If you have ever played games like Pac-Man, Tetris or Asteroids, you will appreciate that some forms of entertainment have the kind of longevity that ensures their relevance over the decades. As such, some casino games enjoy the same kind of sustained popularity.
Below we are going to look at some titles that have stood the test of time and that have caused players to return to even in the face of competition from new types of games. We should stress that these are specific games, not classic genres like blackjack or poker.
Here are five games that are considered retro gold:
Starburst – NetEnt
A game that casinos tend to put front and centre of their sites. Starburst, arguably NetEnt’s signature creation, is a simple 10-line slot with a cosmic theme. It doesn’t have the special bonus features or side games that define modern slots, but it’s still the go-to game for many players around the world. Starburst has that quality of retro games like Tetris or Pong; namely, it does the simple things very well. And as any gamer will tell you, things don’t always need to be complicated.
Mermaids Millions – Microgaming
Released in 2008, making it ancient in the world of online slots, Mermaids Millions has remained every bit as popular as we approach the 2020s. You can play the Mermaids Millions slot at a top UK site casino.com to see what all the fuss is about, but we would describe it as having that type of je ne sais quoi quality that can sometimes make a game play better than the sum of its parts. It’s worth noting, however, that Mermaids Millions has a high RTP (rate of return for players) and some huge prizes on offer. Microgaming also released a multiplayer version a few years back.
Mega Moolah – Microgaming
On the face of it, Mega Moolah doesn’t look like the kind of game you would want to play. The 2D graphics – the game has a jungle/animal theme – are not unpleasant, but not very exciting. Yet, it’s one of the most popular slot games ever created. Why? Well, a lot of it is down to the fact that it has one of the biggest jackpots in the world. The Mega Moolah jackpot, which can be awarded to any player on any spin, can be worth millions, and even entered Guinness World Records for the biggest online payout in 2015.
Great Blue – Playtech
Another game with an oceanic theme, Great Blue is arguably an acquired taste. Why? Because this game is often referred to as a volatile slot. In plain English that means there can be long periods of non-winning spins, hopefully followed by a large win or two. But it’s nevertheless remained hugely popular with players down the years, who believe they might just play the game at the opportune moment. Like Mega Moolah above, Great Blue also has a big progressive jackpot that can be won any spin.
Cleopatra – IGT
Slot makers really have a thing for Ancient Egypt, and we could mention dozens and dozens of games with a similar theme. Standing tall among them all, however, is the mighty Cleopatra slot. It’s been in pubs, casino floors and on many online sites, and it looks like it was plucked right out of the 1980s. Yet, there is so much love for this game. Again, like all games on this list, the reason comes down to a perception that the slot pays more than others, and there are some neat special features on offer too. A true classic.