One of WMS’ major contributions to the gaming industry was a move away from generic themes in slot machines. They were an innovator in the world of bonus rounds with their famous Reel ‘em In machine, and then started grabbing up properties that they could use for licensed slots, starting with the popular board game Monopoly.
Today, much of their success in the online gambling industry is thanks to these licensed games. WMS has a large portfolio of machines that their clients can offer on their sites, but the most popular tend to be those that are based on famous celebrities, movies, or board games. While they may not have the widest range of such games, this is still the firm that innovated in this area, and they are one of the main reasons why so many other developers also offer these games today.
In most markets, WMS is essentially known exclusively for their slots games, but you might look at that as a strength, as they provide an excellent complement to more rounded solutions from other providers. Some of the best examples of great machines in their collection today include the including:
KISS: Based on one of the most popular rock and roll bands in the world, KISS is a port from a very similar game that was first offered in US casinos. This five-reel slot features 100 paylines, including many on what is called the “colossal reel set,” a 12-by-5 layout that gives players a seemingly endless number of ways to win. The background music, look, and symbols (including Gene Simmons’ infamous tongue) will all be familiar to fans of the band.
The Wizard of Oz: Is there any film that has become more beloved by several generations of fans than this one? In the Wizard of Oz machine, You’ll be matching classic symbols like ruby red slippers, tornados, and one flying house across 30 lines of five-reel action. There are also several thematic bonus rounds, like the Flying Monkeys that bring free spins and a Road to Emerald City special feature. If you love the film, it’s worth pointing out that this developer has also created two other games based on this property: Wizard of Oz: Ruby Slippers and Wizard of Oz: Wicked Riches.
Bruce Lee: The life of the most famous martial artist of all time is the subject of this game (as well as a second, more complex slot, Bruce Lee: Dragon’s Tale). The game uses a unique format: there are five reels and 60 paylines, but the first two reels only feature two symbols each, while there are four locations on the final three. Lee himself is the wild symbol for this game, while there are three different ways to trigger a free spins bonus.
Reel ‘em In: With all of the big name games you can play on WMS sites, it’s easy to forget about what might be the provider’s biggest hit of all time: Reel ‘em In! While the fishing theme may not feel that special today, it’s important to remember that the use of bonus rounds on a video slot (or any machine, really) was a major innovation back in 1996. Find a few lure symbols, and you’ll get to play in the special fishing contest feature round, while players will also have the chance to play for local progressive jackpots if they can catch the biggest fish.