NextGen Gaming has one of the more interesting histories of the major online casino software providers. Headquartered in London, the company was established in 1999 and quickly took the tact of licensing their slots to other providers, allowing their games to appear in a variety of different software platforms. It was a move that meant that the company wouldn’t gain the name brand recognition of a competitor like Betsoft or Microgaming, but allowed their products to have a wide reach even before the more recent trend of sites using multiple providers began to take hold.

Today, NextGen is a part of the NYX Gaming Group, a firm that combines the work of several studios (including groups like Chartwell and Cryptologic, which were formerly owned by Amaya). Today, NextGen uses their large staff of experienced game creators to deliver games to both brick-and-mortar and online clients, including many sites that are available to players in the UK. Many of their most famous games utilize popular and prestigious properties, and their complete collection has expanded to more than 100 games that are available in many markets worldwide.

NextGen hasn’t been responsible for any of the biggest hits in online gambling, but don’t let that give you a false impression of their collection. Overall, this is a firm that has provided a consistent supply of very popular and profitable slots for sites, with many of their games having built strong followings over the years. These games tend to combine the basic structure of modern video slots – wilds, scatters, five-reel layouts, and a couple of familiar bonus rounds – with a few added elements that (particularly in their best games) allow them to feel unique rather than just yet another skin on a mundane slot machine.

With so many games to choose from, it is impossible to give a complete impression of the NextGen collection by just highlighting a handful of titles. However, we think there are a few highlights that stand out, and we’d like to give you a better look at them. If you’re not sure where to start at a site that includes these machines, the following options are a great place to begin:

Doctor Love: This game features symbols you’re most likely to find in a hospital, but no worries: even if a stay there would normally frighten you, these graphics are designed to be as comforting as possible. You’ll be matching teddy bears, flower bouquets, stethoscopes, and the titular doctor himself, a physician who is looking for love and acts as a wild symbol that can substitute to make winning combinations. If you hit at least three scatters, you can win up to 20 free games in which all of your earnings will be tripled, while a gamble feature gives you the chance to double or quadruple your haul after a successful spin. If you like this game, you’ll also want to check out the sequel: Doctor Love on Vacation.

Batman: There are few superheroes most famous than Batman, particularly since the character has appeared in so many films over the past decade. A popular protagonist for films, video games, comics and slots alike, the Dark Knight once again takes centre stage in this five-line, 50-payline slot. There are plenty of thematic elements in play here, such as a re-spin feature that is triggered when you hit Commissioner Gordon on one end of the screen and the Bat Signal on the other. There’s also the option of paying ten extra coins on a spin for the chance to trigger an additional bonus round known as Descent into Madness, in which you’ll play a mini-game where Batman will try to track down his legendary nemesis, the Joker. Other DC games are also available, including Green Lantern and The Flash.

Psycho: We doubt you will have ever expected to find an online slot machine based on a classic Alfred Hitchcock film, but that’s exactly what you have here. One of the best thrillers of all-time is brought to the gaming world in a five-reel format that includes an appropriately creepy atmosphere and imagery that comes right out of the film. You’ll take a shot at matching the movie’s iconic characters as well as other Hitchcock symbols (including more than a few birds) in order to earn big prizes. There’s even a free spins game in which you’ll be aided by Norman’s infamous shower stabbings: they’ll add extra wilds to the screen, and give you a multiplier on your winnings.

Irish Eyes 2: This sequel to the original Irish Eyes builds on the first game, but still has the original theme: the classic idea of the “Luck of the Irish.” The graphics will certainly make you feel like you’re in a mystical legend taking place in Ireland: not only is there green everywhere, but other visuals add to the feel, such as floating butterflies, piles of gold, and an ever-changing rainbow in the background. But this game has more than just pretty looks: there is also a free spins game that comes with tripled winnings.

Andre the Giant: If you’re looking for something just a bit offbeat, why not try this game that focuses on one of the most famous professional wrestlers of all time? Andre the Giant’s imposing frame made him a legend not only in the ring, but also in films like The Princess Bride, and the man known as “The 8^th Wonder of the World” also makes a perfect subject for a slot machine. The most exciting action takes place in the Battle Bout feature, where you’ll not only enjoy ten free plays, but you’ll have the opportunity to earn more if Andre can pull off any of his famous wrestling moves.

NextGen slots offer a little something for everybody. There are original creations and branded games, a plethora of different themes are covered, and the gameplay elements vary from simple to complex. The fact that there are so many games in their collection is a huge plus, but even more importantly, these slots are of a consistently high quality: there aren’t just a few gems scattered among less interesting options. With so much to offer to players, NextGen slot machines are well worth playing at any online casino site.