The ever-increasing popularity of slot games in online casinos, attracting both small stakes players and high rollers, is probably down to the fact that no skills or strategy are required. Every player is offered the same chance to win, with the thrill of landing on a high-paying combination. Slots also make it a breeze to play, by simply pressing a button to spin the reels.
The good news for players is that stiff competition among slot game developers is driving innovation. NetEnt and Playtech were the market leaders, but there’s been a rise of smaller software developers like Big Time Gaming, Blueprint and Push Gaming who have pushed the boat out to ensure that their games are brimming with bonuses and special features.
Yet players are unlikely to deviate this year from tried and tested modes such as InfiniReels, jackpot slots and Megaways. Accordingly, slot game developers continue to take inspiration from blockbuster movies, popular tv shows and even mythology.
With so much choice, players are spoilt for choice to determine what exactly are among the must-play slots to play in 2023.
2 Gods Zeus vs Thor
In the action-packed meeting of the Greek and Nordic gods, the stand-out features are the Big Reel Portrait Mode™, which allows player mobile portrait and be fully immersed in the action, and the DUAL SPIN™ mechanic.
This extra layer of excitement offers the opportunity to bet on a spin and on colour symbols to be part of the winning combination. The advantage with this slot is that players can still win a payout, even if they guessed wrongly on the DUAL SPIN™.
Players can trigger the free spins bonus and guaranteed Win Spins, where every spin is a win and massive multipliers can be achieved by correctly guessing each spin that will win.
Platform Yggdrasil
RTP 96.5%
Reels & Rows 5 & 4
Ways DUAL SPIN™ 2,048 WAY
Max Win 15,360 x Bet
Age of the Gods™ Norse: Book of Dwarves™
Fantasy-themed action game, inspired by Marvel’s Thor films, offers a good bet spread and the chance to win the jackpot on any spin. Accompanied by an adventurous soundtrack, there is a Free Games feature that include 3x3 mega symbols, lower-paying symbols that transform for bigger wins as well as an unlimited number of retriggers. The slot grid lies on a staircase that leads up to a castle with runes, the Wild is the highest paying symbol with a payout multiplier of up to 500x when landing five on a winning payline. This is ahead of the other runes of Hail, Joy, Man, Vitality and Wealth.
Platform Playtech
RTP 94.11%
Reels & Rows 5 & 5
Ways 50
Max Win 10,000 x Bet
Genie Jackpots Wishmaker
After the original, a Megaways remake and a pub fruits version, the Genie is back in his fourth adventure.
Magical-themed Genie Jackpots Wishmaker is the pinnacle of the slots series based on the Disney blockbuster Aladdin. His Genie can grant players one of three wishes once released from his lamp.
Designed in an Arabian style, there are 13 bonus features that comprise of seven random reel modifiers (named Wishmaker Power Spins) and six bonus games. Players can earn Genie Jackpots Wishmaker free spins, cash prizes, colossal reels, pick-me and trail bonus games.
Platform Blueprint
RTP 96.06%
Reels & Rows 5 & 3
Ways 20
Max Win 10,000 x Bet
Gonzo’s Quest Megaways
Beefed up and enhanced version of the iconic Gonzo’s Quest video slot, courtesy of Megaways technology, has resulted in more ways to win and potentially higher prizes.
The original Gonzo’s Quest was close to perfection, but after firing up this version surely players will appreciate that such a classic was in need of a slight update.
The inherent Avalanche feature and the playful antics of Gonzo remain. Multiple winners are possible on a single spin as Avalanches continue, as long as winning combinations keep landing. The question mark wild symbols are back, this time named Unbreakable Wilds, while the new Earthquake feature drops in randomly to reveal high paying symbols.
Platform Red Tiger/NetEnt
RTP 96.00%
Reels & Rows 6 & 2-7
Ways 117,649
Max Win 21,000 x Bet
Ted Megaways™
This Megaways remake follows on the success of the original Ted game, the wise-cracking offensive yet comical teddy bear who’s ready to party and constantly brings up toilet humour references.
The latest instalment, also based on the hit movie, offers great winning potential.
Spin the Thunder Wheel to win a random number of Free Spins with a number of Megaways active. There’s the combination of cascading reels and mystery symbols in the base game, on top of guaranteed Megaways in the Free Spins round.
Platform Blueprint
RTP 96.3%
Reels & Rows 6 & 7
Ways 116,749
Max Win 50,000 x Bet