What should a slot machine look like? If the first thing that springs to mind is a set of reels and a collection of symbols like bells, bars and cherries, then you have probably never visited a modern online casino. While slots don’t really look like the classic one-armed bandits you would have seen in Las Vegas in the 1950s, they are also still based on the same premise. There may be more paylines and +special features, but the fundamentals are the same.
Yet, there is one developer that always liked to do things a little differently – NetEnt. Regarded as one of the most important games developers on the planet, NetEnt is a boundary pusher when it comes to the design of games. To see what we mean, check out the Aloha slot right here. It’s a game that uses NetEnt’s trademarked Cluster Pays system, meaning there is no need for linear paylines and dull repetitive spins. The game looks cute, with its Tiki-Hawaiian theme, but it also packs a punch when it comes to payouts.
The Brilliantly Unconventional Aloha Slot
Aloha joins other games in the Cluster Pays range, most notably The Legend of Shangri-La. But if those games changed the rules somewhat when it comes to paylines, other NetEnt creations have taken a sledgehammer to them. The best example of this is the release of Finn and the Swirly Spin. This game is so unrecognisable from a traditional slot machine that even experienced casino players might find it difficult to identify it as one. The game invites you to spin a swirly maze full of symbols, with the aim of getting a magic key into the lock at the end of the maze. Once there, you unlock a magical world full of special features. Incredible ground-breaking stuff.
While NetEnt is quite famous for its cute animations, it can also mix it up with rival software developers who can at times focus on big and bold graphics. NetEnt games like Warlords: Crystals of Power is a big budget slot that looks and feels like a World of Warcraft Game. Similarly, bringing licensed content to life, such as the release of Narcos slot – based on the hit Netflix series – shows that the software developer is keen to try its hand at some premium branded content.
NetEnt realise simplicity has longevity
Yet, for NetEnt fans it will always go back to its own unique creations. We saw some years ago that NetEnt would go down this route when it released the classic Starburst slot. The game has such popularity, even though it is really simple. It is arguably the most recognisable online casino slot ever created. And, that’s one of the calling cards of the company, creating beautiful simplicity using the same rules that made video games like Tetris timeless.
The company has moved into other areas of online casino, and it is pushing hard in the exciting sphere of live dealer casino. The future in this area is set to deliver much more than just live roulette and blackjack, with new interactive and even skill games being mooted. Indeed, VR technology will likely transform our perceptions of casino games in general, and it’s going to be exciting to see NetEnt bring its esoteric take on this field.