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Online slots no longer just feature fruit symbols with classic bars and sevens. Now, they have elaborate themes gleaned from fantasy, movies and animation.
At one point in US history, slot machines were no longer allowed to give out cash. Instead, they would provide a token for fruit-flavoured sweets. This meant the card symbols were changed for watermelons, cherries and lemons, which became the de facto slot symbols. Today, these have been replaced to fit elaborate themes, as slots become more akin to casual video games.
Anime in Slot Gaming
Anime is defined as a style of animation that originated in Japan. Its art style is heavily influenced by the Manga publishing house, and can involve adaptations of short stories and literature. It became wildly popular in the West due to Studio Ghibli, which offered a refreshing alternative to the tropes of Disney. Today, it is known across a wide range of verticals, with shows like One Piece and Dragon Ball Z being firmly embedded in popular culture. Even some popular anime series have their own slot games. Neon Genesis Evangelion is a famous series which had a slot released by 888 Gaming.
Thus, it stands to reason that the world of iGaming would take its theme on board. Koi Princess is a perfect example, created by veteran developers NetEnt. It is a 5 reel, 20-pay-line slot that uses iconography of an anime princess to help players on the reels. It also has elements of Japanese City Pop woven into its music and soundtrack. The game replaces its symbols with ones more related to Asian popular culture, such as dragon bonuses.
The Allure of Ancient Mythology
There are no end of slot games that mine the past for its mythology and use it in their themes. Think Norse mythology, like Thor, and the gods of Ancient Rome, like Zeus, and you may have the idea. Many of these have managed to create huge legacies with sequels and added mechanics. Gates of Olympus is an ever-popular title, available at many major casinos, including casinyonlinecasino.com. Variations of this include titles with Super Scatter features, which have enhanced bonus rounds.
Egypt remains a very popular one. This may be due to its connections with treasure, gold and hidden riches. Arguably, the most popular in this field is Book of Dead, a spoof on the Indiana Jones movie. You follow the exploits of Rich Wilde, who dives into various tombs in the hunt for treasure, which is revealed by the spinning of reels. To date, Rich Wilde has really mined the world of mythology, appearing in slot games with themes that range from Aztec Idols to finding the Shield of Athena.
The Luck of the Irish
Few countries have the array of slot machines which burrow into their mythology as much as the Irish. You don’t get this many UK-themed slots or French slots. Undoubtedly, this is down to the concept of Irish luck, which originated in the United States during the 19th-century gold rush. As it was workers from this country who usually discovered gold, the idea of Irish luck was born.
When it comes to slot games, the images associated with this work perfectly. They include the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, the horseshoe, wishing wells and the mythical leprechaun.
Rainbow Riches is one of the most famous of these games, spawning multiple rereleases, sequels and versions with new mechanics. The original version comes with three bonuses, which may account for its enduring appeal. These include the Road to Riches, Wishing Well, and Pots of Gold bonuses. These rounds are also quite simple, meaning they have been a great stepping stone for people interested in slots to get started.
The Future of Slots
Lastly, there is a whole genre of slots that jump headlong into the future, taking on all manner of science fiction tropes. It could be spaceships, far-flung galaxies or even digital environments. Galaxy Fortune is a prime example of a successful future-themed slot. In this, you are a space pilot who must visit different planets in the hunt for fortune. Imagine star systems, galaxies and interesting planets as you spin the reels.
Some of these even have licenses with real-world properties, such as the Terminator franchise. One of the most successful slots to incorporate a movie, this game even has bonus rounds where your playfield turns into a Terminator vision round. Not only is it great for those who like to spin reels, but it is also for those of the classic movie franchise. Of course, it comes with Schwarzenegger soundbites throughout.
Thus, there are slot games designed for people with a wide range of fantasy interests. From ancient worlds to futuristic skylines, players can indulge in many types. Of course, the old classics are there, and even some leftfield pursuits like fishing exist in slot form.
