Konami slots have been celebrated for years due to their
creativity and payout percentages, and they’ve firmly staked
their claim to a significant portion of the casino gaming
market. Whether you’re a longtime fan of these games or only
discovering them for the first time, this article is designed to
teach you more about the company’s history, their catalogue of
products, and some of the inherent advantages to playing their
slots.
About Konami
Slot machines use a random selection process to achieve a set of theoretical odds. Random selection means that each time the lever is pulled and the reels are set in motion a combination of symbols are randomly selected. The action-stacked symbols feature. Players of Konami slots are almost guaranteed encounter its action-stacked symbols system. This feature creates sections across all the reels in a game that pick one single symbol to stack for that spin. With a little luck, players will see these sets of stacked symbols fill up their paylines for big wins. Wild symbols work by transforming themselves, as if by magic, into whatever symbol you need to create a winning slots payline. In Mega Moolah, for example, the lion is a wild symbol. So if you have a payline with giraffe-lion-giraffe, the lion actually counts as a giraffe, giving you three giraffes and a payout.
In 1969, Kagemasa Kozuki started a company in Osaka, Japan,
to repair and rent jukeboxes. It had grown substantially by
1973, which is the year when Konami Industry Co., Ltd.
officially came into existence. The name Konami was arrived at
by taking the first two letters of Kozuki’s name, as well as
those of colleagues Yoshinobu Nakama, and Tatsuo Miyasako.
The company then shifted their focus to creating games for
arcades, and 1978 saw their first release. They were exporting
to the United States by the following year, and they would enjoy
great success with arcade classics such as Frogger.
Konami was involved in the creation of PC games by 1982, and
their first offices opened in American the same year. They
designed a number of titles for the Japanese-created Famicom
home gaming system, and this marriage paid huge dividends when
it was marketed in the United States as the Nintendo
Entertainment System. Some of Konami’s top selling games for
this system included Metal Gear and the horror-themed
Castlevania franchise.
The company experienced massive growth during the 1990s,
which included expanding operations around the globe, getting
into the development of slot machines, and further adding to
their portfolio of games with the creation of Dance Dance
Revolution. By 2003, they had been listed on the stock exchanges
in London, Tokyo, and New York (although they would delist
themselves from the latter in 2015 following the cancellation of
the video game Silent Hills).
When it comes to their slot machine operations, Konami has
two primary locations. Their 120,000 square foot facility in Las
Vegas is situated next to McCarran International Airport and
provides games to North America, Latin America, Europe,
Singapore, and Macau. Their other offices, located in Botany,
New South Wales, services clients in Australia, New Zealand,
Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, and South Africa.
The company is currently known as Konami Holdings
Corporation, a name alteration that came about in October 2015.
As of this writing, founder Kagemasa Kozuki remains the chairman
of the organization.
From their humble beginnings as a jukebox repair and rental
operation, Konami has grown to become one of the top names in
the world of video games and slot machines. Their products are
consistently on the cutting edge, whether it involves
technological innovations or consumer needs. While their slots
are currently enjoyed in most parts of the world, perhaps their
greatest fame came as game designers for the NES system.
Types of Konami Slots
Konami is known throughout the gaming industry for their
versatility and willingness to meet the ever-changing demands of
customers. They accomplish this by creating slots for every
possible demographic, and the following list provides numerous
examples of the games types currently offered.
- Advantage 3 High Denomination
- Advantage 5
- Advantage Revolution
- Advantage+ 27 Ways
- Advantage+ 5 Lines
- KonXion
- KonXion 4-5-4-5-4
- Monument
- Multiple Lines 15 Reels
- Multiple Lines 4-5-5-5-4
- Rapid Revolver
- ReEleven
- Roku Reels
- ScatterReels
- Stand Alone Progressive
- Standard 5 Reel
- Twin Play
- Ultra Reels
In addition to these impressive-sounding game types, most
slots from Konami also come with various features built into
their machines. Some notable examples include the following.
Action Stacked Symbols
Appearing randomly at the beginning of a spin, this feature
allows one of the game’s 10 primary symbols to replace the icons
on multiple reel spots. The result is a concentration of winning
symbols, activating free games and increased combo payouts.
