Jungle Jim and The Lost Sphinx: Overview

Launched by Microgaming in September 2016, the first Jungle Jim: El Dorado was clearly created as a counter to NetEnt’s massively popular Gonzo’s Quest, a title that’s now widely regarded as one of the most legendary slots ever produced. Using the same tumbling-reels style mechanic (called the Avalanche feature by NetEnt) along with rising win multipliers, Jungle Jim quickly found an audience even if it never reached Gonzo’s near-mythical standing among casino fans. A standout touch is Jim’s animation, as he waits beside the reels, fidgeting for the next adventure. There’s no doubt that Jungle Jim remains an excellent medium variance video slot that still feels solid three years on.

With the hair still perfectly styled and seemingly untouched by time, our favourite Jimmy returns in a fresh quest boldly named Jungle Jim and the Lost Sphinx. For this installment, Microgaming handed development duties to independent studio Stormcraft Studios, and they’ve got plenty to demonstrate. After stumbling with an earlier legacy sequel, Agent Jane Blonde Returns, the big question is simple: can they deliver this time?

Now, let’s dive in. Jungle Jim and the Lost Sphinx runs on a standard layout of 5 reels, 4 rows, and 35 paylines, though it can expand to 5 rows and 50 paylines as you play. With stakes ranging from 0.10 to $/€20 per spin, our image-conscious explorer travels to the Valley of the Kings hunting ancient riches, where he’ll face Rolling Reels™, Multiplier Trails, and a free spins round in which multipliers up to 20x can pave the way for super mega wins.

Even with the dramatic shift in location—Jim trading the Amazon jungle for the dessert sands of Egypt—players should still feel instantly familiar with the experience. Behind the reels, a star-filled sky hangs over the dunes while an intense Egyptian soundtrack plays in step with the action. Set inside an ancient temple, the reels show the classic gemstones alongside higher-paying items like pots, treasure chests, and the Book of Dead. The top prize symbol is Jim himself—landing 5 of him across a full payline returns 10 times your stake. The logo acts as the wild; it lands on all reels and replaces all standard symbols.

Jungle Jim and The Lost Sphinx: Features

Much like the first game, Jungle Jim 2 uses Microgaming’s trademark Rolling Reels™ mechanic. In short, it’s a cascading-reels system where winning symbols disappear and new ones drop in to replace them. Each consecutive cascade win pushes the multiplier up by one step, as follows:

• Default level – played on the default 5×3, 35 payline reel set.
• 1st level – played using a 2x multiplier.
• 2nd level – played using a 3x multiplier.
• 3rd level – played using a 4x multiplier. From here, the reel set is extended to 5 reels, 5 rows and 50 paylines.
• 4th level – played using a 5x multiplier.
• 5th level – played using a 10x multiplier.

Normally, any non-winning spin drops the rising multiplier back to the default level, but there’s a helping hand in the form of the Second Chance Respin feature. This “lifeline” only becomes available after the third roll/cascade. Essentially, it grants a respin, giving you another opportunity to hit a win and progress to the next multiplier tier.

To trigger the Free Spins feature, you and Jim must land 3 or more scatter symbols anywhere on the screen. To improve your chances of activating it, you can choose the Win Booster feature which, for an extra cost per spin, adds an extra scatter symbol. Once triggered, you receive 12 free spins, and the bonus is played on the fully expanded reel set. On top of that, the now-upgraded Rolling Reels™ feature is active as well, starting at 2x and climbing from there:

• Default level – played using a 2x multiplier.
• 1st level – played using a 3x multiplier.
• 2nd level – played using a 4x multiplier.
• 3rd level – played using a 8x multiplier.
• 4th level – played using a 12x multiplier.
• 5th level – played using a 20x multiplier.

In addition, watch for the sphinx symbol, which appears only on the middle reel—collect 6 of them and you’ll lock in an extra cascade (effectively 1+ free spin). When it comes to maximum potential, it’s difficult to be definitive since official figures haven’t been released. Still, because symbols can land partially stacked on the reels (wild included), you should be capable of hitting wins of at least 4000 times your stake on a single spin when the 20x multiplier comes into play during the bonus round.

Jungle Jim and The Lost Sphinx: Verdict

It’s great to have one of our favourite characters back, but Stormcraft’s take on Jim feels less lively and doesn’t quite capture the original’s charm. It’s hard to put a finger on exactly why, but Jungle Jim and the Lost Sphinx sometimes comes across like a Chinese counterfeit—oddly generic in a way that’s difficult to ignore. That said, some elements look truly impressive; there’s just an overall quality that doesn’t fully click for us. Next to the original, the sequel almost feels like it could have been released first.

And the gameplay? Jungle Jim 2 is higher in volatility and comes with stronger win potential, which alone may make it the preferred option for certain players. Even so, the upbeat, feelgood atmosphere of the first game is missing, and it didn’t really win us over. Maybe it’s the visuals, or maybe it’s that the payline limitations made things feel a bit boxed in. Still, Jungle Jim 2 is a solid slot with excellent potential—ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference.