Ultimate Slot Reviews: Top-Rated Games & Casinos

What to Look for in Slot Game Reviews

You’re seeking your next favorite slots game? Great decision to do some research first — it can prevent you from squandering time (and money) on a game that is not very good. However, not all reviews are created equally. Here are the key areas that good reviews cover:

Graphics and Visuals: Let’s face it, we all judge games by their looks first. The finest reviews will advise you directly if a slot has visually appealing graphics or if it appears to be stuck in 2005. I always give extra credit to games that successfully depict a theme through beautiful visuals.

Theme and Storyline: Now this is where things become interesting. Some slots simply attach a theme to the basic gameplay and claim to have done so. Other slots however truly transport you to another world. Worthwhile reviews will inform you which category a game fits into.

Additional Features: This is where slots either become entertaining or dull. Bonus rounds, free spins, cascading reels – everything else. Here’s the thing: just because a slot has many features doesn’t mean that it is a good one. You should seek to find games that have features that contribute positively to the overall gameplay, not simply random bells and whistles that are added.

Volatility: Think of this as a game’s personality. Slots with low volatility are similar to that reliable friend who always shows up – frequent, smaller wins, but they happen frequently. High Volatility slots are more similar to that unpredictable friend that could possibly disappear for several weeks and then surprise you with an unforgettable evening. Both have their uses.

Return to Player (RTP): While it seems dull, this is extremely important. Any RTP greater than 96 percent is considered acceptable. Less than that? Unless the rest of the game is extremely enjoyable, you may need to continue looking for a slot game.

Potential Jackpot Payouts: Who wouldn’t love to hit that life changing win? Good reviews will tell you if a game has the capability of delivering those enormous payouts or if you are just fantasizing.

Fun Factor: In the end, are you actually enjoying the game? The greatest reviewers will be able to tell you if a game will engage you or put you to sleep.

What Else Should You Think About?

While reviews are beneficial, they only represent a single component of the process. The following items are always taken into consideration for me as well:

Developer: Some game developers tend to consistently produce superior products. When I see the names of developers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, and Play’n GO, I am generally confident that I will be experiencing a fun and engaging game. Their history is evidence of their quality.

Personal Preferences: Do not let a positive review persuade you to play a game that does not appeal to you. For example, you may be enthusiastic about games with ancient Egyptian themes but not enjoy games with science fiction themes? Stay true to your preferences, regardless of whether the game receiving rave reviews has science fiction elements.

Risk Tolerance: Be truthful with yourself. Are you the kind of person that becomes frustrated by lengthy dry streaks? High Volatility games will not suit you well. There is no shame in preferring the constant action of low-variance games.

Simplistic vs. Complex: Do you desire a lot of bells and whistles — multipliers, pick-me-bonuses, etc.? Or are you content to simply spin and relax? Determine which category you belong in.

Big Money Chasers: If massive jackpots are your goal, concentrate on progressive slot networks such as Mega Moolah. Keep in mind, though, that eventually someone has to win — although, unfortunately, it is unlikely to be you today (sorry, but statistics are statistics).

Accessible: Can you really play it? How frustrating is it to fall in love with a game, only to find out later that it is unavailable at any of the casinos you have access to? Make sure you check this first, prior to becoming too excited.

As there are literally thousands of slot games available, reviews certainly help to narrow down the possibilities. My tip for reviewing slots games is to attempt to play the free demo version of the game if possible. There is nothing quite like personally spinning the reels to decide if a game appeals to you.