Balance of Fortune
When the player hits three to five symbols of a certain type,
they receive either 5, 10, or 15 free spins. Wins are doubled
during this phase, and the feature can be re-triggered during
the bonus spins.
Mirror Reels
This feature shows up randomly in participating games,
allowing one to five reels on the machine to mirror each
another.
Multi Mystery Xtra Reward
This feature allows the following to occur individually or in
conjunction with one another: XL wild reels, mystery wild reels,
and free reels.
Secret Power Symbols
The chosen reel lights up in red, and all blank spaces are
transformed into wilds.
Xtra Reward
Requires an additional ante wager to be made, but getting the
correct symbols leads to an even larger payout.
Konami has never been content with the status quo, which is
why their gaming division is always creating new and innovative
features. Over 15 categories of slots are available to casinos,
and most of these have one or more special features to set them
apart from the competition.
Konami Online Casinos Slots
Konami slots started popping up at online casinos in 2014,
and they’ve already begun to establish themselves as a growing
force in the virtual casino business. A number of leading
Internet gaming establishments now feature their products
alongside competitors such as Microgaming, and the Japanese
company’s reputation continues to be among the best in the
industry. Some of their more popular titles include China
Shores, Treasure Voyage, and Ancient Dragon.
While they’re relatively new to the online gaming scene when
compared to the competition, Konami has managed to make serious
inroads thanks to a number of advantages. First, they’ve been a
leading force in the progressive jackpot market for years, and
this has proven to be a surefire way to bring in players. The
second reason comes down to selection, as Konami has hundreds of
land-based games that can easily be converted for online play.
Konami Slot Machine Apps
If you prefer to stay away from online casinos and limit your
gaming to mobile apps, then you’ll be delighted to know that
Konami has entered into a number of partnerships to make their
leading slots available for iPhone and Android users.
Here are a couple of the leading examples, both of which are
available from the Google Play store.
Konami Slots
Developed by PlayStudios and updated regularly, this mobile
app includes authentic land-based slots from Konami, such as
Lion Festival and China Mystery. The game is free to download,
but in-app products can be purchased from $0.99 to $99.99 per
item. New slots are added all the time, and a number of
progressive jackpots are always waiting to increase your virtual
bankroll. Free bonus chips are made available throughout the
day, and frequent players can rack up loyalty points to spend on
meals, shows, cruises, and even VIP access to the hottest
nightclubs.
Foxwoods Slots
Mobile phone and tablet users can recreate the thrill of
playing at the famous Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut. No matter
what time of the day, you can try your luck at virtual versions
of slot classics such as China Shores and Starry Night. It’s
free to download and play, and you’ll receive $5,000 in
complimentary credits just for signing up. Follow your progress
on the leaderboards, get free credits just for logging in, and
get points added to your Foxwoods Rewards Card. If you want to
improve your chances of winning, in-app purchases can be made
from $1.99 to $199.99 per item.
Keep in mind that almost all the slot apps you’ll come across
are free to download and play. The designers make their money on
the in-game items that you’re tempted to buy in order to improve
your level of success, and some of these can be surprisingly
expensive. While you won’t receive any cash for success on the
reels, you may be able to earn points that can be redeemed at
restaurants, clubs, or land-based casinos.
While Konami is famous for land-based slot machines, they
also provide titles for online casinos and mobile apps. Their
selection may not be as massive as a rival such as Aristocrat,
but their pedigree in the gaming industry can’t be denied. Apps
featuring Konami slots are normally free to download, although
there’s often a strong temptation for players to purchase
in-game packages in order to improve their standing.
Konami Executive Team
Every Konami slot machine starts with a great idea, and it’s
up to the executive team to ensure that these concepts make a
smooth transition from the drawing board to the assembly line.
While being familiar with the company’s head honchos won’t
result in more jackpots, at least you’ll know who to blame after
a decidedly unprofitable session.
Satoshi Sakamoto
The CEO and President of Konami
Gaming Inc., Mr. Sakamoto oversees all facets of the
American and Australian companies. Since these two branches
manufacture all slots for the company, every game that winds
up on a casino floor has been personally approved by him.
Steve Sutherland
Employed by Konami since 2000, Mr.
Sutherland is responsible for marketing, sales, and research
and development for Europe, South America, and North
America. Prior to working for other firms in the industry,
he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hamilton College.
