This is a tough question to answer. One much like ‘ Are mobile or online slots better?’ it’s an answer that is very much down to personal preference. So what you will find here is an overview of what you can expect from many of the big and small but impressive slots developers and their games.
We’ve listed here under the appropriate headings what makes the games different from each other and which are the best casino software providers for each and a few of the top slots in each.
Graphics, animations and sounds
In the past, the likes of NetEnt used to be the kings of creating some of the most highly graphical slots with stunning animations and quality sounds. Games like Jack Hammer, Gonzo’s Quest and Starburst made them stand out from the crowd.
However, nowadays, even though they still produce quality games each month, the smaller slots developers like Play’n GO, Thunderkick and Quickspin are starting to surpass what they used to. Play’n GO’s Royal Masquerade and Wild North slots are highly detailed and are an enjoyment to play thanks to their pleasing graphics.
Thunderkick’s quirkiness and Quickspin’s animations are a step up from what you’ll find in some of Microgaming’s generic slot machines too.
Game play, bonus features and enjoyment
In terms of gameplay and the slot bonus features that you’ll find within online slots, then the best casino software has to be that of Net Entertainment. They are pioneers in bringing new features and different types of bonus games to many of their games, some of which other creators like to copy on occasion.
With cascading reels, sticky wilds and wild reels, there are too many slot bonus features to take into consideration here, though. Yes, NetEnt probably does it best, but many other slots developers like to put spins on them that allow you to win in many other entertaining ways and create bigger wins.
Colossal reels like in the WMS slots Giants Gold and Spartacus offer the chance at some mega thrills over huge 12 symbol high reels. Whereas the guaranteed wins you’ll find in some of Play’n GO slots make spinning a little lower risk.
One of the best bonus features that bring further entertainment at a price is those of NextGen. They like to utilise wild symbols in different ways. Their SuperBet feature gives you more wilds and bigger wins in their Foxin Wins Again and Judge Dredd slots whereas their Medusa slot offers you expanding wilds.
With such difference, it’s hard to say which software is best, but for us, NetEnt wins this one.
Quantity or quality
Once again, the software providers of most games in the casino industry are the likes of NetEnt, Microgaming, NextGen and IGT. With hundreds of slot games available from the likes of Microgaming, not all are of high standards, and you’ll find quite a few of the same video slots but with different themes.
The likes of NetEnt only reuse slot mechanics for exclusive slots like Mr Green Moonlight and LeoVegas casino's exclusive Vegas Party slot and each theme is still quality.
But what’s nice to see is that the smaller developers with smaller budgets are starting to create games that rival these. Yes, the number of games might be small in the tens rather than hundreds, but the quality is what will make them a firm favourite.
So for quality, we’d suggest the likes of Play’n GO and Yggdrasil, and for the sheer amount of game themes and choices, we’d go for NetEntertainment or Microgaming. IGT and WMS are firm favourites and lie in between the two groups on quantity and quality.
Big budgets for big wins
These are slot games reserved for those with the patience and budget to spin long enough for the big wins to hit. Not all casino software providers create these types of video slots, with many sticking with the lower variance plenty of action-type slots that appeal to the masses rather than the big win seekers.
However, there are a few names in the gambling industry that stand out when it comes to providing quality high variance, high limit slots. Williams Interactive is one of those game studios that can create some truly impressive winning games.
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Raging Rhino and Amazon Queen are two such slots. NextGen with their 300 Shields, Merlin’s Magic Respins and Titan Thunder slots also provide some great gameplay and some hugely thrilling winning combinations.
Another provider, and one that you won’t find at many casinos, is Leander Gaming with their Little Red and Dolly slots. Then you have Playtech, who don’t like to play well with others yet provide jackpot slots and high-limit games in various themes, with Great Blue being a firm favourite.
Jackpots for added draw and thrills
Ahh, the big draw of millions in winnings from a single spin. These are the games that, much like the lottery, feed on your hope of that ultimate grand prize without having to bet big.
Some of the most famous jackpot slots are Net Entertainment’s Mega Fortune and Microgaming’s Mega Moolah. Each of which give you the opportunity to win millions on a single spin of the reels.
The provider with the most jackpot slots is probably either NetEnt or Playtech.
IGT have a couple of MegaJackpot slots in Cleopatra and Siberian Storm and they continue to chrun out more whilst, other software providers don’t really focus on providing big jackpot prizes.
There are a few others dotted around, Betsoft have a wide range and Yggdrasil have recently released a few jackpot slots including Holmes And The Stolen Stones and Joker Millions.
Overall it’s up to you
In all there’s something here for every one to enjoy. Whether you like your slots looking crisp in HD and widescreen or you like your games with big jackpot prizes or big wins. Each provide will offer something a little different in their own style.
You just have to go in search for the ones you like and will enjoy to play your real money on. But our favourite right now has to be that of Play’n GO who just can’t seem to fail to impress with every new release.
