Slot machines that allow players to choose symbols are scarce in online casinos. Unlike regular slots, where symbols appear randomly, these games give players an opportunity to choose how many symbols will appear on the reels, which affects the outcome of the spins.
However, it is important to remember that partial control over the symbols on the reels is not complete control. For example, you can select a specific symbol during a bonus round that can expand, bring additional winnings, or act as a scatter or wild.
Slot machines with a symbol selection feature are practically non-existent. However, some slots have mechanics that allow the player to choose several options. There may be differences, such as:
- Choosing a symbol when starting free spins. In such games, the player is given the opportunity to choose a “special symbol.” This mechanic is used in some modifications of the Book of Dead slot, but without the player’s participation, the symbol is chosen automatically.
- Choosing one of the bonus symbols before the start of the bonus game. In some slots, the choice of each bonus symbol affects the mechanics of the game and the chances of winning.
- Slots that allow you to “lock” symbols on the reels before spinning
- Choosing hidden objects or symbols in bonus games. Slot machines often use this mechanic, where the player has to blindly click on places where win multipliers may be hidden.
The Best Slots with a Selection Element
Although direct symbol selection features are still rare, there are many slots that offer players exciting bonus selection mechanics that are as close to this idea as possible. Players in these slots can make decisions that affect the course of bonus rounds and possible winnings, adding an element of strategy to the gameplay. Next, we will look at some of the most interesting examples of slot machines called “flexible.”
The Book of Shadows
Online slot from Nolimit City offers several different mechanics.
- Choice of playing area. The game takes place on a 3×5 grid by default, but it can be expanded to 4×5 or 5×5. However, with each expansion of the grid, the amount of the bet that must be placed increases.
- Freedom to choose symbols. Book of Shadows, the spiritual successor to the classic Book of RA slot, offers free spins with a symbol expansion feature in bonus rounds. Although the value of each symbol is determined randomly, the player is allowed to replace a symbol with another, the value of which is also determined randomly.
- Opportunities to take risks. Players can decide whether they are willing to take a risk and double their winnings, despite the possibility of losing everything.
Dead or Alive 2
Dead or Alive 2 is the sequel to NetEnt’s famous Dead or Alive slot. The main features of the slot are three different types of bonus free spins that the player can choose when they activate them.
There are elements of choice in Dead or Alive 2, but they are limited to choosing a bonus game:
- Train Heist Free Spins. 12 free spins with an increasing multiplier. Each wild symbol that lands on the reels increases the multiplier by 1 and awards an additional free spin. The maximum number of multipliers is unlimited.
- Old Saloon Free Spins. 12 free spins with all winnings multiplied by two. Until the end of the round, each wild symbol that lands sticks to the reels. The player receives five free spins if at least one wild symbol lands on each reel.
- High Noon Saloon Free Spins. 12 free spins with Sticky Wilds mechanics, similar to the Old Saloon mechanics, but with an additional x2 and x3 multiplier feature that can appear on wild symbols. If several wild symbols with multipliers appear on the same line, their values are multiplied.
The Dog House MegaWays
It is a modification of the popular slot The Dog House from Pragmatic Play, which uses the licensed MegaWays mechanic that offers up to 117,649 ways to win on each spin.
When three or more Scatter symbols (paw images) appear, the player can choose one of two free spin bonus options:
- Sticky Wilds Free Spins. The player receives seven additional spins (depending on the number of Scatter symbols) with random “sticky” wild symbols that remain in place until the end of the bonus round. Each wild symbol also has a random multiplier of x2 or x3, which can significantly increase winnings.
- Raining Wilds Free Spins. Compared to Sticky Wilds, the player receives more free spins (15 spins). A certain number of “falling” wild symbols with multipliers of x1, x2, or x3 are randomly added to the playing field during each spin.
Although the direct symbol selection feature is quite rare in slot machines, developers strive to give players more control over the gameplay, which is reflected in various mechanics related to bonus selection and game parameters. Players are encouraged to make important decisions instead of simply influencing the symbols on the reels. These decisions include choosing the free spins mode, assigning bonus symbols, enabling additional features, and even changing the structure of the playing field.
Such flexible slot machines not only increase interest and strategy but also allow players to change the gameplay to suit their playing style and preferences. The ability to choose from a variety of different bonus rounds with varying volatility and payout potential makes the gaming experience more personalized and exciting. The slots featured in this article represent interesting methods that allow players to control their luck.