Ryoichi Kimura
After earning a Bachelor of Economics
and working with an international company for 28 years, Mr.
Kimura joined the Konami team in 2006. His responsibilities
include accounting, supply chain management, budgeting,
corporate planning, and human resources.
Thomas A. Jingoli
In addition to looking like a
character in a Martin Scorsese mob movie, Mr. Jingoli serves
as the Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer.
With degrees in economics and hotel administration, he
ensures that all gambling laws and licensing deals are
adhered to. While his current position began in 2010, he
initially started with Konami in 2003 and worked his way up
the corporate ladder by serving as Director of Compliance
and then Senior Director of Compliance and Legal
Administration.
Slot Machines from Konami
According to their online catalog, Konami currently offers
hundreds of slot machines to casino owners around the globe. If
you plan on taking a gambling excursion in the near future,
here’s a list of some of the company’s most popular games.
Year of Best Wishes
Available in fixed configurations
of 20, 30, and 40 lines, with an additional forced extra
bet. Players may win up to 100 complimentary spins, and
triggering the free game feature allows the player to choose
from a pair of options. Nudging wilds appear in free games,
while fixed stacked wilds are present on all reels
throughout the game. Available in the United State and
Canada.
Flaming Red Diamonds
Available in the American,
Canadian, and Asian markets, this is a 30-payline slot
machine allowing players to wager up to 1,500 credits (as
well as a 15-credit extra bet). The free game rewards up to
30 bonus spins, and from one to four progressive jackpots
can be hit during the Rolling for Riches feature.
Dungeons & Dragons
Based on the popular tabletop roleplaying game, this slot offers
up to 20 free games, 20 to 30 paylines, up to four jackpots,
action stacked symbols that can appear on three or more
reels. The Dungeon Bonus Feature allows the player to win
credits while exploring uncharted areas, and the Monster
Battle Feature stays true to the game’s roots by allowing a
20-sided die to be rolled while combating foul creatures.
Only available in Canada and the United States.
China Shores
This highly volatile slot is available in
markets ranging from the Caribbean to Asia, and both 50 and
100-payline versions are available. Each credit wagered
activates a pair of paylines, and the Balance of Fortune
feature allows up to 15 free games to be won per payline. As
an added bonus, all free spins play on the maximum number of
lines with double winnings.
Aztec Kingdom
Offered in Canada, the United States,
and Asia, this low volatility slot has five paylines and a
maximum wager of 250 credits. During basic gameplay, up to
30 free spins can be won.
Mayan Carnival
Best Winning Slots
Canadian and U.S. customers can enjoy
50 and 100-payline versions of this colorful slot, and up to
eight free games can be won during any single spin. Up to
three extra bonus games can be activated during the free
spin phase. During free and bonus games, a reel with a wild
symbol is nudged until all icons on that reel have been
converted into wilds.
Rock Around the Clock
This game comes
with a forced extra bet and is available in 20, 30, or
40-payline configurations. A medium volatility game with up
to 20 free spin available per turn, it also features a
randomly triggered two-level mystery progressive. During
free games, the Full Reels Wilds Xtra Reward Feature is
active, and the base game also includes scatter symbols on
the top screen reel that randomly activate to trigger bonus
rewards. Available in Canada and the United States.
Eleven Pearls
Available in Asia, Canada, and the
United States, this medium to low volatility slot offers up
to 25 free spins per turn and a minimum bet of 40 credits.
There are no confusing paylines to keep track of, and the
4-5-4-5-4 reel design offers additional winning
opportunities.
Pirate’s Loot
A four-level linked progressive machine
that transports players to the days of buried treasure and
colorful pirates. The feature game is randomly triggered,
and the player must pick one of twelve ships to reveal the
hidden prize. There’s also a chance of winning each time the
player gets three or more of the same symbol from any
progressive level. Available in Canada, the United States,
South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.
Whether you’re looking for traditional Asian-style slots or
licensed products based on games like Dungeons & Dragons, Konami
has a little something for everyone. Almost all of their
products include bonus features and the chance to multiply
winnings, and this has been reflected in their overall success
in the casino industry.
More Konami Casino Slots
Whether you’re gaming in Berlin or Baton Rouge, there’s a
reasonable chance that you’ll encounter several banks of Konami
slot machines. Their success has allowed them to penetrate most
major markets on the globe, and they’ve been consistently lauded
for their variety. Below are some of their most popular games,
although serious gamers should always keep their eyes open for
new releases.
