Player-Favourite Slot Machine Themes
Online slots have drastically improved in the last decade; what was once a market plagued with cherries and watermelons is now a vast array of games with a plethora of symbols and settings. The result is that slot machines are more immersive now than they have ever been – offering storylines, sequels, and even character development. Whether you're looking for something classic like an Egyptian or Irish slot, want to get lost in an apocalyptic wasteland, or would love to see a release dedicated to your favourite household pets, it's out there. We explore the most popular slot themes, and now we're bringing you our favourite releases from each category.
Written by: Gareth Leahy
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There are a host of slot themes you'll see on your gambling journey.
Some of these are now considered to be ‘classic', like Egyptian, Irish or even Wild West slots. Conversely, there are some more interesting themes you'll find, where providers have taken the time to build a whole new world.
These include releases set in supermarkets, in underground bunkers, and even in skate parks. Each of these are as immersive as the last, featuring artwork and soundtracks that are second to none.
No matter what kind of theme you'd like to see in a recent slot release, we can guarantee you'll find it at your favourite slot site – if not already then at some point soon.
Our favourite themes include royal potatoes, pirate birds, space bees, and French raccoons – we really mean it when we say there's something for everyone!
A slot theme is exactly what it sounds like – it describes the appearance and atmosphere of a slot.
The artwork, soundtrack and the characters you might meet along the way in a game are all determined by the theme. Most providers stick to their theme in every possible way – using bubble animations in an underwater slot or charring characters when explosive wins happen.
Slot themes are the reason that online slots are now so immersive.
These themes are intricate and well planned, which helps players to feel like they are stepping into a new universe when they open the latest slot.
Better yet, with thousands of slots on the market, there's a theme to suit everyone.
There are a number of different slot themes that you might find when playing slot games online.
These range from those that are considered a bit more classic to those that are more modern – and even some that are downright outrageous.
Each player will have a different favourite theme – particularly because themes are now so closely associated with certain features and mechanics.
Still, there are some themes that we see reappearing time and time again, proving to be firm favourites with a variety of players.
There is no player alive who will not have stumbled across, and probably played, an Egyptian slot theme in their time. Egyptian slot themes are synonymous with book games – one of the most popular mechanics in the industry – which is why it feels like we see this theme more than we see most of the others on this list.
Animals are beloved by most of us, which is why they have such a stronghold on the online slot industry. Animal themes can encompass a variety of interesting creatures, including common household pets, safari animals, and even the less common creatures that you might not expect; like racoons and beavers.
Fish are an interesting addition to our list of popular slot themes, particularly because they're the only animal that earns their own category. Usually paired with a cash collection mechanic, fishing themed slots are on the rise on casinos around the globe; beloved by experienced gamblers and new players alike.
A trip to Ireland is almost a guarantee when looking at the most popular slot themes. Although not easily linked to any one particular feature like Egyptian slots, Irish themed games are some of the most frequent you'll see. Filled with clovers, leprechaun, green fields and fairies, the beauty of these releases is their charm.
If you get bored of Egypt and Ireland, you'll find that the Wild West is another popular destination that many providers travel to each year. From gunslingers and taverns to sheriffs and outlaws, western themed slots provide a fantastic variety to players – and they're filled with exciting wild features and players can't help but love.
The final location on our popular list is Asia – and boy is there a great selection. Scores of providers over the years have taken players on a whirlwind ride in their Asian games, offering exciting features, unique mechanics, and audiovisuals that feel like you've taken a once in a lifetime trip – one you can't wait to do again and again.
Ahoy there matey! What more exciting way is there to spin the reels than alongside some feisty pirates? Pirated themed slots might not be quite as popular as some of the others on this list, but you'll still find plenty of opportunities to take to the high seas – and plenty of opportunities to bag yourself some loot.
If you've got a sweet tooth this next category will be right up your street. Candy and sweet themed releases are some of the most visually appealing, often filled with yummy looking sweets and deliciously vibrant landscapes. Throw in some exciting features that can change with every new release and you've got yourself a winner.
