Modern Video Slots vs Classic Slots: Everything You Need To Know

Slot machines are one of the game types that has remained a staple over the years. Since the earliest inception of the slot game, they've been a point of pride in the gambling community. Folks just love them, and nowadays there are many ways to play slots. Players can indulge in physical games at land casinos, while many prefer to play digital versions of those very games. Since slots have been around for decades now, it's hard to keep track of the different variations offered, especially if you’re new to casinos as a whole. The slot industry is constantly changing things up, adding new features and other advancements. However, the true question is what are the major differences between a classic slot and a modern video slot, and which option is best for you? This article explores the similarities and differences between classic games and modern adaptions, along with exploring in depth the advanced features modern games typically include. It operates as a comprehensive guide to slots and the different forms slots often take. While slots have some distinct differences, there are also distinct similarities one cannot deny, so putting slots into categories can be complex if you aren't fully versed in the basics of the game.

Traditional Slots

Slots seem like a modern enough concept but believe it or not, they've actually been around since 1891. The slot machine was first developed in New York, and was entirely mechanical. These early slot machines were based on games of poker and offered five reel games. These slots were typically found in bars, and the earliest machines didn't even pay out directly. Instead, players had to inform the owners of the establishment of their reward. As time went on, the slot machines got even simpler. The machine offered fewer pay lines and three reels, and fruit symbols began to pop up consistently on games, along with lucky numbers and bar symbols. To this day, many players think of classic slots as fruit symbols.

As technology advanced, slot machines became even more convenient, and are popular across the world. Slots moved from a bar staple into the casino, and now operate using computer chips if you play on a physical machine. However, the modern online slot began to thrive in the 1990s when the first online casinos started to make an appearance, and with that traditional slots joined the online world as well. Classic online slots may have been limited when they made their original debut, thanks to early technology limitations and the slow dial-up internet connections of the time. Regardless, these slots had a simple quality that made them easy to play. These classic slots follow the structure of the earliest variations of slots. They typically consist of a three-by-three reel format and usually contain a sole pay line (Or at the most, five pay lines) along with fruit symbols, bars, and maybe lucky 7s. While themes can vary, many of them focus on a lucky number and fruit symbols, usually with a special twist. While these games still feature moving graphics, classic sound effects, and an immersive quality, they are easy to figure out, with basic betting mechanics. Fans of classic slots oftentimes just find these games to be luckier and prefer less clutter and fewer bonus rounds. On top of that, many classic slots still include a basic wild symbol, which will operate as a way to substitute for other symbols and oftentimes multiply wins. On occasion they may also still offer scatters or free spins, but the special features rarely advance beyond that.

Modern Five-Reel Online Video Slots

When it comes to online slots, these games draw from both traditional and classic slots, but incorporate more special features and multimedia elements as a whole. These games are usually more visually active, with a focus on flashy graphics and sound effects. While the base gameplay is simple, a five reel video slot may include animated sequences, such as an intro. They are typically more immerisve and incorporate themes other than lucky 7s or fruit symbols. Along with adding additional reels to the gameplay experience, these slots have a higher chance of including robust, exciting bonus games. Along with classic free spins games, which are typically expected in this type of game, they might also include different game modes.

Different Types of Modern Slot Games

Slot machines usually offer fixed payouts, which are won by matching rare symbols. Classic video slots usually operate like this, but if you play on a progressive slot machine, the prize and payout system operate a little differently. The size of the prizes that can be won, along with how often the prizes are paid out all seem to be factors. Progressive jackpots can be claimed by matching special symbols as well, but sometimes also can be paid out randomly. The total prize pool of a progressive jackpot grows as time goes on, and the pool increases a small amount every time a player makes a bet. The jackpot is added to by different players over time and grows in size, and after the prize pot is paid out, the jackpot goes back to the default size and starts its building process all over again! Some slots offer more pay lines than the traditional slots I mentioned previously, and it seems over time pay line expectations have just continued to increase. Offering five to ten pay lines is standard, but many modern slots go above and beyond this number. For instance, Megaways slots host a lot of pay lines usually. They can contain as little as 242 pay lines and as many as 117,649 pay lines, and more pay lines simply means there are more ways to potentially win. Megaways slots can afford to add a plethora of reels and additional symbols, however, to balance the number of symbols and pay lines, these games still host similar odds to traditional slot games.

While the first type of slots that were introduced are 2D games, in this modern landscape most slots run using 3D models instead. These three dimension graphics add a modern depth and charm, and they are typically utilized to enhance the bonus games of five reel, modern video slots. These kinds of games may feature two enemies facing off, and players win with certain symbols that trigger specific attacks. The bonus rounds could also be more simple than that and involve a gamble feature, or a symbol expansion feature. Another sure-fire aspect about, modern video slots is most of them are optimized for use on mobile phones. So if you are short on time and like to gamble on the go, you're far more likely to encounter a mobile-optimized 5 reel slot than a classic slot. However, that doesn't mean all classic slots are incompatible with smartphones, as most games in general do their best to ensure their game features and graphics would run well on an Android or IOS device, whether it’s a tablet, smartphone, or another smaller portable electronic option.

Picking Your Game: Classic vs Modern

The digital descendants of the original mechanical slot machines are an obvious choice for the nostalgic gambler. Folks who developed their love of slot machines by going to an actual casino, grabbing a drink, and playing games to their heart’s content love the vintage flare of computer-based classic games. The simplicity of these slots is appealing in their own right, along with the straightforward nature of the game. Plus, they are a perfect starting point for those just beginning in the online casino world, along with an excellent contact point for long-time slot players who want to reminiscence! The limited number of symbols and pay lines make the games familiar and easy. Playing is just a matter of choosing your bet, hitting spin, and hoping a winning combination will land on a single pay line, or in some cases multiple pay lines. However, these games rarely exceed five pay lines, and force an uncomplex game on its patrons. While classic slot machines usually offer smaller payouts, the payouts are more frequent than other more complicated machines. So if you are the type of player who loves to indulge in an extended playing session without dealing with as many fluctuations related to your wallet, this is the perfect choice. While bonuses are rare in these games, players can still win through the basic payouts.

On the other hand, modern video slots showcase the evolution of slot machines, adapting to a digital era and offering more of an engaging gaming experience thanks to elaborate graphics, accompanying sound effects, and animations. Modern video slots are more commonly found on an online casino and are beloved for providing dynamic features. Theme-wise, video slots can get far more elaborate than classic games. They can fully incorporate themes and characters, inspired by music, movies, fantasy and mythology. They have themes that cater to the interests of all players. Aside from the obvious visual appeal, these games offer complex mechanisms that will increase the chances of landing a winning combination excitingly and unpredictably. These sorts of video slots are bursting with bonus features and jackpots.

When it comes to choosing a game, it all comes down to your preference.. Players with an affinity for the simple and nostalgic will probably prefer classic games, which can be relaxing and uncomplicated. They can sometimes be ideal for folks on a tighter budget who can only afford smaller wagers, too. However, if you're looking to win big, the feature-rich gambling experience of a modern five-reel video slot might be more suitable, and most modern video slots offer small wagering options as well.. These games often adapt to high rollers effortlessly, as some offer you the chance to bet up to $200 per spin, and in return, you'll have access to massive jackpots and a rich reward system. Both options are different, but equally valuable ventures. If you are still uncertain which type of game is best for you, most online casinos offer demo mode or free play mode. That means you can test both types of slots without necessarily wagering any real money. Regardless of whether you want to high roll with a video slot, or play a simple nostalgic game, either option will offer massive rewards if played properly- with the right wager, and a bit of luck!