Norse Warrior
Fight and plunder in the frozen wastes
of ancient Norway thanks to this atmospheric Konami product.
This slot is rated at a medium to high rate of volatility,
and casinos have the options to install versions ranging
from 10 to 30 paylines. High denomination machines are also
available, and these include a minimum bet of $0.25. Each
spin also gives the player a chance to win free games, and
these bonus spins pay double the usual amount.
Wealthy Dragon
Only available in
Canada and the United States, this Asian-themed slot
features high volatility and 40 levels of betting. Reels two
through four contain Action Stacked Symbols, while a Phoenix
Wild is included on the first reel and a Dragon Wild symbol
on the fifth reel. Get wild symbols on the first and fifth
reels to trigger the re-spin feature, and there’s a chance
that reels two through four meld together to offer one
massive spin.
Egyptian Eyes
Available in all regions where Konami
does business, this medium to low volatility slot is
available in 20 or 30-payline configurations. Any single
spin can reward up to 20 free games, each with a double pay
multiplier. An additional ante bet can be placed for a
chance at the optional Xtra Reward feature, and select
symbols that appear on all reels can randomly transform into
wilds.
Jade Dynasty
A medium to high volatility slot machine,
Jade Dynasty offers a fixed bet configuration with a
wagering requirement of at least 25 credits. There are no
confusing paylines to keep track of, and each spin provides
the possibility of winning up to 25 free games with a
doubling multiplier.
Rawhide: Marshal’s Bounty
Step back into the Old West
with this slot machine that’s available in casinos from Asia
to Canada. Considered a medium volatility game, it’s
available at different establishment in configurations
ranging from 10 to 30 paylines. Each spin holds the
possibility of awarding free games, and all complimentary
spin pay double the usual amount.
Wild Lion
A medium to high volatility game, this slot
give players the chance of winning 100 free spin with a 2x
pay. Various paylines are available to match the needs of
the casino, and these include 10, 20, 25, and 30 options.
For high rollers, a larger denomination game is available
costing $0.25 and up, and these come in 5, 10, or 15-payline
optons.
Winning Symbols On Slot Machines Jackpots
Challenge of Perseus
Ancient mythology comes alive in
this high volatility slot available across every country
where Konami operates. Paylines range from 10 to 25 lines,
and any given spin of the reels can lead to five free spins
with a triple multiplier. The Mirror Reels feature is also a
nice touch, creating identical symbols that lead to
additional free spins.
Lion Festival Celebration
If you enjoy Konami
games such as China Shores and Mayan Chief, then there’s a
strong possibility that you’ll love this slot. The game
comes in 20 or 30-payline configurations, and its tendency
towards big payouts makes it a high volatility machine. An
additional ante wager can be placed for a chance to unlock
the Xtra Reward feature, and the Balance of Fortune feature
allows up to 15 free spins to be won on each active payline.
Konami Slots: A Summary
Every year, the slots division of Konami Gaming releases new
machines for customers and casino operators to enjoy. Most of
these games are original creations, as Konami prefers to avoid
licensed machines that can quickly become outdated. Whether you
live in Asian or the United States, you can enjoy slots with
such diverse themes as Ancient China, the Old West, and
marauding pirates.
On this page, we take a look at the main types of slot machine symbols and features you can expect to find in slots machines. If you're new to slots, our handy guide below will provide you with all the information you need to know.
Wild Symbol
A Wild symbol is one of the most common types of slot machine symbols. It can be found in the vast majority of modern 5 reel video slots machines. A Wild symbol simply substitutes for any other symbol. Rules vary depending on the game so you may find a Wild does not substitute for certain symbols, such as the Scatter symbol.
Exactly what happens when you get a winning line with the help of a Wild will also depend upon the rules of the game you are playing. For example, landing a winning line with the help of one or more Wilds may trigger bonus games, free spins, jackpots or other rewards.
As well as the standard Wilds, in some of the latest video slots machines, you can find Expanding Wilds. Which expand vertically or horizontally to helpfully cover more spaces on the reels. There's also Sticky Wilds which will stay in their position when you next spins the reels.
