Konami Gaming Machines
Slots developer Konami Gaming has been quick to stamp its identity on its portfolio of slots titles. The aesthetics of its releases are of a similar standard, so this slot will be familiar territory for those of you. Free games and bonus features serve to boost the popularity of Ancient Dragon themed slot machine. Based on five decades of institutional history, Konami Holding Corporation understands the gaming.
Konami’s position as a creator of innovative, visually impressive slot machines and casino games comes after a long, varied history in technology and entertainment. Starting from its simple roots, this Japanese company grew into a multimedia powerhouse with gaming divisions throughout Asia and North America.
Staying true to its slogan of “Born from Fun,” Konami develops and distributes both original creations and games based off of its popular video game licenses.
With a growing online presence and a steadily increasing list of unique slot machine features, Konami is prepared to stay competitive in the modern gaming environment.
Free to play Konami slot machines
Top five Konami slot games
Players looking to try out some of Konami’s hottest offerings can keep an eye out for the following games.
No. 1 Dragon’s Law Twin Fever: A fun, Chinese dragon-themed slot machine, featuring fivereels and 30 paylines. This game includes basic action-stacked symbols as well as a free spin bonus round. The titular twin dragons are at the heart of the game. One or two lucky dragons can arrive after any spin to drop additional wild spaces onto the reel for some surprise wins.
No. 2 Solstice Celebration: A cute, wonderfully designed slot game has a theme around the beauty of spring in an enchanted meadow. The five-reel machine features 30 paylines and uses an enhanced version of the action-stacked symbols as a bonus. Called the Sparkle feature, all action-stacked symbols are lined with a bright border. Filling two reels with a full stack of sparkle-lined symbols nudges other partial stacks to fill their reel. It also has the potential to trigger a free spin bonus round.
No. 3 Chili Chili Fire: A five-reel 30 paylines slot has a general Mexican theme. Including action-stacked symbols and the chance to win free games, this machine also uses the Fade Away feature. After any spin, low-paying card symbols have the opportunity to fade away. The newly empty spaces then fill with random higher paying picture symbols, with a chance to turn a disappointing spin into something special.
No. 4 Lion Festival: Boosted Celebration – Inspired by Chinese New Year celebrations, this five-reel slot machine offers players a mix of neat features including a boosted middle reel that has double the symbols to make forming a winning combination that much easier. It includes action-stacked symbols and a free spin bonus round, but the bonus round includes the twist of the Balance of Fortune system. After winning free spins, players can stick with their standard 2x multiplied free spins, or they can trade stacks of five free spins for a “super-free spin” with a much higher multiplier.
No. 5 Castlevania: Labyrinth of Love – Konami has multiple Castlevania themed slots, inspired by its video game franchise of the same name. This five-reel machine includes an expanded free spin mode along with a progressive jackpot tied to the Castlevania game board. Players who trigger the minigame get to pick from different sets of potential moves to try and reach the castle. At that point, the game switches to a flashy battle minigame, where players get to spin a set of reels to try and land on attack symbols that kill enemies while hoping that they avoid the damage symbols that close off the reel. Making it past the bosses can reward the player with one of the four progressive jackpots. Sadly, Castlevania machines are generally not available on a mobile device.
Konami mobile slots
While some of Konami’s more advanced machines are sadly still stuck in physical casinos, it has developed mobile versions of many of their classic slots. Players with a mobile device should be able to find free versions of Konami’s online slots available in participating casino apps. Anyone lucky enough to live where real money online slots are legal will also find real mobile versions available.
For unlucky players, Konami does offer a nice middle ground. The My Konami Slots app is available for iOS and Android devices. This app offers several popular slots for free play. Players can collect free chips throughout the day, and the app includes a daily free bonus spin that can award credits. While packages of chips are available for purchase, patient players can stick with the Konami free casino slot games.
The Konami slots app includes linked progressive jackpots and slot tournaments for players looking for high-stakes play. Konami goes back to its video game roots by also offering daily challenges and quests, which reward players for hitting set goals or betting certain amounts. The real hook is that players can win loyalty points that they can spend on prizes and comps at real casinos, similar to Chumba Casino. Players can earn room discounts, credit toward food, tickets to great shows or just themed merchandise. It’s a great way for players to have a little fun between trips.
