Machines Inspired by Classic Retro Designs
In the 1950s and 1960s, the popularity of slot machines reached its peak. In this period, slots became an essential part of the gambling industry and began witnessing more innovation.
Four-reel machines, multi-game payouts, and multiple paylines were some of the key additions. More importantly, in 1963, Bally released the industry’s first fully electromechanical slot game called Money Honey. And even though players still needed to pull a lever, the machine was completely electrically operated.
The next revolutionary innovation was brought in 1986 by International Game Technology (IGT). The company introduced the very first progressive slot game, Megabucks, which gave gamers a chance to hit some truly massive jackpots. The first lucky jackpot winner was an anonymous player who, on Feb 1, 1987, won almost $5 million. In today’s dollars, it is equal to more than $13 million.
And what about modern times? Well, retro designs have successfully managed to put their claws into the sphere of various online pokie games as well, many of which are now impacted by retro themes.
In this article, we have brought together some top retro-themed slot games worth a quick glimpse. So, let’s begin our journey.
#1 Disco Funk (Habanero)
Disco is surely the paradigm of the 70s. Based on this belief, Habanero created a game with the same name that transports people back to an era of bright colors and funky disco tunes. The reels of this slot machine are packed with flashy lights, blue stars, and other similar visuals.
Disco Funk comes with 25 pay lines and 5 reels, as well as a number of bonus features for gamers. The wild symbol represents diva dancers, which replace all basic symbols to create winning combos.
There is also the scatter feature, recognizable by the disco ball symbol. If you manage to get both wild symbols, you will be treated to extra spins and get the chance to triple your wins.
#2 The Groovy Sixties (NetEnt)
Developed by renowned software developer NetEnt, The Groovy Sixties is a 5×3 video slot machine with 40 paylines. It literally takes all the best bits of the ’60s and gives them a breath on the screen.
There are various bonus features, incredible graphics, and attention-keeping gameplay, all packaged up in a stirring soundtrack from the 60s. There are also psychedelic, lively colors reminiscent of an Austin Powers movie, with captivating sound effects and bonus games.
The slot comes with a 96.5% RTP rate and features a maximum winning potential of х1,250.
#3 Dancing Queen (CT Gaming)
Dancing Queen, developed by CT Gaming, is a nightclub-themed slot that is the perfect conduit for 1970s music. The feel, sounds, and graphics immerse the gamer in the epicentre of the 70s, where Lynyrd Skynyrd, Le Freak, and ABBA took over the “throne”.
The 25 paylines and 5 reels provide a rather standard setup. However, things really get exciting when gamers manage to trigger the bonus games. Overall, the disco ball symbol, regardless of its position, will activate the scatter bonus, while the lady symbol is used to replace all the fourth and second reels. The scatter bonus triggered by the disco ball will activate a free spins mode or a mini-game.
When it comes to the winning potential, Dancing Queen offers an RTP of 95.8%. It is not so high, considering that the average RTP rate for slot games is 96%.
#4 Retro Reels – Extreme Heat (Microgaming)
This intriguing creation of worldly known Microgaming perfectly blends modern casino entertainment and a nostalgic atmosphere. According to the latest statistics, the favored player is from Welsh. Inspired by the provider’s two other classic slot games from the Retro Reels Series (Retro Reels and Retro Reelz Diamond Glitz), Retro Reels — Extreme Heat comes with a 5×3 reel layout and covers such pioneer slot symbols as bars, lemons, cherries, and sevens.
What makes this slot machine stand out is the special bonuses it offers. To be more particular, during the game, you can access the rarely seen re-spin feature and trigger the free spins bonus round.
The re-spin enables gamers to spin one reel when others stay in their previous positions. This gives you an extra opportunity to land a winning combo.
Another notable aspect of this game is its RTP percentage, which is set at 97.5. Actually, it is quite high when compared with other average slot machines.
#5 Colt P.I. (PlayPearls)
Colt P. I., inspired by the classic cop movies of the 1970s and 80s, brings to life the world of the private investigator. When playing this slot game, people have an opportunity to work on solving crimes and enjoy their gameplay in a thrilling atmosphere.
The game comes with immersive sound effects and great graphics, and it’s very own private investigator. As for the reel layout, it is quite standard and covers 25 paylines along with 5 reels.
In Colt P.I., themed images such as a revolver, cigar, bag of money, and a yacht are used to replace basic symbols. You can also see a disco ball on the reels, which replaces the scatter bonus to generate extra spins.
As for the wild symbol, the investigator plays it by himself. In addition, there are two bonus symbols, a car and a crime scene image, which can activate mini-games — car chase and crime scene investigation, respectively.