Scatter Symbol
The Scatter symbol is another very common symbol in slots machines. Scatters are really useful slot machine symbols. They can help you create wins regardless of where they land on the reels.
Depending on the game you are playing. Scatter symbols wins may trigger special features such as free spins, or bonus games. In which case they may also be known as Bonus Scatters.
Pictured is a Scatter symbol from our Merlin's Cave slot machine. Getting 3 or more anywhere on the reels will trigger the free spins feature.
Bonus Symbol
Bonus Symbols are symbols with the specific task of triggering bonus features. When they are part of a winning payline. The look of Bonus Symbols varies from game to game.
Please note that many slots machines do not have a specific Bonus Symbol. Offering instead Wild and or Scatter symbols which may trigger bonus features when they are part of a winning payline. These can be thought of as Bonus Wilds and Bonus Scatters. They will often be described as such in a game's paytable.
Pictured is a bonus symbol from our brilliant Robin Hood slot machine. Getting 3 or more anywhere on a payline triggers the Archery bonus game feature.
Free Spins Symbol
Free Spins Symbols are found in many 5 reel and video slots machines. Offering as they do the chance to spin the reels without spending any of your credits. Slots with Free Spins symbols are well worth keeping an eye out for. The nature of Free Spins symbols and Free Spins rules vary from game to game. You can find slot machines in which the Free Spins symbol only appears in a bonus game.
Typically a Free Spins feature has predefined limits such as rewarding you with 3 free spins. Before normal play resumes. However, you can find slots in which Free Spins can be re-triggered during your Free Spins feature. Which means that, in theory, and if you're lucky, you can spin for free many times, repeatedly winning more free spins rounds!
The majority of our slots machines have a free spins feature. The screenshot shows the free spins symbol in our Slots of Vegas slot machine.
Multiplier Symbol
Multiplier symbols appear in many video slots machines and are well worth looking out for. A multiplier symbol, as they imply, will multiply a win. So for example, if you win 300 credits with an x2 Multiplier symbol on your winning payline. Then you will win 600 credits. Multipliers can appear in the base game and/or bonus games or sometimes during special modes. Such as during Free Spins rounds. You can find slots where your multiplier increases with the idea being you try to build up your multiplier to the maximum amount.
Gamble Feature
Many slots machines have what is known as a Gamble feature. Typically this is triggered after a win and is a game of chance in which you can opt to gamble on the outcome of a random event. Such as the value or suite of the next playing card to be dealt, or the result of a dice throw (eg if it will be Odd or Even.)
Usually, the gamble feature odds are 50/50. If you guess correctly you'll double your winnings. Beware though - guess incorrectly and you'll lose your win. If you gamble and win. Some gamble features may give you further chances to win even more with subsequent gambles. Continuing until you opt to quit and return to the main game. Or predict incorrectly and so lose any accumulated gamble game winnings.
The gamble feature screenshot is from our Halloween Party slot machine. Which gives you the option of gambling on the playing card color or playing card suite.
Slot Themes
All slots machines have their own individual theme. Themes are varied and cover things such as sports, holiday seasons, adventure and exploration, Halloween, animals and wildlife, Science Fiction, ancient history, and legends etc. Such themes will determine the overall look of the game, of course. Be it a game that's set in the Wild West or a game with a glamorous and girly look set in a shopping mall or city location.
One of the most popular themes with slots players both online and in real-world casinos is the Cleopatra. We even have our very own Cleopatra themed slot with many of the features described on this page. Including a Pyramid bonus game, scatter symbol, wild symbol, and free spins feature.
Some of the big slots developers have attractive big budget slots machines with themes based on popular franchises. Such as famous Superhero and comic book characters. Including Spider Man & Judge Dredd. TV shows such as the X Factor, Hollywood stars and even video game characters. Playtech, for example, have a famous selection of DC Comics Superheroes slots machines. While developer Microgaming has video slots themed around Game of Thrones, Tomb Raider, Hitman, Batman, Hell Boy, Terminator and more.
If you take a look at our main slots page you can see we have plenty of themes to choose from. Including sports, shopping, Halloween, Christmas, Valentines and many more.
Now you're an expert on slot machine symbols and features you might also like to read our guide to the different slots types you can play. Or read up on the history of slots machines and check out our handy guide on how to play slots