Greatest Slots Software
Why online slots casinos use certain software
Casinos that do not use one of the established software manufacturing companies are automatically at a disadvantage. Online casinos do not usually develop their own software. There really is no justification to do so. The main players in the software development industry have been around for over ten years. Compared with other corporations, a decade is like the embryo phase, but one must be cognisant of the fact that the e-commerce market is still very young and therefore ten years worth of experience is already veteran status.
Because this industry has exploded in its growth, the rate of change has also been exponential. This means that companies who wish to stay ahead of their competitors need to invest millions of dollars in doing so. The companies that weathered the dot com storm are the ones who took the risks, put in the capital and came out even stronger. These companies also head hunt the best software developers to ensure that they always remain ahead of the competition.
There are many software developers that create online games. The most popular game at both physical and online casinos is the range of slots on offer. Because the market is always changing, software developers also have to re-invent their games on an ongoing basis to ensure that their online casino clients do not switch software providers. Although it is very difficult for an online casino to change its software, as this software is a complete system, the software providers do not wish to take that chance. Furthermore, the developers also receive a share of the royalties from the earnings generated by the machines.
The main players in the development of online slots are Microgaming, CryptoLogic, Playtech and RealTime Gaming. These companies continually jostle for space at the head of the chain. The easiest way to divide up the best games is according to their developers.
Cryptologic Slots
The Marvel series of games from CryproLogic was a big coup for this company as the surge in Hollywood’s interest in the Marvel Superheroes continues. This has resulted in a lot of free exposure for the Marvel slots as well as more search engine hits from fans searching for The Hulk, Daredevil, Blade etc.
All the Marvel games are linked via a progressive jackpot which allows the potential winning sum to far outweigh a single game’s. These games do have their limitations, however. Although the graphics and sound effects are impeccable and the game-specific characters are featured, these are seemingly the only real points of difference. The Marvel series is also only available at Intercasino.
All-in-all, CryptoLogic offers a high level of gaming entertainment, coupled with many satisfied big winners. Their other popular games include Sweet Thing Slots, Rags to Riches I & II and Platinum Pyramid Rapid Fire Slots.
Microgaming Slots
Not everyone is built for the fast pace and challenging elements of gambling games such as poker or blackjack. In fact, most players prefer not to have to think or calculate during their gambling sessions. The beauty of online casino slots is that all players need to think about is which games to choose and how much to bet. They are then free to pursue their favorite pastime in the form of casino slots, without the need to do much else. In other words, the simplicity of casino slots is what draws millions of people to the game in the first place.
Microgaming's slots are probably the most frequented slots on the Internet. Well known games like Thunderstruck, Spring Break and Ladies Night encompass a broad spectrum of themes to meet all players' tastes. Having one of the largest infrastructures, Microgaming is able to offer higher-than-average jackpots and prizes.
The themes in general are very original with one of the slots games, Spring Break, appealing to both older and younger players by hitting on their nostalgic chords. The game uses graphic elements of a seaside holiday. This therefore has greater appeal to those during the winter months or those cooped up in an office while the sun is shining outside. Escapism is a major draw card here.
Thunderstruck, another game from Microgaming, has turned the conventional 5 reel slot machine template on its head. A betting range from 1c to $1, with a maximum payout of $150,000, means that Thunderstuck has a wide appeal. There are also great bonus features, free spins and multipliers to keep the game dynamic.
Pharaoh's Tomb is a 5 reel, 20 pay line online machine that incorporates an impressive second screen picture. Although this is a very popular game and a great money-spinner for Microgaming, the Egyptian theme is one used by most slots development companies. Although, with a player able to win up to 100,000 coins on a single maximum bet, this lack of originality is overlooked.
RealTime Gaming Slots
RTG has recently put its competitors into a spin with the release of their "Real Series" 25 line slots. With good bonus features and realistic graphics, RealTime Gaming offers some of the best video slots platforms. Although the range of games is not extensive, the choice is still broad enough.
Achilles is one of the RTG's best releases to date. Offering a 5 reel, 25 pay line game, the player's chances of winning are increased. Achilles slot has a wild and scatter symbol, a random jackpot and two bonus features. The Achilles symbol is the wild symbol. Three or more Achilles symbols appearing will trigger the Achilles feature where 15, 20 or 25 free games can be won. In this round, the initial bet can be tripled.
The scatter symbol is the symbol of Troy. Whenever 3 Troy symbols appear, all prizes are doubled and the player is awarded 10 free games. The player can win up to 40,000 times per bet line per paid spin. The surprise factor is built into the game where any player with any amount of credit can be awarded the random jackpot. This random jackpot is one of RTG's best features.
Another great game from the RTG stable is Cleopatra's Gold. This is a 5 reel, 20 pay line slot game. Multiple pay lines again increase a gamer's chances of winning. Finding three or more scattered pyramids anywhere will unlock 15 free spins. Prize payouts are tripled during this feature. If 3 or more pyramids are uncovered during this feature, the player wins another 15 free spins. Cleopatra's Gold is beautifully crafted and engaging. Although, once again, the Egyptian theme is overdone, this game retains an element of charm.
Playtech Slots
Lotto Madness Video Slots is one of Playtech's best. It is also the first game developed by Playtech to include a side jackpot. This side jackpot option can be selected before every spin at the player's discretion. The player then selects 5 numbers between 1 and 49 with complete matches winning the grand jackpot prize. Other prizes of lower denominations are also awarded for part matches. If the scatter symbol which is the "$" sign is struck on lines 1 and 5, the bonus feature is triggered. This offers the player multipliers and free spins.
Spin2Million is a 5 reel, 5 line slots game for the no-nonsense gambler who wants to win big. The static jackpot of $2 million is won by spinning the highest symbol combination. The game unashamedly incorporates all the symbols of wealth from dollar signs and briefcases to busty blondes and crisp Greenbacks. The graphics are powered by Playtech's latest software and this is one way will to get an almost real casino experience.