iGamers Torn Between Retro and High-Tech Slots

The first coin-operated slot machine was introduced just before the turn of the 20th Century. Since then, there have been massive advances in slots, not least the evolution to online digital slots. Modern slot machines have multiple playlines, are based on pretty much every conceivable theme, and can feature additional bonuses and features. However, despite all of these advances, there are still many players who prefer the retro theme for its simpler play, easy aesthetics, and nostalgic feel.

Slots are among the most popular online games with large selections found at some of the best paying online casino sites. These collections include retro and ultra-modern, high-tech slots. From the inevitable fruit slots to ancient myths and popular culture, their themes vary, indeed. The cutting-edge payout options and enhanced security options only add to the popularity of such casino platforms. As for the slots, while the high-tech slots certainly have their supporters, retro slots also gather a lot of attention.

Aesthetics
The most notable difference between the two styles of slots comes from their aesthetics. Retro slots aren’t necessarily designed to look like the early designs of the 19th Century, but they do look like slot machines. High-tech slots can look more like video games and have more complex designs.

Symbols
Traditional slot machine symbols include different fruits, bells, and number 7s. Interestingly, fruits were introduced in the early 20th Century to represent the prizes that were handed out for matching the symbols: cash prizes were outlawed at the time. Modern designs incorporate symbols and images in keeping with their design style. They can include anything from aliens to ancient Greek iconography.

The Reels
Modern slots also utilize different visual effects, often even in the way the reels spin. Players might see symbols materialize on the screen, whereas retro slot games use the traditional spin of the reel wheel, attempting to recreate the mechanical feel of the original bar games.

Paylines
For decades, coin-operated slots had single-play lines, right down the middle. Players would win for spinning a full line of the same symbol. Over time, this progressed to offer prizes for getting matching symbols on the first two reels. It’s basic, but it’s easy to keep track of. Modern slots offer multiple playlines, sometimes up to 200 or more on their five or seven reels. They are more complicated, but they also offer more opportunities to win.

The Benefits Of Retro Slots
Retro slots remain popular, with all age groups and all types of players. They do hold certain benefits over high-tech slot alternatives.

Nostalgia
For some, retro slots offer a huge slice of nostalgia. They look, play, and feel very similar to the machines that were found in bars and other venues back in the day. This nostalgia offers a sense of ease and it means that the player already has an inherent knowledge of how the game plays. It’s the same reason old-style arcade machines are also making a big comeback.

Simplicity
Whether it has three or five reels, a retro slot machine with one or a small handful of win lines is easy to understand. Match symbols along the middle and you win. Digital slots do offer automatic payouts, but it’s still nice to know what is going on and what you have to do to win.

Speed
The extra features and bonuses offered by modern slots may add to the enjoyment for some players, but it also reduces the speed of the game. It takes time to learn the game and every spin takes a little longer to determine the outcome. With retro slots, you spin and you’re done, expediting the playing process.

The Benefits Of High-Tech Slots
High-tech slots do also hold certain advantages over retro slots, and, ultimately, players have a wide selection of games to play.  

Win Chances
Retro games have limited ways to win and typically require that the player matches symbols down the centre win line. High-tech slots have multiple win lines and can also include bonus features and side games that add further ways to win. These extra chances of winning can add to the excitement for some players.

Extra Features
Nudges and skill stops were added to some machines in the 1970s and 1980s, initially as a means of circumventing restrictive gambling laws in the UK. These gave extra ways players could win and they offered greater immersion for some players. Today, some high-tech machines add extra features and side games that take place completely separately and even independently from the main reels and games. For players who find retro slots boring, these extra features make modern slots more appealing.

More Choice
Retro slots typically have very similar designs. They use fruit symbols and other traditional symbols like bells, 7s, and eagles. There’s not much difference from one retro game to the next. There are high-tech machines based on pretty much every conceivable genre or style. There are also some with three, five, or seven reels, as well as games with or without progressive jackpots. Players who enjoy variety in their games will usually be better served with a good selection of high-tech slot games rather than retro.

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