The Charm of Classic Slots - How Classic Slots Return with Modern Themes
Before we spin slots using our devices, we can only go to brick-and-mortar casinos to enjoy them. The games started simple, but the internet allows developers to provide them to larger audience pools. Technology also improves, providing ways for developers to be more ambitious and innovative in creating their products.
Due to many factors, we now see creative slots with bonus features and themes. From those with grand animations and storylines to jackpot games with multiple bonus features, online slots become more complicated by the day. However, developers continue to produce classic slots with nostalgic aspects that will remind players of older slot machines.
Due to many factors, we now see creative slots with bonus features and themes. From games with grand animations and storylines to jackpot games with multiple bonus features, online slots become more complicated by the day. However, developers continue to produce classic slots with nostalgic aspects that will remind players of older slot machines.
How Slot Machines Started
Slot machines have a long history, dating back to the 19th century. The first ever slot machine, the Liberty Bell, was launched in 1895. The slot was created by a San Francisco car mechanic, Charles Fey. The Liberty Bell has three reels containing card suit symbols and horseshoes. To follow its title, the Liberty Bell was also included as a symbol.
To operate the machine, players will pull on the lever to spin the reels. The machine will dispense a prize if the bells land adjacent in one line. It was a simple machine, so it didn't automatically produce randomized results like online casino games. The lever fully operates the machine, so the reels stop when players pull it.
Electromechanical Slots
Despite its simplicity, Liberty Bell and other mechanical slot machines were popular, leading to a significant shift in the 1960s. Electromechanical slot machines started appearing, and electronic components were implemented in the first generation of purely mechanical slot machines. Not only has the machine improved, but the machine's lights have become colorful, and they have sound effects.
Digitalization
The real start to the current online slots we've come to know and love began in the 1970s. Video slots were developed in this period when machines with video screens were launched. The gameplay improved significantly as players were introduced to bonus rounds and innovative themes.
Random Number Generators (RNGs) were also implemented in this generation of slot machines. Players would meet games with unpredictable results and can offer more fairness for all players.
When the internet era started, this slot type became the base of the games we now enjoy in online casinos. Developers added more variety and complexity to the online version, including improved graphics and soundtrack for better enjoyment.
Classic Online Slots
Despite new themes and gameplay emerging in online casinos, classic slots remain popular among players. Developers still produce three-reel slots with a retro vibe and keep the straightforward gameplay. Others added new features and modern graphics or animations to their classic theme.
Fruit Fortune
One of the best examples we have is Fruit Fortune. You can see the screenshot above and know how the slot uses the Liberty Bell reference by incorporating the horseshoe and bell as symbols. However, this slot is significantly improved to compete with modern innovative slots.
Instead of using three reels and a single payline like the original slot machine, Fruit Fortune offers 100 paylines and five reels closer to modern slots. The game also has a powerful Wild that can expand to fill the entire reel, enhancing players' winning chances.
By combining retro symbols like the lucky sevens, bells, horseshoes, and fruits, WinGo successfully presents a modern classic slot. Despite its innovative features like the Expanded Wilds and the Stacked symbols, Fruit Fortune keeps its gameplay as closely as possible to the straightforward classic slots.
Crime Cash
Unlike Fruit Fortune, Crime Cash doesn't seem like it's giving a nod to classic slots. However, if you look closer, you'll notice that the slot uses card suits as its regular symbols. Although they've been designed to match the theme of the slot, they still give credit to classic slots by incorporating the elements.
Crime Cash packages its classic-inspired slot with a more modern theme: intricate storylines. Some of the top online slots we see today have detailed storylines to improve players' immersion. This is why Crime Cash treats the player as a detective who is hunting criminals. The rose can hint at your pursuit or the key to the game's Free Spins. Crime Cash also features four jackpot prizes which can appeal to current era's players.
Duck Hunt Bonanza
If we connect Duck Hunt Bonanza to classic slots, the game will bring a lot of nostalgia beyond just slot machines. The way the slot incorporates the iconic fruit symbols is apparent, as fruit and diamond symbols are akin to retro slot machines. However, the game also uses a pixel design that many would remember from older video games.
As the generation who enjoyed classic slot machines would be familiar with pixel games from older video games, Duck Hunt Bonanza will give a different nostalgia. Even if you don't experience many pixel games, the Free Spins game is designed uniquely with levels as another nod to pixel video games. With the ducks acting as multipliers, each successful hunt will give you bigger wins!
