Slot Sequels Showdown

While many online pokies are standalone games that are quickly forgotten, some games prove wildly popular and prompt developers to create a sequel. There are many popular sequels at online casinos in Australia, including the Cash Bandits 2 from the Cash Bandits series, Money Train 3, Valley of the Gods 2 and the Mega Moolah series of progressive jackpot pokies. Let’s take a quick look at some of the top pokie sequels of 2024 and what makes a good sequel.

There have been several pokie sequels released in 2024, so let’s take a look at some of the best sequels you can find at Australian online casinos.

The Slotfather Book of Wins

This is the third instalment in BetSoft’s wildly popular The Slotfather series. This game looks to be a prequel to the original as it features the origins of The Slotfather, taking you back to when he was a much younger man. Like the other games in the series, the game features fantastic graphics and animation and a classic mobster soundtrack. The two main features of this game are the Free Spins game and the Hold & Win feature. In the free spins game, you get from 10 to 15 free spins with an expanding wild reel. The Hold & Win game features prizes ranging from .06 up to 400. This game has Very High volatility and a 96.60% RTP.

Hell’s Hogs 2 Squealin’ Wheels

Relax Gaming recently released the sequel to their popular Hell’s Hogs. Only two brothers return this time, but the game features a new math model and alternative features. The game’s graphical style remains, but the action has moved to an urban setting. Wild Ride Modifiers in the base game can turn one or more reels wild or introduce Biker Bash or Free Spin symbols. The Biker Bash Bonus is a Hold and Win feature with Biker Bash symbols awarding prizes up to 100x. The free spins game has Giant Symbols on every spin. The game has medium-high volatility and a 96% RTP.

Punk Rocker 2

This is an update to No Limit City’s popular Punk Rocker. This time, the game is set in New York City, considered Punk Rock’s home. The game features rockin’ tunes, insane symbols, and the xWay mechanic, which can expand the game from 729 up to 46,656 Ways to Win. The game also features Jumping Wilds, Train Enhancers, Molotov and Pipe Bomb Wilds, Riot Spins, and a free spins feature with three different free spins rounds. This game has extremely high volatility and a 96.06% RTP.

Vikings Go to Egypt Wild Fight

This is the sixth instalment in the Vikings Go To series from Yggdrasil. This time, the Vikings head to Egypt, attempting to pillage the treasure of the Pharaoh. Base game chests award instant prizes, free spins, extra wilds, and more. Once again, the game offers Free Spins and Ragnarok Free Spins with Berserk Vikings, who turn into sticky wilds. Each Viking has a Rage meter that triggers free spins when filled.

Big Bass Mission Fishin’

This is the latest instalment in Pragmatic Play’s Big Bass pokie series. The most significant change in this game compared to others is the ability to choose a “Mission” for the bonus game. You can pick from free spins or Stack the Cash. For free spins, you get to randomly pick modifiers that include more fish, fishermen, dynamite, start from level 2, or start with +2 spins. The Stack the Cash feature is a Hold and Win game with four respins. Each symbol has a value of up to 25x your bet. This game has high volatility and an RTP of 96.50%.

What Makes a Great Pokie Sequel

It’s easy to make a sequel to a popular pokie game, but not all sequels are equal. So, what makes a great sequel? Here are some of our thoughts on what makes a great pokie sequel.

• New Characters – First, a great sequel should have some new characters. Bubble Bubble added a new sister (Wanda and Willow) over its two sequels, giving more ways to win and adding something fresh. If new characters are not added, improvements to existing characters, such as power-ups, are also a good touch.
• Extra Base Game Features – It is always nice to add additional features to the base game to give players a reason to check out the new game. For example, a game with cascading wins may add multipliers to those cascades in the sequel. Games with random wilds could add expanding wilds in the follow-up. Even one additional feature helps the game to stand out.
• Improved Bonus Games – The bonus game is where most sequels are upgraded. Reusing the same bonus game won’t get players to return. Instead, the sequel should have improvements to the bonus game, if not a complete overhaul. Pick-the-feature is a popular option, along with Hold & Win bonus games. Of course, you can always add additional bonus games to give more options for players to win.
• Improved RTP – A pokie sequel should offer an enhanced RTP over its predecessor. For example, Cash Bandits 3 has an RTP of 96.5%, compared to just 95.3% for Cash Bandits 2. The noticeable difference in RTP, coupled with other features, will convince players to give the new game a try.
• Familiar Characters and Gameplay – While we have focused on new features, you can’t go overboard with the changes. Sequels still need many of the same characters and gameplay as the original. For example, Dead or Alive 2 would not have been as popular if they had ditched the Western theme for a Sci-Fi theme.

Ultimately, game developers want a familiar game but with fresh features to incentivise players to play. The right balance can lead to a popular pokie sequel. Otherwise, you will get a game that’s a clear money grab and will be quickly dismissed by the gaming public.

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