A mysterious central American civilisation is brought back to life in Mayan Moons, a historical slot from Novomatic. Available on desktop, tablet and mobile devices, this 5 reel, 20 payline game comes with a bonus round that awards 15 free spins with transforming symbols that can add extra mystery prizes. Play from between 20p and £40 per spin.

The design in Mayan Moons is typical Novomatic – set against a night sky backdrop, the reels are enclosed within the ruins of a classical Mayan temple. Joining the lower value A to 10 playing cards are a gem-encrusted bracelet, pan pipes, totem medal and temple. The most rewarding of the standard symbols is the toucan bird – 3, 4 or 5 of these on a payline pays 5, 20 or 125 times your total stake.

The headdress-sporting Mayan woman is the game’s wild – she can land anywhere on the reels and substitutes for everything apart from the scatter. The moon is that scatter – 3, 4 or 5 of these anywhere on the reels on the same spin will get you an award of 5, 20 or 40 times your total stake. You’ll also trigger the Free Games feature and with it, 15 free spins.

All the moons from the triggering spin are held – as are any other moons that subsequently land. Any masked totem symbol that then lands on a moon awards a special bonus prize. The more totems that land on the moons, the bigger the awards. 1 overlay symbol awards 5 times your total stake. 2 offers 10x, 3 15x and 4 20x. Land 5 and you’ll receive a bonus prize of some 25 times your total stake.

In many ways, Mayan Moons is typical Novomatic – it’s not the most sophisticated game you’ll see as far as sound and visuals go. The design is unspectacular at best and the only nod to the Mayan theme is the occasion blast of a panpipe.

It’s not overloaded with features either. The free spins round is decent enough though thanks to the special bonus prizes that are on offer. As far as volatility goes, Mayan Moons sits somewhere in the middle range.

If you enjoy simple action that has the feel of a live casino slot, then Mayan Moons is one to consider. If you like more action, there are plenty of better alternatives on offer elsewhere – like NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest and WMS’ Jungle Wild which have a similar Mayan theme.