Top 5 Features in Online Slots
Online slots have grown into one of the most popular forms of online gaming. They offer entertainment, unique gameplay mechanics, and a wide range of themes, catering to a diverse audience. As technology has advanced, so too have the features that come with these games. What once were simple reels and straightforward pay-lines are now much more engaging experiences, filled with design elements and mechanics that make for new and unique releases. Understanding the most common features can help players make informed decisions when choosing which slot to try. In this article, we will cover some common bonus features that gamers can encounter during online slot gameplay.
Free Spins
Free Spins are a unique feature in online slots and elevate the gameplay of many games around the industry. In many titles, Free Spin rounds are the most notable bonus feature of the slot, providing fun gameplay with the potential of further bonus mechanics triggered in these spins. Each game varies in the number of Free Spins that can be triggered and the way that the feature is triggered. With this being said, the common route to triggering Free Spins is through landing a required number of Scatter symbols in the same spin. Free Spins features can also come with added elements such as multipliers or special symbols that enhance this bonus feature.
Wild Symbols
Wild symbols are another core feature that adds a unique element to online slots. Since traditional slots, developers have incorporated Wild symbols in their games. Common Wild symbols can be landed on the reels, and can act as a substitute for base game symbols to form or increase matching symbol combinations. With that being said, Wild symbols can appear in many ways. Commonly, Wild symbols appear static, remaining fixed in a single position on the reels. However, some developers have elevated the Wild symbol, allowing it to expand to cover the entire reel or travel across the playgrid. The design of the Wild symbols is often unique and will share imagery based on the theme of the game. A slot based on ancient myths, for example, may use a god or mythical creature as the Wild symbol, making the design more immersive.
Multipliers
Multipliers are a feature that can boost a prize value triggered in play by a set multiplication. If a slot has implemented a multiplier, often prizes can be altered by the multiplier’s value. For instance, a 3x multiplier would triple the value of a matching symbol combination. Some games incorporate multipliers in the base game; however, most games that feature multipliers incorporate them in free spins bonus games. Some games also feature progressive multipliers, which can be increased by collecting symbols without resetting until the free spins game has concluded.
Progressive Jackpots
Progressive jackpots are a unique feature in online slots that were first debuted in physical casinos. Unlike fixed jackpot prizes, progressive jackpots can grow over time from players’ bet stakes made in play. Each time the reels are spun, progressive jackpots will take a percentage of the stake and add it to the jackpot total. Progressive jackpots are often linked across online casinos or specific games, allowing the jackpot value to grow on a larger scale. If the jackpot is triggered, it will be awarded and reset to a base value.
Megaways
The Megaways mechanic is one of the biggest innovations in the iGaming industry, first introduced by Big Time Gaming in 2016. The mechanic has revolutionised the way developers create slot games, with titles incorporating the mechanic featuring dynamic play grids. The Megaways mechanic allows for the number of symbols on each reel to vary, while traditional slots would have a fixed number of symbols on each reel. The varying numbers of symbols on each reel result in payline counts that correspondingly vary and potentially reach the 100,000s.
Choosing the Right Slot
With the iGaming industry being as expansive as it is today, gamers must understand the gameplay features. All gamers have their individual preferences, preferring a specific approach to the gameplay. Some may prefer a simpler approach, such as Wilds and multipliers, while others may favour the potential of triggering progressive jackpots. Free Spins features are unique and are a mainstay of most online slot games, providing an extra layer to even the most basic slot formats if triggered. Gamers in the United Kingdom have a wide range of online slot games that offer some of these features and more. Gamers can explore the expansive range of casino slots UK and discover the features that suit them best.
Conclusion
Online slots have come a long way from the traditional machines once found in arcades and pubs. Modern versions are packed with features that elevate the gameplay of the slot games. The bonus features are a mainstay of online slots, and will continue to do so through the extra layer of entertainment they provide. In addition to entertaining gameplay, bonus features enable slot developers to differentiate their games, making each one unique in both features and design. By understanding how each feature works, players can make informed choices and get more enjoyment from their time spent playing.
