If you were enjoying online slots in the early-to-mid 2010's then you probably came across one of the many Marvel-branded slots that were all the rage thanks to the explosive cinematic success of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe). Marvel slot machines are officially licensed games which feature characters that are part of the Marvel brand such as Ironman, Thor, and The Incredible Hulk.
With over 8,000 unique characters on Marvels’ books, there is plenty of scope for creative developers to create Marvel slots which captivate and entertain players. Join us as we investigate the Marvel slot genre more closely, and explore some of the top games which have defined this type of slot.
List of Marvel Slot Games
For those not in the know, let us quickly provide a summary of who Marvel Comics is and what they are known for. Within the comic book industry, Marvel Comics is considered one of the "big two" publishers. It is an American media and entertainment firm, founded in 1939 as Timely Comics, becoming Marvel in the 1960s thanks to the massive success of characters created by comic book geniuses Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The most popular of which was a certain web-slinging wonder called Spiderman; heard of him?
Since 2009 Marvel has been owned by Disney and has released over a decade of blockbuster smash-hit movies series such as Iron Man, The Avengers, Thor, Captain America, and so on. With such hype, a huge fan base, and some iconic imagery, it is a no-brainer that slot developers wanted a piece of the proverbial pie, and a selection of popular officially licensed Marvel slots have been created, such as those mentioned below:
Thor: The Mighty Avenger
First appearing in 1962, Thor Odinson is a vital member of the Avengers and is played by Chris Hemsworth in the MCU. The game has a 5-reel, 30-payline video slot with incredible extra features and a Marvel progressive jackpot. The game, which was based on Marvel comics and Norse mythology, was launched in late December 2012. Stacked wild symbols on the reels can cause the Lightning Free Spin and Thunderstorm Re-spins features. With Heimdall, traverse the Rainbow Bridge in two different free game modes. In Jotunheim, freeze the reels for endless Free Games with locked win combinations, and in Earth Free Games wins can be multiplied up to 16x.
Iron Man 2
Debuting for Marvel in 1963, most fans agree that it was Robert Downey Jr’s portrayal of Tony Stark aka, Iron Man, in 2008 which created that spark that would become the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Iron Man 2, is inspired by the second instalment of the movie series and therefore features characters like antagonist Whiplash and Black Widow. It has a Free Spins feature where the multiplier value can reach 6x. Additionally, it has stacked symbols and four progressive jackpots.
Elektra
The character Elektra first appeared in 1981, and the feature film was released in 2005 during an era when Marvel was struggling. Still, the film and the overall character of Elektra has a strong fan following which is catered for with the Elektra slot machine. In this 5-reel, 20-payline slot the Elektra logo serves as the scatter symbol, Elektra herself is the wild symbol, and Elektra's weapons feature as premium symbols. A branded 5-reel, 20-line, multi-coin video slot machine is called Elektra. The game has a number of intriguing additional elements such as free spins with win multipliers.
The Avengers
The Avengers slot has 5 reels and 20 paylines and is inspired by the 2012 Marvel box office smash hit, and sees iconic superheroes like Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye and Nick Fury teaming up to defeat Loki. Playable from 20p to £500 a spin, there are 5 bonus features included in play; The Avengers Assemble On Reels feature and the Wall of Heroes Bonus feature where four different free spins bonus can be played.
Here is the Gambling Zone list of best slot sites.
Ghost Rider
Johnny Blaze, better known as Ghost Rider, first appeared in comics in 1972 and made it to the silver screen in 2007. The Ghost Rider slot follows a 5-reel, 20-payline format and includes design elements from the movie. The Ghost Hunt Bonus feature requires players to shoot down ghosts in exchange for prizes, and the Free Games feature awards players with 10 bonus spins with a 3x multiplier. In addition, you will receive three expanding wilds for every additional spin, and the entire game is linked to four progressive prize pots.
