Year in review: My top 21 slots of 2020
Let's be honest, 2020 wasn't exactly a golden year for the world. The main culprit for this turbulent time was indeed the dreaded COVID-19. At the start of the year, this combination of letters and numbers seemed random, but now it's etched in our memories.
While the pandemic wreaked havoc globally, it's worth noting that the year wasn't a complete disaster. Personally, the arrival of my beautiful daughter at the beginning of the year was a beacon of joy. Beyond my little world, online casinos delivered some thrilling new slots that became a delightful escape from the monotony of quarantines.
In this piece, I've listed my top 21 slots from 2020. Yes, 21, because my list grew unexpectedly with an addition I initially missed.
Before diving in, let me clarify that I didn’t play every single new slot released in 2020. This list comprises the ones I enjoyed most, based on the time and money I invested. online slots For best enjoyment, I’ve ranked these 21 slots from the ones I liked least to those I adored most. My judgments are grounded on their entertainment value rather than my casino winnings.
(P.S.: I apologize for the Finnish in-game text. That’s just how I roll with slots!)
(P.P.S.: Note that all images are from free versions, although I did play these slots with real money over the year.)
We were looking forward to an epic event in 2020, the UEFA European Championship, with Finland competing for the first time. Sadly, the pandemic thwarted those plans. Nonetheless, iSoftBet rolled out Hot Shots 2, following their popular 2018 soccer-themed slot.
#21: Hot Shots 2
Provider: iSoftBet
Release: 28.05.2020
Just like its predecessor, Hot Shots 2 is brimming with lively and spirited animal characters with a passion for soccer. The slot offers dynamic wilds that expand crosswise and free spins where each wild boosts your multiplier. Just a single wild on this 243-ways slot can lead to impressive wins!
Have you heard of Neon Valley Studios? I hadn’t either until Microgaming helped them launch the captivating Noble Sky slot! This game features grand airships and some of the most gloriously dramatic tunes I've ever heard from a slot game.
#20: Noble Sky
Provider: Neon Valley Studios
Release: 22.09.2020
In Noble Sky, you gather coins that might trigger a jackpot feature. I triggered it once but only won the mini jackpot. Another feature has an airship soaring across the reels, turning them wild and enhancing multipliers.
Noble Sky has two main bonus Retro vibes are making a comeback, offering the nostalgic allure people need nowadays. Accessible three-reel slots, like Riddle Reels, have thus found surprising popularity. And who doesn’t enjoy a well-crafted murder mystery—especially from Play’n GO!
#19: Riddle Reels: A Case of Riches
Provider: Play’n GO
Release: 30.07.2020
Riddle Reels’ straightforward gameplay doesn’t detract from the excitement of its unique bonus feature. Roll a die, solve a puzzle, and maybe score some enticing winnings. But don’t just take my word for it; dive in and explore what the game offers.
ELK Studios, with their impressive portfolio, remains a favorite. They've outdone themselves with four slots finishing in my top 21! For throwbacks, check out Wild Toro and Taco Brothers. Visitors, a quirky space-themed slot, stands out for its stellar audio.
#18: Visitors
Provider: ELK Studios
Release: 06.10.2020
Visitors include two special bonus features. First, a respin symbol on your first reel can show extra multipliers or wilds. The main bonus kicks in with bonus symbols, launching a rocket-filled bonus game. It’s a refreshing twist on standard respin bonuses, similar to those from Pragmatic Play!
Red Tiger's 4Squad, inspired by the recent superhero trend, combines heroic music with exciting sound effects for a fun gaming experience.stand your 5thThe game stars four heroes, each with their own colored symbols. Forget paylines; here, you have 7 avalanche reels aiming to form clusters. Collect eight identical symbols to summon a corresponding hero, or gather them all to see a full hero alliance transformation!st, 3rdand 5thDo you enjoy Gonzo’s Quest? If so, you may appreciate Yucatan’s Mystery with its similar setting. Venture into the jungle in search of Mayan treasures, exploring symbols like warrior princesses and enigmatic sculptures!
