A base game is the main game in modern video slots that serves as the gateway to a variety of extra features. There are a number of triggers to activate bonus features in the base game of a slot machine.
Most of the features are activated by the appearance of a Scatter or Bonus Symbol. Scatter Symbol and Bonus Symbols generally behave in similar ways. A slot game can also have both.
Scatter Symbol/ Free Spin Scatter Symbol: The Scatter Symbol is so named because it is a symbol on the slot reels that is not required to line up on a payline to become activated. It can appear scattered anywhere on the reels. The main purpose for the Scatter Symbol is to give slot players access to the Free Spins or Bonus Games from the Base Game.
Typically, 3 or more must appear on the reels to be activated, however this varies depending on the slot machine. There are several slot games where only 2 Scatter Symbols are required. The Scatter Symbol is always a specific image associated with the theme of the game.
When the Scatter Symbol is activated, generally it unlocks Bonus Games or Free Spins. The details for the feature associated with the Scatter Symbol is outlined in the game’s paytable.
The Scatter Symbol is a pretty standard feature in modern slot machines, and sometimes there are more than one, especially on multiple paylines online slots.
Check the game’s paytable to find out all the features for any slot game. It is always a good idea to view the paytable, just so you can understand the features and therefore the potential payout of any slot game.
Bonus Games are continuation games activated from the base game. Depending on the complexity of the slot machine, there may be one or several bonus game possibilities.
Some of the more popular slot games with free spins, scatter symbols, and other bonus games are:
Blood Suckers II by NetEnt: When 3+ Scatter Symbols appear anywhere on the reels, in addition to the possibility of winning a prize up to 2,500 credits, you can unlock the Blood Rose Free Spins feature. 2+ Scatter Symbols appearing anywhere on the reels can activate a feature called Scatter Shot, which is aq guaranteed payout.
3+ Scatters will add 10 extra spins for each that appears on the reels to the initial 10. 3x Multiplier triples all wins, and the fact that the free spins can be reactivated, with 3 or more additional Scatters.
The Hidden Treasure Bonus Game is activated for 3+ Bonus symbols, which opens up the coffins and chest chamber, with 5 levels where you collect coins and maybe Scatters, for the free spins.
If you accidentally select the Demon, the bonus feature ends and you are returned to the base game, where you start all over again.
Other popular slots with a base game and various bonus games as extended features include Beauty and the Beast by Yggdrasil, Jungle Spirit: Call of the Wild by NetEnt, The Heat is On by Microgaming, Jurassic World by Microgaming (coming soon), Diamond Dragon by Rival Gaming, Manic Millions by NextGen, and Charms and Witches by NYX Interactive to list just a few.