Once upon a time, slot machines were all very similar and included three reels with a few cherries or bells. The themed slots we see nowadays still have the familiar spinning reels, though they couldn’t be further away from the clunky mechanics of times gone by.
Anyone who enjoys slot games knows just how much variety there is these days. From popular fruit games to themed games such as the Little Shop of Horrors slot, there is something for everyone. In this article, we’ll discuss all the different game mechanics used in today’s themed slots, including their graphics, music and bonus features. Read on to find out what makes themed slots so successful.
Understanding themed slots
Also known as video slots, themed slots are a genre of casino games. They are based on the traditional slot machine format of spinning reels, but also have some additions. They’re designed to be immersive and tell a story to create an interactive gaming experience.
Themed slots usually revolve around a central idea. Examples include Ancient Egypt, the Aztecs, science fiction, and movie and TV franchises. The theme is expressed not only by the symbols and graphics, but also by the soundtrack and bonus features presented.
As technology has advanced, slot machine developers have moved away from the fruits and playing cards of times gone by. The 21st century slot machine is much more complex, offering a range of ways to win and many diverse themes. Developers continue to push the boundaries of creativity. There’s a themed slot game for every type of player.
All it took was a global pandemic to push these themed slots to the forefront. During this time, the search interest in online casinos was at an all-time high. As a result, more and more developers moved into the iGaming field and created new slots.
Immersive graphics and design
One of the most important aspects of any successful slot is its ability to captivate players through its visuals. High-quality graphics are critical in any good thematic experience. These themed slots have eye-catching graphics, which draw players in. While these pique their curiosity, they also set the stage for any narrative too.
The success of a slot depends heavily on how well-integrated the visuals and the theme are. Visual elements including the symbols, animations and backgrounds enhance the immersion of a game. The connection between them all influences a player’s experience.
Here are some examples of slots known for their excellent graphics:
- Gonzo’s Quest
- Starburst
- Game of Thrones
- Tomb Raider
Engaging sounds and music
Though many think of sounds and music as background elements, they’re much more than that. The audio experience sets the mood, keeps players engaged and enhances the storytelling of a slot. Nature-themed slots might have chirping birds while adventure slots might incorporate clinking swords. These auditory elements emphasize the player’s connection with the game.
Combined with the visuals, the slot’s sounds add to the multi-sensory experience. It can make you feel as though you’re in the midst of the action — wherever that may be. The sound effects complement the gameplay and create anticipation when things get exciting.
Examples of top soundtracks include:
- Jurassic Park
- The Dark Night
- Mega Moolah
- Starburst
Thematic reels and symbols
In addition to the background, the reels and symbols are an important part of the game’s mechanics too. They’re not just there for decoration. These often trigger specific bonuses and features, which add an element of excitement. The symbols help players to feel active within the story of the slot, rather than passive observers.
Despite the variation in themes, there are still many common symbols. Here are some examples:
- Fruit symbols, such as cherries, lemons and watermelons
- Character symbols that represent the main protagonists and antagonists in a story
- Artifact symbols, such as relics and treasures
- Animal symbols, such as lions and wolves
- Playing card symbols
Bonus features and minigames
Unlike traditional fruit machine slots, themed slots often include bonus features and minigames. In a pirate-themed slot, for example, you might land on a bonus round to navigate a treasure map.
These additional bonuses keep players entertained and change things up a bit. It adds greater depth to the base game and encourages players to be more active rather than hitting ‘spin’ all the time.
Here are some examples of minigames and bonus rounds:
- Avalanche reels – In this feature, symbols fall into place from above when a winning combination occurs. Every time this occurs, the multiplier increases, which can lead to bigger wins. Gonzo’s Quest includes avalanche reels.
- Pick and Click – In this type of minigame, the player selects an object to reveal a hidden prize. This is featured in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
- Free Spins – This is a common bonus round, but in themed slots they usually have unique benefits. The Game of Thrones slot has a free spins bonus feature.
- Battle rounds – Sometimes adventure-themed slots have battle rounds where players fight against foes. This is included in Vikings Go Berserk.
Progressive jackpots
Progressive jackpots are well-liked for their massive prize pools. They are integrated into themed slots and have the allure of offering players life-changing winnings. Here are some examples of popular progressive jackpots:
- Mega Moolah
- Age of the Gods
- Divine Fortune
- Mega Fortune
Themed slots are captivating!
With slots becoming more and more like video games, there’s a distinct overlap between the two. There are also slots that appeal to younger audiences, which means that online casinos need to be strict regarding their approach to responsible gambling.
Players also need to be aware of their gaming habits and the tools they can leverage at online casinos, such as self-exclusion, deposit limits and reality checks to keep themselves in check. It’s clear that the mechanics of themed slots are captivating, but it’s important that players remember that they are only a form of entertainment.