Konami Slots

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.

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.

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.

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.

This feature shows up randomly in participating games, allowing one to five reels on the machine to mirror each another.

This feature allows the following to occur individually or in conjunction with one another: XL wild reels, mystery wild reels, and free reels.

The chosen reel lights up in red, and all blank spaces are transformed into wilds.

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.

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.

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

EvEvery 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.

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

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.

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.