#17: 4Squad
Provider: Red Tiger
Release: 19.05.2020
While Yucatan’s Mystery might not impress in its base game, the exciting elements of this volatile slot deserve recognition. The mystery symbol can morph into any normal symbol, and though free spins are rare, its expanding mystery symbol can yield substantial wins!
(It took 873 spins in free mode just to trigger free spins in that shown picture!)
#16: Yucatan’s Mystery
Provider: Red Tiger
Release: 24.08.2020
If we mention classic NetEnt games, Aloha! Cluster Pays often takes a backseat to the likes of Starburst. Maybe its cluster system or volatility has kept it from widespread fame.
However, Aloha! Christmas offers two distinct bonuses differing from the original, each with unique spins and multipliers. I admit the holiday spirit kept me engaged with this version!
Yggdrasil has crafted many stunning slots. My favorite, Seasons, is a masterpiece of beauty. Neon Rush Splitz is another gem, loaded with nostalgic flair!
#15: Aloha! Christmas
Provider: NetEnt
Release: 01.12.2020
By now, most online casino Neon Rush Splitz intrigued me from the start with its theme and mystery symbols. Depending on the reel, these can yield one to five icons to bolster your wins. I once scored the third-largest jackpot here, a thrilling moment considering the jackpot sizes adjust with your bets!
Some argue 2020 was Nolimit City’s breakout year. I’ve loved their Pixies vs. Pirates and Ice Ice Yeti, but Deadwood takes the spotlight with multiple bonuses and a payoff structure of 576 ways to win.
#14: Neon Rush Splitz
Provider: Yggdrasil
Release: 27.03.2020
Triggering one reel fully with wilds turns all nursery symbols wild, too. Land three scatters and choose from Gunslinger, Hunter, or Shootout Spins. I’ve hit that sweet spot with sheriff stars and scatters—and those are moments you never forget! casino games Katmandu Gold from ELK Studios pays homage to Nepal and its capital, Katmandu, offering a taste of adventure and height with gaming high volatility, yet poured nostalgic moments through Black River Gold—a slot catering to thrill-seekers!
Alright, let's get real for a minute. The year 2020 wasn't exactly a highlight in the annals of history, and we owe a large part of that to the crippling onslaught of COVID-19. At the beginning of the year, those characters might have seemed like just a jumble of letters and a random number, but fast forward to now, and there's not a person who won't forever remember this 'code.'
#13: Deadwood
Provider: Nolimit City
Release: 22.04.2020
Even though the world was under siege by a relentless and sometimes lethal virus, there were still moments that lit up the dark times. On a personal note, the start of the year became unforgettable with the arrival of my adorable daughter, a beacon of joy in these otherwise bleak times. Plus, if you look beyond personal stories, I bet you'll agree we all found a silver lining or two. In the realm of online casinos, for instance, a slew of captivating new slots showed up, offering a delightful distraction and a respite from the routines of lockdown life.
If you land a sheriff star on your 1stand 5thIn this piece, I am going to put the spotlight on my personal top 21 slots from 2020. Why 21 and not the more conventional 20, you ask? Well, turns out I had a slip of memory and ended up adding one late to the list!
#12: Katmandu Gold
Provider: ELK Studios
Release: 01.12.2020
Before diving into the details, I should make it clear: I didn't manage to play through the endless sea of slots that premiered in 2020! What you'll find here are simply the highlights that caught my attention and where I chose to spend my entertainment budget.
To pump up the fun, I arranged my top 21 slot picks in an order that builds from my least favorite to the absolute best. The focus was more on how good the games are rather than how much I lined my pockets with winnings.
#11: Esqueleto Explosivo 2
Provider: Thunderkick
Release: 09.01.2020
(P.S.: If you notice any Finnish in the screenshots, that's just how I roll when it comes to slots!)
(P.P.S.: Just a heads-up, the pictures you'll see here come from the free-to-play versions, but rest assured, I put my real dollars on the line with each of these games throughout the year.)
