With hundreds of new slot games emerging each year, only a few stand out as real innovators. Most, you see, are adaptions of a theme, with variations of graphics and sound but little change in gameplay. But occasionally something is released that make gamers sit up and take notice.
Here are three slots that delivered the wow factor in 2018, bringing something entirely new to the popular slot gaming environment. In the case of our first pick, the slot uses an entirely new form of technology.
Gonzo’s Quest VR, NetEnt
NetEnt is one of the big three cheeses when it comes to slots, releasing various cool games every year. Click here for the best NetEnt slots.
Gonzo has been around for a while in its traditional slot guise, but this version is something swanky. It’s virtual reality. Yes, put on your VR headset and spin the reels for a completely new experience with the bearded Spanish explorer and his thirst for gold.
Adding virtual reality to the online casino experience was going to happen sooner or later, and NetEnt was shrewd to add the twist to one of its established games.
In this game, Gonzo wanders around in front of the reels and alongside other game characters. You can, of course, look around 360 degrees yourself to see what’s going on.
The experience, particularly during the visually stunning bonus rounds, is hugely immersive, and unlike any other slot you’ll have played before. The only downside? You need to fork out for a VR headset!
Monopoly Hot Shot, Scientific Games
Who doesn’t like a game of Monopoly (even if it does sometimes get out of hand)? There’s been a slot version of the classic board game for years, but Scientific Games’ new release in 2018 is a standout winner.
It’s a simple three-reel, nine pay line game, with extras to be won on mini-games. Get three Scottie dog symbols, one of the original board game characters, to open up the exciting Around the Board feature. Roll the dice and watch the dog move, picking up credits as he goes.
Land on squares like Chance or No Parking to pick a mystery prize amount. Be careful not to roll too many doubles or, like in the board game, you’ll be heading straight to jail!
Castle Builder 2, Rabcat
The first two slots we featured merged two gaming formats, and this third game, Castle Builder 2, is the same. You’ll know about the popularity of sim building games, where you must make something from scratch. There’s something appealing about it – and this slot captures that spirit.
Choose your character and spin the reels to build your castle, winning building materials by matching up the symbols on the five-reel slot, such as granite, stone and bricks. Win enough materials and build your castle before moving on to the next. This sort of story narrative, connected to your fortunes on the reels, presents a radical approach for slot games while having the potential to connect the dots between social gaming and casino gaming.
There were many releases in 2018 that could easily have made the top three innovators. Games such as Well of Wonders, by Thunderkick, featuring nine different precious stones that spin in ‘mid-air’ rather than seemingly being constrained by the usual slot grid system.
Another favourite is Wicked Tales: Dark Red by Microgaming, a scary take on the Little Red Riding Hood story. That didn’t end up too well for grandma (or for the wolf in the end), but gamers have been having great fun with the slot and its bonus games.