjoy intense gaming sessions.
With its 20 fixed paylines, the game pays for matching symbols on adjacent reels from the leftmost side . The betting range accommodates various bankrolls, starting as low as $0.10 and going up to $100 per spin.
Game Theme, Visuals, and Setup
Book of Time immerses players in a quirky, forest-themed world that feels like a page from a vintage storybook. The reels are set against a picturesque backdrop of trees and grassy paths, with the cheerful Canny the Can standing to the right and his friend Mona the Mouse on the left.
The visual design is a intentional, canvas-like artistic choice by Hacksaw Gaming, giving it a hand-drawn, retro feel that distinguishes it from other providers. The symbols are a bizarre but charming mix, including a magic wand, a witch's hat, a bird with a knife, a severed snake head, and Mona the Mouse herself. The audio design completes the immersion with an "upbeat" and cheerful soundtrack that ties the whole quirky experience together.
The user interface is clean and intuitive, and the game is fully optimized for mobile, tablet, and desktop play.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
Paying Symbols and Payouts
The paytable is divided into two main groups. The lower-paying symbols are the classic 10-A card ranks. The higher-paying symbols are the thematic icons mentioned earlier, with the mouse symbol being the most valuable, paying 250x your stake for five of a kind.
The Scatter and Wild Symbol
The Book symbol is the most important icon on the reels, serving a dual function:
Wild Symbol: It acts as a wild, substituting for all other paying symbols to help form winning combinations.
Scatter Symbol: Landing 3 or more of these books is your key to triggering the main free spins bonus round, known as the "It's a Classic!" feature.
Bonus Features and Free Spins
This is where the Book of Time slot truly comes to life, offering two distinct and rewarding bonus rounds.
It's a Classic! Free Spins (The Book Feature)
This is the primary bonus round, triggered by landing 3, 4, or 5 Book scatter symbols.
3 Scatters: Award 10 free spins and 1 Special Symbol.
4 Scatters: Award 15 free spins and 2 Special Symbols.
5 Scatters: Award 20 free spins and 3 Special Symbols.
At the start of the feature, one or more regular paying symbols are randomly chosen to become Special Symbols. They are given a golden frame and a color change to signify their status . The magic happens when you land at least 3 of these Special Symbols on a spin: they expand to cover their entire reels. Once expanded, they pay for any position across all 20 paylines, leading to massive win potential. The feature can be retriggered by landing 3 more scatters, awarding +5 extra spins and an additional Special Symbol.
What Time Is It? Free Spins
This second feature offers a completely different mechanic, triggered by landing 3 Clock Man Scatter symbols anywhere on the reels. It awards 10 free spins and introduces an exciting multiplier system.
Clocks are displayed above reels 2, 3, and 4, showing a new "time" (a multiplier value from 1x to 12x) on each spin.
When a special Clock Activator symbol (a teal 'X') lands on one of the middle reels, Wild Multiplier Clock symbols spread down from the top of that reel, replacing all symbols in their path.
These wilds carry the multiplier value displayed on the clock above their reel.
If multiple Wild Multipliers are part of the same win, their values are added together before being applied, creating the potential for massive combined multipliers.
Bonus Buy Options
For players in jurisdictions where it's permitted, Book of Time offers several ways to jump straight into the action:
Bonus Hunt FeatureSpins (3x bet): Makes each spin over 4 times more likely to trigger a bonus (96.27% RTP).
It's a Classic! (100x bet): Directly buy the classic free spins with 3 scatters (96.39% RTP).
Even More Classic! (200x bet): Buy the feature with 4 scatters (96.35% RTP).
The Most Classic! (400x bet): Buy the feature with 5 scatters (96.37% RTP).
What Time Is It? (200x bet): Directly buy the clock free spins (96.25% RTP).
Book of Time RTP, Volatility, and Max Win Explained
Understanding the mathematical foundation of Book of Time helps set appropriate expectations.
The Book of Time RTP of 96.13% represents the theoretical return to players over an extended number of spins at the highest setting. However, it's crucial to note that operators can configure lower RTP versions (94.34%, 92.33%, or 88.25%), so always check the game rules.