#10: Hotline 2
Provider: NetEnt
Release: 24.08.2020
The year 2020 was meant to witness the UEFA European Championship, where Finland was poised to make its historical debut. Such a monumental event, but alas, the pandemic snatched it away. Still, that didn't deter iSoftBet from launching Hot Shots 2, a sequel to their hit 2018 football-themed slot.
Just like its predecessor, Hot Shots 2 brings you a lively bunch of animated animals embracing the world's favorite sport. The game takes it up a notch with wilds that expand in a cross and free spins where every wild ramps up the multiplier! Even a single wild on the 243-ways-to-win setup could lead to a nice payout!
#9: Clash of the Beasts
Provider: Red Tiger
Release: 01.10.2020
Have you stumbled upon Neon Valley Studios before? I hadn't, not until Microgaming stepped up and helped this indie studio release its fascinating slot, Noble Sky! The game is a delightful experience, featuring majestic flying airships set to some of the most grandiose tunes I've heard in a slot.
Noble Sky comes with enticing features. One of them involves collecting coins on the reels, which, if you're lucky, can activate the jackpot feature. I triggered it once, but only managed to bag the mini jackpot. Then there's this random event where an airship cruises across the screen, dropping onto a reel as a stacked wild. It scoots leftwards, boosting the multiplier with each move!
#8: Dreamzone
Provider: ELK Studios
Release: 07.07.2020
We seem to be increasingly drawn to retro gems for their nostalgia and classic appeal. This trend has given simple three-reel slots like Riddle Reels an unexpected surge in popularity. And who doesn't adore a thrilling murder mystery, especially when crafted by the experts at Play’n GO!
Granted, the basic play of Riddle Reels might seem straightforward, but its standout bonus game is where the magic happens (picture above is proof!). It's a unique mix of dice rolling, puzzle-solving, and hopefully pocketing some extra wins. But rather than spoil it for you, why not dive in and explore it yourself?
#7: Twin Spin Megaways
Provider: NetEnt
Release: 12.11.2020
For years, ELK Studios has delivered exceptional slots, and they hold a place among my top game developers—evident by their four contributions to this top 21 list! If you're curious about past favorites from this Swedish powerhouse, I'd recommend diving into titles like Wild Toro, Taco Brothers, Win-Win, Ho Ho Tower, and Kaiju. Yet, theirs is a gem named Visitors, a quirky space-themed slot boasting some spectacular audio effects!
Visitors showcases two distinct bonus features. Land a respin symbol on both the 1st reel, and you unlock extra multipliers, giant symbols, or more wilds on your display. For the bonus game, hitting bonus symbols on your 1st reel kicks things off, ushering in a rocket-launch fiesta as you try to catch as many on your reels as possible. It’s a fresh twist on conventional respin features prevalent in many Pragmatic Play offerings!
#6 Survivor
Provider: Big Time Gaming
Release: 14.04.2020
First on my Red Tiger trio in the top 20, 4Squad clearly draws inspiration from the recent wave of superhero flicks and video games. The game's heroic soundtrack and captivating sound effects are your companions during those enthralling sessions.
True to its name, 4Squad assembles 4 different heroes, each with a pair of color-coded symbols. Forget paylines, because you're playing with 7 avalanche reels, aiming to cluster those symbols. Accumulate 8 of a kind, and a hero will make an appearance! Get all four in one spin, and you'll witness an epic team-up to craft new wilds, wipe out low-value symbols, and more!
#5: Cash Noire
Provider: NetEnt
Release: 24.06.2020
Are you a fan of Gonzo’s Quest? If yes, Yucatan’s Mystery might catch your fancy with its similar thematic vibe. It takes you into the heart of the jungle, on a quest for ancient Mayan treasures... Think warrior princesses, enigmatic statues, and strange stone heads amidst the symbols!
While Yucatan’s Mystery may not revolutionize the base game, it does bring redeeming qualities within this high-volatility slot. One highlight is the mystery symbol—capable of revealing any normal symbol. You won't frequently stumble upon the free spins mode, but when you do, be prepared for the colossal growing mystery symbol (see pic above) that can pack a punch! I've once walked away with a major haul on Yucatan’s Mystery, cashed out my winnings, and never looked back!