The rise of Konami
Konami began as a jukebox rental and repair company in 1969 based out of Osaka, Japan. The name comes from the first letters of its three original officers, Kagemasa Kozuki, YoshinobuNakama and TatsuoMiyasako. The company’s founder, Kozuki, still sits on the executive board. Konami moved away from its original jukebox focus fairly quickly, transitioning to manufacturing arcade cabinets in 1973 to take advantage of the growing video game market.
Konami would go on to produce its important additions to arcade gaming by developing hits such as the massively popular Frogger in 1981, along with gamer favorites such as Scramble and Super Cobra. The company was able to adapt to the rapidly changing video game market throughout the ’80s and early ’90s, providing titles for the Atari 2600 and the original Nintendo console. Konami adapted and evolved its popular Scramble arcade game into the fan-favorite Gradius for the NES, and also developed popular franchises such as the Castlevania and Metal Gear series.
The video game division continued to grow through the ’90s and 2000s with steady sequels and developments even as the company branched out into the gambling industry. Always looking to maintain synergy between their divisions, many of these great video game properties would be adapted into themed slot machines.
Konami’s casino gaming division began with its entry into the Japanese pachinko machine market in September 1992. After several years, the company opened Konami Australia in late 1996. In 1997, this subsidiary would oversee the rollout of Konami’s expansion into the Australian gaming market and later the general Asian market.
Konami expanded into the American casino gaming market in January 2000. The move into the American market was cemented with the construction of a manufacturing and development office in Las Vegas in 2005. The 360,000-square-foot facility served as its base of operations for expansions through North America, South America and Europe. Building on the success, Konomi opened a second facility in Las Vegas in 2015.
Konami’s unique features
While Konami is known for its striking visual design, the company has introduced some software innovations to offer exciting updates to the classic slot machine design. Its development takes full advantage of the ability to modify digital reels before the game or switch symbols after a spin. As a rule of thumb, Konami has focused on enhancing standard slot machine play rather than focusing on adding separate bonus rounds. Konami’s unique twists on the slot machine formula give players a chance to see ordinary spins suddenly change into rich jackpots.
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.
Also, many games have separate bonus features that tie into the action-stacked symbols feature. For example, players may see the reels get nudged into higher payouts with the right set of lucky frames.
Other variations on standard play include dynamic reels that can morph after a spin. In certain games, players may see new wild symbols appear to fill out lines, or they may see low-value spaces disappear to make room for big winners.
The Balance of Fortune features
That’s not to say that Konami has ignored its bonus games, even if it sticks to traditional free spins and multipliers. When going through Konami’s catalog, players will find innovations such as the Balance of Fortune system. This offers winners a choice in how their bonus game plays out, usually based around a more certain smaller payout versus a riskier shot at a big return.
The Mirror Reels bonus feature
The addition of special Mirror reels in bonus rounds also adds a fun change of pace to free spins. Mirror reels are what they sound like, with the two leftmost and rightmost reels mirroring one another, making it easier than ever to get a straight line of five symbols.
Similarly, while many of Konami’s games feature bonus games and special features instead of traditional jackpots, some entries feature progressive jackpot systems.
Konami’s progressive jackpot games
Games such as Pirate’s Jackpot and Pharoah’s Wish include stand-alone progressive jackpots. Konami also has machines with community-linked progressive jackpots.
For example, Beat the Field offers players — in a bank of linked machines — each a chance at different progressive jackpots when one player in the bank triggers the special round. Eligible players can win set bonuses or a progressive jackpot based on the results of a simulated horse race.
Machines, such as the new Power Boost Inferno, offer a supreme progressive jackpot that can potentially be linked across multiple participating casinos.
Konami’s recent innovations have also shifted toward more noticeable changes to gameplay. In 2016, the company unveiled the Crystal Cyclone. This upgrade adds a social element to Konami’s older physical machines. The system places a roulette wheel in the center of several linked Konami slot machines.
When triggered, players on the linked machines get to watch bonus balls fall onto the spinning wheel in the center with credits and bonuses applied based on where the balls land.
Finally, Konami’s development comes full circle with the recent development of a partially skill-based Frogger game that provides increased payouts to players who can get their frog farther up the randomly generated arcade game.
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
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.
Konami Gaming Machines
Mayan Carnival
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
Konami Gambling Machines
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.
Konami Video Games
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.
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.