We talk about online slots in the blog a lot, but just how much do you know about them, and are you playing the right slot for you? You could be missing out on some great games by sticking to the ones you know and not the ones that suit your character. So, I thought it was about time we passed on some of our know-how about online slots; hopefully it’ll get you sitting in front of the right slot and having even more fun at the reels than usual.
Golden rules number 1: Bonuses and slot types.
Yup, there are all manner of online slots our there. The obvious differences come in the number of reels, which are immediately apparent and the effects fairly straight forward, but there’s more to some slots than meets the eye. Indeed it’s a little known fact that there are three main categories of slots. There is the classic slot, where all the action takes place on the reels and, basically, what you see is what you get, i.e. hit 5 of the same symbols in a payline and win a whole lot of money and that’s all there is to it. Classic, pure slot fun. Modern online slots though come with bonus features, and those fall into two main categories: bonus games and free spins. Free spins based slots originated in Australia and bonus games from the States, but now both are played across the world by millions and some clever slot makers have even developed hybrids that combine elements of both.
But what good are these bonus games? Well, instead of jackpots being based on the reels bonus slots have emphasis on the bonus rounds. Of course the bonuses are still triggered on the reels, but generally by a much more frequent combination of symbols, and even through scatter symbols (where the symbols don’t need to line up but just need to appear somewhere on the slot machine). The result is a themed, off screen bonus game that allows you a shot at huge coin wins – normally by picking from a selection of options.
Free spins keep you at the reels but give you just that – free spins, and normally with a big multiplier bonus. If I’m honest, the biggest wins lie with with this type of slot but they rely much more on luck. After all, you still need to hit good symbol combinations during the free spins to win the big amounts. So if you’ve got the patience and want big wins then free spin based slots might be for you. If you prefer a little adventure and real atmosphere – plus guaranteed good wins when the bonus is triggered – then bonus game online slots could well be for you.
What are my favourite online slots of each category? I play Kung Fu Monkey (at the moment!) for bonus fun and the free spins classic Thunderstruck. See all of 32Red’s online slot games – there’s definitely a slot for you.
In part II: variance, jackpots and player preference.
