With online casinos having libraries of thousands of slots these days, so much so that they have in-depth categories, it’s incredibly hard for a slot game, no matter how popular, to find long-term success. Based on the most successful slots of all time, in this article, we’re going to explore the factors that go into a truly successful online slot that keeps you coming back for years.
The Gaming Mechanics Matter
The best and most popular slots generally have one simple but extremely powerful core mechanic, which tends to be the feature of the game. Look no further than the massive success of Starburst, or re-spins playing Age of the Gods. The Big Bass series takes online free slots to new heights by collecting them, which also includes expansive symbols.
The right game mechanics allow you the chance to win a good amount of money, with or without a jackpot. A lot of this, of course, depends on the volatility of the slot. Book of Dead is notoriously a high volatility game and, in many ways, is the game that started the current trend of most slots being built with high variance. When the player spins, players know it’s all about getting to the feature and collecting the potential rewards. With a low volatility game like Bloodsuckers, the mechanic can be observed to trigger early and often, making for more frequent wins.
The RTP Matters
Slot games come in three RTP categories, low, medium and high. Of course, we all dream about winning a big jackpot. However, games like Mega Moolah, which is known to get into the millions, are highly volatile. This means you can be waiting for several months or longer to hit the big jackpot.
Many players reach for low volatility slots because they offer more frequent payouts. Sometimes, patience wins the race to the cashier. Most online casinos have categories that proudly display the best RTP slots in the classic reels section, or something similar.
Great Themes
The top developers like NetEnt and Microgaming excel with a great variety of slot game themes. From fantasy games like Starburst, to the African safari like Mega Moolah, there is a slot game for all types of players. With new online casinos launching, including social casinos, the heat remains on to have exclusive games that you will only find at that site. Crown Coins stands out for its in-depth selection of exclusive slot games as well as its gaming groups.
The Sounds and Soundtrack
Besides amazing graphics, today’s slot games immerse you in the playing experience with a deep soundtrack and amazing sound effects. The sound effects and music in an online slot game can also contribute to an immersive experience. Sound effects should be realistic and engaging, with sounds that match the game’s theme and style, like with Gates of Olympus and Wisdom of Athena by Pragmatic Play.
For example, a game with an ancient civilization theme may include sound effects such as drums, flutes, and other traditional instruments. The music should also be catchy and engaging, with a tempo that matches the game’s pace and atmosphere. This is one of the reasons why Gonzo’s Quest remains one of the top hits, even more than ten years after its release. Some slot games also include voiceovers and sound effects that respond to the player’s actions, such as winning combinations and bonus rounds.
The Game’s Symbols
Wild symbols can often be used to replace other symbols in the game, and can help to create winning combinations. Scatter symbols can often be used to trigger bonus rounds in the game, and usually need to appear in a certain combination or pattern to do so. Both wild and scatter symbols can add an extra layer of engagement, and can often lead to bigger wins and payouts.
Some slot games offer multiple wild symbols that only land on certain reels to boost participation. The latest hold-and-win slots give players more command of the reels to get the right bonus symbols to land to launch the re-spins feature. Other types of symbols may also be included in some games, such as multiplier symbols and bonus symbols, which can also provide players with more opportunities to win.