What Retro Slots Can You Play Nowadays?

Retro slots are still very popular, even with the software providers offering more immersive, feature-rich experiences. Due to their simple play style and nostalgic feel, they are a favorite pastime for more straightforward bettors. So, what retro slots are out there today, and why are they still relevant?

What Makes a Slot Game ‘Retro’?

Retro games usually resemble the classic visual style of the original land-based machines and use design aesthetics from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. While video slots are moving away from the classic design toward a more cinematic experience with heroes and over-the-top bonus rounds, the retro ones stay minimalist. Think three-reels, limited paylines, fruit symbols, and simple bonus rounds. 

Of course, to look and feel of the game cannot be separated from iconic instant payouts. Older machines used coins and paid out coins. The metallic sounds or coin clinking that players heard while the tray was filling up was a big part of the experience. That’s no longer the case with modern machines, but fast payouts are possible even online. According to Jackpot City withdrawal process reviews, you can expect to receive your winnings within a day, assuming you’ve been verified. Or you can just use your wins immediately to play other games. 

Key Features of Retro Slots

So, what are the differences between retro slots and modern video slots? In modern games, you may find all sorts of free spins, bonus wheels, hundreds of paylines, and stacking multipliers. Retro slots, on the other hand, provide a more streamlined, accessible experience. You can expect to see three reels, one to five paylines, and the classic symbols, namely BARs, cherries, bells, and lucky 7s.

Take NetEnt's Mega Joker as an example. Clearly a retro slot, despite having "Supermeter" mode and a progressive jackpot. It captures the entire experience of the old slot cabinet, with coin sounds and pixel graphics.

There are games like IGT's Double Diamond that do not even have a bonus game. Here, you just anticipate each spin and wait for a multiplier on wild symbols. 

The essence of these games is to bring you back to the basics. While playing them, you will be transported to the old school Las Vegas floors and classic pubs. A similar nostalgic experience can be found in older casino games like Super Casino 2 for SNES. A sequel to Super Casino, it offers better graphics, more casino games, and more options for customization. You even get some elements of Japanese gambling culture, like the pachislot (pachinko-slot hybrid) machines.

Visual and Sound Design

Often, the visual aesthetic is the charm of retro games. Developers willingly use flat visual elements, pixel effects, contrasting colors, and mechanical reel animations. 

Also, sound design plays a vital role; the beeps, dings, buzzers, and coin sound effects mimic the sounds of arcade slot games. For example, as you spin from Microgaming's Break da Bank, you will hear sounds throughout the base game that maintain the vintage appeal. 

Popular Retro Slots Still Available Today

Retro slots are still around; they have simply been adapted to the online format. Various leading developers have even enhanced their most recognizable retro games, in order for them to be playable and relevant. 

You can even find games that aim to capture the feel of old arcades, but are now designed around a risk-reward mechanic. Take the Chicken Road crossing game that many argue borrows from old Frogger franchises, and combines it with the classic "Why did the chicken cross the road?" joke. It’s a unique twist for casino players looking for a fun chance to earn some extra cash.

Let us take a look at some unique retro slots still in existence at various top casinos:

Mega Joker

Mega Joker is a 3-reel slot with one of the highest RTP up to 99%. It has a retro aesthetic with the chrome layout and LED display. The base game is simple, but the “Supermeter mode” on the second screen adds an interesting level of strategy. Players who can find the right balance between the base game and the “Supermeter” can boost their odds of winning.

Double Diamond 

Double Diamond is recognized as an old-school classic with only three reels and one payline. A single wild symbol (the Double Diamond logo) doubles or quadruples wins for any combination. This game does not have free spins, scatters, or multipliers. Just pure slot action.

Break da Bank

Originally released back in the early 2000s, this classic 3-reel game is themed around breaking into a vault. It is a reference for going on a jackpot hunt.  Being extremely high in volatility, it attracts players who enjoy the chase of bigger wins. Its sequel, Break da Bank Again, goes even further by adding more paylines and features, but retains the same simple visuals.

Gonzo’s Quest (NetEnt)

While Gonzo's Quest isn't deemed a traditional retro slot, it does have qualities that appeal to players who appreciate its core simplicity. The story is about a Spanish conquistador searching for El Dorado. It has intuitive gameplay, familiar game design mechanics, and does not bombard you with excessive bonuses. This makes it feel like a retro slot in disguise.

Its Avalanche feature, where winning symbols explode and new ones take their place, is the biggest "modern" element. While the concept was revolutionary to the genre at the time, it is still simple enough for classic players to be comfortable with.

Cleopatra (IGT)

Cleopatra fuses together nostalgic gameplay with a mystically exotic theme. The original version of this game has a 5-reel, 20-payline layout. There is a free spins bonus and the potential to multiply wins up to 3x. It features all the classic slot roots: simple navigation, immersive story, and loud and striking visuals.

Tips for Choosing the Best Retro Slots

While choosing which retro slot to play, look beyond its graphics. There are important aspects to be aware of, therefore you should keep the following in mind:

• Payout Structure. Always choose games that have high RTPs like Mega Joker (up to 99%) or medium volatility slots like Cleopatra, which balance winnings fairly evenly.

• Reel Layout. Authentic retro slots are usually laid out in a 3x3 structure. If the slot has five reels or more than one bonus round, then it's more retro-inspired.

• Game Provider: Play with providers that consistently produce quality classic titles with high-quality gameplay mechanics.

• Demo Play Availability. Always seek out a free demo of a game first. Retro games can look simple, but playing them is the only way to know if the pacing and payouts match your style.

Always keep in mind that just because a game looks old-fashioned, it does not necessarily mean it has a real retro experience.