Whether you're a believer in the supernatural or not, there's no denying the stronghold that magical themed slots have on players worldwide. Paired with great characters and apt animations, magical slots are perfect for those of us that like a little whimsy with our slots, particularly those that welcome the lighter side of things.
Going into outer space is a mere pipe dream for most of us, but space themed slots at least give us the chance to experience some of what this trip could offer. If you like imaging what other planets could look like, or what extra terrestrial life could be, slots that take you out of this world are the perfect option.
It's only natural that luxury and money go hand in hand with gambling, which could explain why banking themed slots are so popular. Scores of releases take black inside a vault filled with cash and jewels, but you don't have to have an overflowing bank account to appreciate what these games offer.
If you're a history buff or you just like the idea of learning more about other cultures and their beliefs, mythological slots could be for you. These releases focus on stories from a variety of sources – namely greek or norse mythology – and combine them with flattering mechanics, making them wildly popular.
Maybe you like something a little bit simpler, or maybe you think slot themes and storylines have gotten out of hand. If that's the case, classic slot themes were made for you. These releases continue to trend of classic, Vegas style releases, updated to fit in with modern graphics and features so they don't feel old fashioned.
It's no wonder that sport is a popular slot theme when you consider how many people tune in every week to watch their favourite sporting events – or bet on them. Sports themed games can use any sport as their inspiration, but football unsurprisingly tends to lead the charge on this.
The most wonderful time of the year spans the whole year round when it comes to slot themes. Many providers release unique or re-styled Christmas slots in the holiday season each year, meaning that players have festive and jolly releases to enjoy no matter what month it says on the calendar.
As we approach the spooky season each year some people can't wait to scare themselves with a good horror, whilst others can't wait to move past the creepy months. No matter where you sit on the idea of being scared, halloween slot themes can offer a frighteningly exciting experience for all kinds of players.
We've covered the most popular slot themes above, but how about some of the more unique themes you might find when playing online?
Some of the most interesting themes we've seen in our time include bees in outer space, typically safari animals hitting the gym, potato royalty and King Kong trying his luck in Sin City.
There are a few providers that are most well known for their unusual themes, so if this is something you'd like to try, look out for the following names:
When it comes to finding the right slot theme for you, there are a few things to consider.
Firstly, and most importantly, you don't have to stick to one theme when you play slots. Instead, you can just find the games that suit you in terms of features and mechanics, and accept the themes they come with.
Since there are so few truly unique games out there, you'll usually find that many different themed games share your favourite features, so you won't be stuck for choice.
However, if you do find that you want to choose your upcoming games based upon their theme, here's what to consider when finding the right one:
With this said, we do recommend that players play the games that appeal to them without concern for the themes – you'll often find that a well made game will excite you no matter the setting.
As you can see, slot themes have progressed far beyond the old cherries and watermelons we were used to seeing in the past.
Now slot themes can take you on journeys – intergalactic, emotional, and even through your favourite seasons of the year.
Whilst it is fun to play slots based upon the theme they offer, remember that there are thousands of games out there and a finite number of themes, so you want to focus on finding the best games that suit your playing style.
Always remember to have fun when playing the latest slots, regardless of the theme, and most importantly, gamble responsibly and within your means.
The popularity of slot themes varies depending on the player and their preference, but Egyptian, Irish and Wild West are some that we see reappearing time and time again, making them the most popular.
This is sometimes true, but it isn't a fixed rule. Many Egyptian releases, for example, employ book game mechanics to offer players expanding symbols. Still, that doesn't mean that you won't see other releases bringing this classic theme to life.
They sure do! There are a number of studios, like Nolimit City and Print Studios, who seem to make it their mission to stay away from the most popular themes in favour of something more obscure. Additionally, when these studios do tackle something a bit more common, they make sure to put a unique twist on it.
There are a number of modern slots that use classic themes, which means you get the best of both worlds – modern gameplay and win potential combined with a nostalgic theme taking you right back to your earliest gambling memories.
To find a good slot theme you want to look for a game that has applied the theme across the board – not just in art, but also in animations, soundtrack and even the features available. Still, we always recommend that you search for a game according to its features and how much you will enjoy it, rather than just focusing on aesthetics.
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