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How to Find the Most Underrated Slot Games
Online slots are as much expressions of story-telling and artistic freedom as they are online gambling. Like all art, some slots go under the radar and only garner wider-spread popularity the longer they stay in circulation.
In this article below, we offer some tips to find the best-underrated slot game titles. The ones that might have slipped under the radar with an exciting and new mechanic.
You don’t always have to rely on the streamers to popularise an online slot - do your research and set the trend.
What Makes a Slot Game Underrated?
There are several factors to consider when trying to find the best-underrated slot game. Is it popular? What mechanics are there? Is there something about the design function that helps it stand out?
Answering these questions can help you establish whether an online slot gets the appropriate fanfare.
Underrated slots usually come from providers that are not so popular but these could be a gem for you.
Definition of Underrated Slot Games
The literal definition of underrated is: “not rated or valued highly enough”.
A slot release from a mammoth game developer with hundreds of thousands of euros (or currency equivalent) for a marketing budget might shout the loudest in the space. But what about the games from lesser-known providers that don’t get the fanfare?
Oftentimes, smaller developers need to rely on the quality of the gameplay and overall production values to get a competitive market share. It drives a race to the top rather than the bottom.
How to Identify Underrated Slot Games
Like everything, lots of it comes down to personal taste. And the only way a bettor can know whether they like a slot or not is by trying and testing en masse.
Here are some tips:
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Research and Review Platforms
There are hundreds of online casinos available under varying licences and territories. Each operator will have a specific relationship with a selection of providers and developers - some slots by some providers may be available on one site and not on another.
It is worth using review sites and forums to help you navigate operators and online casino games. Find voices you trust and let them guide you to your online slot preferences.
Remember, expert reviews often provide unbiased opinions based on experience and thorough testing.
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Understanding Game Metric
Before playing a game, it states the obvious that a full comprehension of the rules is paramount. But what does that entail?
Firstly, getting a handle on key elements, such as Return To Player (RTP), volatility, and maximum payout.
Here’s a brief explanation of each:
- Return to Player (RTP): The percentage of total wagered money a slot is programmed to pay back to players over time. For example, a slot with a 96% RTP is expected to return €96 for every €100 wagered, on average.
- Volatility: Describes the risk level of a slot in terms of payout frequency and size. Low volatility means frequent and smaller wins; High volatility means less frequent wins and larger wins; medium volatility reflects a balance between win frequency and size.
- Maximum Payout: The highest possible win a player can achieve in a slot game.
Once you know the basics, you can put it into practice by playing a slot in demo mode.
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Community Feedback and Word of Mouth
Social-impact entrepreneur, advisor, and investor Andy Sernovitz once mused: "Word of mouth is the most powerful form of marketing because it is honest and it spreads fast." He’s right.
Providers rely on positive feedback from online forums for their games to pick up players. Who better to trust than a peer in the world of online slot play?
A great example of an online slot that went viral via word of mouth is Netent’s Dead Or Alive 2. The provider had pumped a lot of advertising behind its release, with a lot of spotlight shining on the maximum win potential (more than 100,000x), but the game skyrocketed in popularity when a few live-streamers landed some massive returns.
An online slot that did not receive much of a marketing budget but still skyrocketed to widespread popularity is Book Of Dead. The most renowned slot from the Play’n Go roster attracted attention for its compelling storyline narrative and exciting bonus round - it remains a popular game to this day.
Popular Underrated Slot Games to Try
Below, we are going to make a case for different slots from separate categories and make an argument as to why they deserve to be classified as underrated.
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Classic Underrated Slot Games
Here are three golden oldies we feel are deserving of the “underrated” label:
The online slot has undergone mammoth technological changes over the years, but there’s something in the retro sound of reels spinning, the buzz of the scatter symbol landing, and the payout jingle that still slaps hard to this day.
It will take more than a few decades of online slot development to erase the carnal thrills that standard five-reel and three-reel slots - that were first introduced to brick-and-mortar casinos and gambling houses - bring to players.
The above three slots are perfect examples of traditional casino games that have been adapted for the online sphere.
They are rarely played in comparison to other modern slots and don’t get the praise.
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Modern Underrated Slot Games
Now, these slots have enjoyed some popularity since their relatively recent release, but did they receive enough adoration? We don’t think so.
Each slot is unique in its own right.
Money Train 4 includes several special bonus characters, each with its feature to help boost potential winnings. Land the payer-collector symbol for mammoth returns.
Push Gaming’s Razor Shark plumbs the depths of volatility to produce a toothy bonus with an unlimited win multiplier and matching reels.
Nolimitcity’s San Quentin has a massive max win potential of up to 150,000x the stake and features multipliers, Xways, wilds, and much more.
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Niche-Themed Slot Games
Some games target specific audiences through distinct themes. These three are examples of underrated niche games.
- Electric Jungle
- Fiesta de Mascotas
- Landy-Candy
The market is flooded with themed slots, making it difficult for any single theme to stand out. This abundance can lead players to overlook some high-quality games simply because they don't capture their attention.
You can make this argument for each of the above three games, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t exciting and enjoyable.
Potential Pitfalls of Underrated Slot Games
Sometimes, there is a reason some slot games are underrated. They might be really strong in one facet of gameplay but lacking in another.
Common issues affecting underrated slot games include:
Lower Jackpot Sizes
If the provider doesn’t have the financial might of some of its competitors, then network jackpots and fixed jackpots tend to be comparatively smaller.
That shouldn’t necessarily discourage players from playing - winning a jackpot is incredibly unlikely on standard progressive and fixed jackpot slots. If the gameplay is good enough, the jackpot size should not matter.
Limited Availability
Sometimes, slots are underrated because there is limited availability of the game in question and there aren’t enough eyes on the product. Slot availability is especially relevant at the beginning of a provider’s journey - new developers require time to establish business relationships with operators and platforms.
The best way to navigate this issue is by keeping an open mind when it comes to playing at an online casino. Search for platforms with bigger game rosters and a larger number of developers, prioritising it over the size of any welcome offer, for example.
Fewer Player Reviews
Without ample player feedback, it's hard to gauge the credibility and fairness of the slot. Without reviews, any bugs, glitches, or unfair practices might go unnoticed until after you've already invested time and money.
If available, play the slot in demo mode first to familiarise yourself with the game mechanics, features, and overall feel without risking real money. Check out broader discussions in forums or blogs that can provide insights into the casino’s reputation and the quality of its games. Try to determine the game's volatility by observing the frequency and size of wins during gameplay.
Conclusion
It’s never a bad thing to remain open-minded - it’s true in life and it’s true in searching for the most fulsome gaming experience.
Exploring underrated slot games can unlock a world of unique themes, innovative features, and untapped winning potential that often goes unnoticed - and there’s no better feeling than being ahead of the curve.
By stepping beyond the popular titles, you can diversify your gaming experience, discovering hidden gems that might align more closely with your preferences and playing style.
As you embark on the search for these underrated slots, approach it with a sense of adventure, conducting thorough research, and testing games in demo mode when possible. Remember, the world of online slots is vast, and the perfect game for you might just not have yet reached the spotlight. Happy spinning!