#4: Ghost Glyph
Provider: Quickspin
Release: 03.09.2020
(I had to endure a marathon 873 free spins until I could capture that free spins image!)
Fans are likely familiar with NetEnt's classic gem, 'Aloha! Cluster Pays.' Despite its charm, Aloha somehow never shone as brightly as the likes of Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, or Twin Spin from the same era. Whether it's the cluster system or the high volatility, something kept this title from achieving wider acclaim.
#3: Miami Glow
Provider: Snowborn Games
Release: 20.06.2020
I have to admit, 'Aloha! Christmas' doesn’t stray far from the original, save for the bonus variations. Unlike its predecessor, here you have a choice of two distinct bonuses, each with their own free spins and multipliers. Honestly, I found myself returning to this slot quite a bit over the festive season!
Yggdrasil has a stellar record of delivering breathtaking slots. My personal pick from their collection is Seasons, which, in my opinion, is among the most striking and exquisite slots out there. Meanwhile, Neon Rush Splitz is another gem, packed with nostalgia-laden visuals and sounds!
#2: Aurora Beast Hunter
Provider: JustForTheWin
Release: 23.06.2020
Discovering Neon Rush Splitz was like finding a pearl among pebbles. The theme and the phenomenal mystery symbols snagged my interest right away. Depending on where they land, these symbols may offer anywhere from 1 to 5 symbols to amplify your win. A golden moment for me was capturing the third-highest jackpot—though the amount varies with your betting level. The free spins mode centers around wild symbols and jackpot prizes hidden under the mystery symbols.
Many folks would say that 2020 was the breakout year for Nolimit City. I have long been a fan of their lineup, including Pixies vs. Pirates, Owls, Ice Ice Yeti, and Coins of Fortune. However, the release of Deadwood really struck a chord for me. This western-inspired slot brings a lot to the table, with its array of bonus features, random stacked wilds, and a 576-ways-to-win setup.
#1: Nitropolis
Provider: ELK Studios
Release: 03.11.2020
Line up the second and fourth reels, and you'll see all low-paying symbols between them turn wild. Placing three scatters on the board opens up a choice of free spins, branded as Gunslinger, Hunter, and Shootout Spins. But land three scatters and both sheriff stars, and that’s when the real action commences! That happened once, and the result? Pure magic. (I can't recall the exact win, but I sure headed straight for the virtual cashier!)
Ever ventured to Nepal? If not, you might be unaware that Kathmandu is the nation's capital, near Mount Everest, the world's tallest peak! ELK Studios draws from this iconic location in their slot, Katmandu Gold, part of the expansive Gold series. I’ve dabbled with the entire collection but found myself most absorbed by Katmandu Gold and Black River Gold—despite their sky-high volatility!
Let's be real here for a minute. The year 2020 probably won't be winning awards for 'Best Year Ever.' The big culprit? COVID-19. At the start of the year, those letters and numbers were just a jumble in the news, but now, everyone knows that 'code' all too well.
Even though COVID-19 wreaked havoc across the globe, it's important to remember that the year wasn't entirely a washout. Personally, the start of 2020 brought the delightful arrival of my daughter, a bright spot amid the chaos. Outside of personal milestones, we all found joy somewhere; take online casinos, for instance. They introduced a slew of captivating new slots to keep us entertained and help us momentarily escape the gloom of lockdown life.
Conclusion
In this write-up, I'll be tipping my hat to what I thought were the standout 21 slot games of 2020. So, why 21 instead of the usual round number? Well, I might've had a little oversight and ended up adding one extra at the last minute.
Before diving in, a word of caution: I haven't spun the reels on every one of the countless slots released in 2020! This is just a shoutout to those I've spent my gaming budget on.
I've ranked these top 21 slots from the ones that piqued my interest to the ones that blew me away, focusing more on gameplay brilliance than my winnings. I hope you're as entertained reading about them as I was playing them! (A little p.s. from me: Excuse the Finnish game texts you'll see. It's just how I roll with my slots!) .
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