With high volatility, Book of Time delivers less frequent but potentially larger wins compared to low or medium-risk slots. This makes it appealing to players who enjoy the thrill of the chase and have the patience to weather the dry spells. The hit frequency of 16.35% means that winning combinations won't land on every spin, but the potential reward is significant.
The Book of Time max win is a substantial 10,000 times your total bet . This means a single spin with a $100 bet could theoretically yield a $1,000,000 payout, making it a slot that can produce life-changing wins.
Book of Time Demo Play: Why Try Before You Buy?
The Book of Time demo mode is an invaluable tool for any player. Here's why spending time with the free play version is highly recommended:
Learn the Mechanics Risk-Free: The two different bonus rounds have specific triggers and behaviors that are best understood without financial pressure.
Gauge the Volatility: Experience the high-variance nature for yourself to see if its rhythm suits your personal play style and bankroll strategy.
Test Different Betting Strategies: While no strategy guarantees wins, you can experiment with how different bet sizes affect your virtual bankroll over a longer session.
Pure Entertainment: For players not interested in real money play, the demo offers a complete and entertaining experience with virtual credits.
You can play the Book of Time free play demo on Neon Royale, allowing you to test this timeless adventure without any risk .
Pros and Cons of Book of Time
Based on professional reviews and gameplay analysis, here is a balanced look at Book of Time's strengths and weaknesses.
Advantages
Dual Bonus Rounds: The two distinct free spins features provide variety and cater to different player preferences.
High Win Potential: The 10,000x max win is a huge draw for players chasing substantial payouts.
Unique Presentation: The charming, cartoonish graphics offer a refreshing break from more generic slot themes.
Flexible Bonus Access: Multiple bonus buy options let players tailor their experience to their preference and budget.
Disadvantages
Potentially Confusing Theme: The mix of a cartoon can and Halloween-style symbols might feel disjointed to some players.
High Volatility: The less frequent wins can be frustrating and require a substantial bankroll and patience to navigate successfully.
Variable RTP: Operators can choose lower RTP configurations, which reduces the theoretical return to the player.
Player Tips for Book of Time
While no strategy can overcome the random nature of slots, these tips can help you make the most of your Book of Time experience:
Start with the Demo: Use Book of Time free play to get comfortable with the game's mechanics before wagering real money.
Verify the RTP: Always check the game's help section to ensure you are playing a version with a favorable RTP.
Manage Your Bankroll: The high volatility means it's essential to set a budget that allows for a longer session to withstand potential dry spells.
Understand the Bonus Buys: If you use them, note that the "It's a Classic!" buy offers the highest RTP (96.39%), while the "What Time Is It?" feature is the most volatile bonus .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Book of Time max win?
The maximum win in Book of Time is 10,000 times your total bet.
Can I play Book of Time for free?
Yes, you can play a Book of Time free play demo version at this page. This allows you to experience the full game with virtual credits and no financial risk.
What is the difference between the two bonus features?
The "It's a Classic!" feature focuses on expanding special symbols for big cluster wins, while the "What Time Is It?" feature is all about collecting and adding wild multipliers for multiplied line wins.
What is the Book of Time RTP?
The highest Book of Time RTP setting is 96.13%, though operators may configure lower versions (94.34%, 92.33%, or 88.25%). Always check the game rules before playing.
How volatile is Book of Time?
Book of Time has high volatility. This means wins occur less frequently but tend to be larger when they do happen, making it suitable for players who enjoy the excitement of chasing substantial payouts.
Final Verdict
The Book of Time slot is a successful and creative entry in Hacksaw Gaming's portfolio that takes a classic formula and makes it its own. While its quirky, somewhat confused theme may not be for everyone, there's no denying the serious win potential and engaging gameplay packed into this cartoonish adventure.
The combination of a solid 96.13% RTP, a 10,000x max win, and, most importantly, two genuinely different and exciting bonus rounds makes Book of Time a compelling choice for slot enthusiasts . It successfully caters to fans of traditional expanding symbol features while also offering a fresh multiplier mechanic that can deliver thrilling moments.
Whether you're a follower of Canny the Can's adventures or a player simply looking for a high-volatility slot with strong features and a unique identity, Book of Time is well worth your time. Starting with the Book of Time demo is the perfect way to open this book and see if its chapters hold the fortune you're looking for.
