One of the largest slots manufacturers in Japan, Konami has a long and successful history. Read on to find out what makes this manufacturer special and discover which Konami slots you might want to play. Click here to read more.
History
Konami is a word meaning “little waves”, but it also comes from the combined surnames of its three founders: Kagamasa Kouzuki, Yoshinobu Nakama and Tatuso Miyasako. When the company was incorporated in 1971 (it was originally founded in 1969), it provided jukebox rental alongside a repair service. By 1973 Konami was making its own arcade games, and by 1982 it was producing its own software.
Games such as Scramble and Super Cobra, both released in 1981, were much more successful in Japan than they were in the USA, despite Konami having established its first American ties in 1978. Since then, the company has opened offices in California and Nevada to help familiarise itself with its American audience. Indeed, 2005 saw a new Las Vegas headquarters established to rival its Tokyo base. It also has an office in Australia - another country where its slots are highly popular.
Since its humble beginnings in Osaka, Konami has become a worldwide force as well as Japan’s fourth biggest manufacturer of video games. Its gambling equipment and gaming equipment are both highly regarded, and its business has even expanded as far as running health clubs. In the 21st century, a downturn in the arcade market has meant Konami’s slots have taken on increasing prominence for the company, which in turn means they have devoted their energy to making sure those slots are innovative and exciting.
Konami Codes
One famous and distinctive feature in many Konami games is the presence of Konami codes. Since it released Gradius for the NES in 1986, Konami has included these cheat codes in many of its products. Pressing a certain sequence of buttons can reveal secrets, release power-ups or otherwise make the game easier if the player is struggling. Indeed, it was one of the founders who decided he needed help to win a difficult game. Konami codes were popularised by the game Contra.
Popular Slots
Konami has many online slots available, some of which are 7 Reels Slots. In recent years, it has also increased its focus on providing games for mobile and tablet, making its slots more accessible for every player.
It is perhaps most famous for having successfully licensed the Rocky movie franchise. Sylvester Stallone’s classic series follows the exploits of its boxer hero, and the first film even won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Konami’s gaming version gives you the chance to immerse yourself in this iconic world and win some exciting rewards.
Golden Wolves is a wild-looking, fantastical slot with some amazing prizes up for grabs. As well as the magnificent golden wolf, symbols include bison, eagles and moose. If you venture into this chilly wilderness, you could activate some free spins as well as win across the 30 paylines.
Fortune Stacks is another 30 payline slot with free spins available, but this time the theme is Chinese. Golden symbols and vivid jewels ensure this is a rich and colourful game to play. It’s just one of many Asian-themed slots from Konami, so if you enjoy it there are plenty more for you to discover.
Lotus Land is another Asian slot, but rather than focusing on gold it is the elegant white tiger that forms the centrepiece of this game. It’s just one of a range of traditional Asian symbols, including elephants and snakes, that you might see anywhere between China and India, and the colours and soundtrack all blend for a relaxing but unmissable slot.
Destiny of Athena takes on Greek mythology with its reference to the ancient goddess of wisdom and warriors. You see more of the warrior side in this slot, with plenty of weapons available as symbols. It’s the bonus round that makes this game really stand out, with Athena’s wise owl giving you the chance for free spins or super spins with increasing multipliers.
Secret of the Mermaid is a watery journey to meet some of the friendlier sea people of legend. Gorgeous graphics and impressive rewards are augmented by the free spins feature, which comes with transforming wilds. When the wilds turn into multipliers, you know you’re in with a chance of some big wins.
Chili Chili Fire is another opportunity to travel the world. This time you can visit Mexico, where a man in a sombrero will lead you to prizes with his infectious grin. Five reels and 243 paylines ensure you have plenty of chances to win even without the exciting bonus features.
Heart of Romance switches the theme to love, always a popular topic with players. This time the five reels and 30 paylines come with a range of bonus features. As well as free spins, there’s the chance to play the bonus game with some impressive multipliers. You’re in with a real shot of winning big in this game.
There are plenty of Konami slots available, and their accessibility is constantly improving. This is your chance to try some unique features from a large company that has sometimes been overlooked. Konami slots have earned a deserved reputation for their innovation and style.