The worlds of video games and casino games are closely intertwined, as both realms frequently borrow from the other to create new ways to speak to all sorts of players. As video gaming gets increasingly popular, casino game developers keep finding ways to bring the video gaming world into casinos. How? By bringing beloved characters into slot games, and by introducing innovative gameplay features that speak to those who love video games. Let’s jump into how the casino and video gaming worlds have been growing closer and take a look at some of the best slots that are based on popular retro games.
Merging Gaming Worlds
Slots have a long history and are rich in tradition, yet they’re still as popular as ever. How is that possible? Slot developers continuously find ways to reinvent and innovate classic slots to deliver a fresh take on the traditional pastime that appeals to today’s modern players. In the process, developers use video games, their characters, and certain gameplay mechanics to modernize slots. Now, many of the best online casinos available on the web that have been reviewed and rated by experts, feature a wide variety of slot games with all sorts of features and themes: from slots that are based on the traditional formula with three reels and fruit symbols to innovative slots with immersive animations, various special features, interactive elements, and beloved video game characters gracing their reels. Inspired by the video gaming realm, developers have started introducing interactive elements, including gambling rounds, character selections, levels, achievements, and more. These are some of the best slots based on retro video games.
Street Fighter II: The World Warrior
One of the most iconic arcade games in history has punched its way into the casino game realm. Released in 2020, the Street Fighter II: The World Warrior slot takes players back to the year 1991 when Capcom’s second entry in the legendary Street Fighter franchise graced arcades as the sequel to the original. The developers went above and beyond to recreate the essence of the celebrated game in this slot, not just by including a roster of legendary characters, but also by integrating a variety of gamification elements that make this slot play quite similarly to the arcade game it is based on. Players can select from eight different characters and fight random opponents in different levels. Winning fights lets players progress to the next level until they get to face off against M. Bison in a final boss fight. This slot is basically the epitome of how video games have influenced slot games and is a perfect fit for those players who want to experience the iconic fighting game with a fresh new spin.
Space Invaders
Street Fighter hasn’t been the only arcade game to inspire the creation of a slot game. Taito’s legendary Space Invaders didn’t just invade the video gaming world back in the 70s, they have now also landed in the casino space, with the Space Invaders online slot. The slot version brings the essence of the original onto the web and delivers something of an upgraded version of the original, with vibrant colors, yet sticking to the iconic 8-bit looks of the original. All the symbols on the reels and the background will be familiar to anyone who knows the original, with the soundtrack and sound design immediately triggering a burst of nostalgia. This game also features various gamification elements, with bonus rounds where players have to press the shoot button to eliminate invaders, among others.
Tomb Raider
Another classic video game series that has spurred the creation of a slot game is the Tomb Raider series. The adventurous archaeologist Lara Croft can be seen on the reels of the Tomb Raider online slot that stays true to the visuals of the first game from 1996. The archaeologist is featured on the reels, reviving the iconic game. With bonus rounds and mini-games, this slot includes interactive elements as well. Continuing the heroine’s adventures in casino games, more slots based on the series have since been released that feature more modern graphics and gameplay features, while still putting the spotlight on the iconic character.
Retro video games have inspired the creation of various slot games that bring celebrated game series and a burst of gaming nostalgia into the casino realm. Both gaming worlds have been closely intertwined for a while, allowing video game fans to experience their favorite characters in new ways.