X-Men
A wide variety of heroes and villains in the Marvel Playtech slot machine, X-Men. making their comic debut in 1963, Professor X and Wolverine are probably the best-known characters from this ensemble. There have been numerous Marvel X-Men movies, but this slot 5-reel, 25-payline slot game is inspired by the reboot which began with X-Men: First Class in 2011. Being part of the Playtech Marvel Mystery Jackpot Network four progressive pots are up for grabs, plus bonus features such as the X-Feature and the Heroes & Villains Free Spins bonus game.
Blade
Less savvy Marvel fans often forget that Deacon Frost, alias Blade, most recognisably played by Wesley Snipes in the 1998 movie is actually a Marvel comic book character who made his debut in 1973.
The Blade slot has 5 reels and 20 paylines, and, when players achieve winning combinations Blade will appear to slash the final symbol in the combination for a fun and aptly thematic touch. The Blade slot machine's Free Games with Dynamic Multiplier Feature is undoubtedly the star of the show. Three scatter symbols will give you 15 free games and a prize multiplier ranging from 2x to 5x. During the bonus, scatter symbols also function as additional Wilds and, just like the vampires' eternal lifespan there is no limit to the number of free spins that can be accrued.
Incredible Hulk
Incredible Hulk
Marvel's re-telling of Jekyll and Hyde, known as the Incredible Hulk smashed into the world of comics in 1963. Despite being most well-known as being played by Mark Ruffalo starting in 2012’s Avengers Assemble, the Incredible Hulk had a movie released in 2008 (which divided fans regarding its success or failure), with Edward Norton playing the lead role of Bruce Banner. It is the 2008 movie which the Incredible Hulk slot is inspired by.With two variants, one with 5 reels and 25 paylines, and one with 50 paylines, the Incredible Hulk game keeps the Hulk centre stage as the wild symbol. Other features included in play are the Expanding Hulk feature, the Smash Bonus, the Hulk Rage sub-feature, and free spins added for maximum impact.
What happened to Marvel Slots?
So, you may be reading this article as a Marvel fan, and wondering why you have not come across the above-mentioned games before? Sadly, it is because they are no longer available. The Walt Disney Company announced in 2009 that it had acquired Marvel Entertainment, for a staggering $4.24 billion. As the embodiment of a family-friendly business, the existing Marvel slot games did not match the spotless and wholesome reputation that Disney had spent decades creating. Therefore, in 2013 it was announced that all of the Marvel-licensed slot machines (available online and in real casinos worldwide) would not have their licences renewed when they expired in 2017.
The removed games were as follows: Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Iron Man 3, Spider-Man: Attack of the Green Goblin, The Incredible Hulk, Thor: The Mighty Avenger, Blade, Captain America: The First Avenger, Daredevil, Elektra, Fantastic Four, Wolverine, X-Men and Ghost Rider.
However, while the licensed elements of these popular games were vetoed, the innovative features and mathematical models were salvaged by Playtech into a now world-renowned slot series… Does Age of Gods ring a bell?
If you are an online slots fan you have probably played a few of these games, probably not releasing you are enjoying the popular Marvel slot titles covered up with a non-branded skin. Almost every Marvel slot was replaced like-for-like with an Age of the Gods slot (with a handsome progressive jackpot included too).
Man Playing Slot
Are there any superhero-themed slots available?
Not to worry if you are not into the Age of the Gods slots and would rather lose yourself in superhero-themed online slots; there are still tonnes of amazing games with some of the best heroes (and villains) from comic books.
Players can tuck into a variety of online slot games from Marvel's fiercest foe, DC (Detective Comics), which include titles showcasing some of their most well-known characters: Batman Begins, Batman & The Joker Jewels, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises, Man of Steel, Superman II, Superman the Movie, Green Lantern, and Wonder Woman.
Furthermore, players can win up to £1,500,000 on a single spin with these incredible online slot games with a DC theme as part of the DC Super Heroes Jackpot, a four-tiered progressive jackpot.
Of course, if you are a stalwart Marvel fan and do not wish to move over to the proverbial ‘dark side’ and spin DC-themed games, then you can also find a huge selection of superhero and comic book-themed titles created specifically for the online slots market such as Kobushi, Alpha Squad, and Max Danger.
