When we talk about slot game developers, there are not many companies around that can produce on the same level as this one.
They are founded in 1968 in Manchester. Barcrest began with just two employees, but the company soon established a reputation as one of the best and most innovative producers of fruit machines in the UK.
Growth continued and by the 1990s, company was the pioneer of gaming hardware development, most notably cabinet slot games, with its leading titles Genesis and Rio being amongst the most popular slot games of their time.
How It All Started?
Everything changed in 2011. Company was acquired by Scientific Games, although it continues to release online slot games under its own banner. Today, their games are synonym for classic designs and gameplay, with its best-known titles including the Rainbow Riches series, first released in 2006.
The company has shown great versatility and adaptability to still be a leading name in the constantly evolving gaming industry after more than 50 years.
Who Is Barcrest Now?
Although it has its origins in land-based gaming, Barcrest has continued to evolve over the years, so much so that it has now firmly established itself as a leading gaming software provider across all channels and platforms, including online gaming and mobile as well. It has an impressive catalog of games, and the brand is instantly recognizable across the globe.
Today, their slots have a reputation for utilizing classic slot themes and symbols, although its range has continued to expand, and now includes slots like Beetlejuice that use the Megaways mechanic, along with other themed and branded games. Its slots aren’t particularly well known for providing huge jackpot payouts, and there are no progressive jackpot slots. Most of their slots offer a competitive RTP that compares well with other similar games.
Originally bought up by IGT in 1998, Barcrest was then acquired by Scientific Games in 2011 along with other brands including Williams and Bally. This has meant that company continued to have a wide-ranging platform for its games through SG Digital while continuing to develop slots for land-based casinos alongside its online offerings.
Mobile Compatibility
As its games are released now via SG Digital (along with games by a range of other developers), their slots can be found at the best online casinos. In addition, Barcrest online slots are developed using HTML5 technology, which means they are also accessible on mobile casinos on both Apple iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
Games
With a large catalog of slots to its name, there are many opportunities to explore a large number of features on offer here. For those who like classic slot games, you’ll find many of the themes and symbols to be familiar. If you’re used to the more spectacular visuals of modern slots, you might be surprised at how low-key some of their slots really are. Let`s check some of them:
- Rainbow Riches
Rainbow Riches is probably Barcrest’s best-known and most popular online slot. This 5 reel, 20 pay line, medium volatility game has a lively Leprechaun theme and three separate bonus rounds — Road to Riches, Wishing Well, and Pots of Gold — all of which offer win multipliers in one form or another.
- Lady of Avalon
Released in 2019, Lady of Avalon is a new take on the Arthurian legend and offers high-quality visuals backed up by an engaging soundtrack. A 5 reel, 3-row slot with 10 fixed pay lines, this is a high volatility game with a maximum RTP of 96%, as well as a 10 extra spin bonus round.
- Hercules High & Mighty
Although there is no shortage of online slots set in the world of the Greco-Roman Gods, Hercules High & Mighty nevertheless manages to stand out in a crowded field. A 5 reel 5-row game with 50 pay lines, the game features Mighty Reels which can double the number of pay lines in play. Up to 20 extra spins can be won in the bonus round, and the game also has the Hi Roller Mode.
- Ooh Aah Dracula
Originally a land-based casino slot, Ooh Aah Dracula was first released in 2017 and is an irreverent take on the classic vampire legend, with comic book-style graphics and light-hearted music and sound effects. A 5-reel, 3-row 10 pay line game. Ooh Aah Dracula includes the Big Bet feature, which can be played at any time and gives you the chance to increase payout sizes for five spins. The game also has a 15 extra spin bonus round.
Overview
If we look at Barcrest’s best-known and most successful slot games it gives us a good taste of what the developer does best. The settings are creatively realized and cover a variety of different themes, and there is some innovative gameplay as well. There is also a good mix of low, medium, and high volatility slots, and the opportunity to win huge payouts in all of them.
Pros:
- Classic old-school gaming – If you enjoy games with all the hallmarks of classic slots and fruit machines, like fruit, bar, and Lucky 7, as well as games with old-school familiar themes and symbols like gemstones and jewels, then you are at the right place.
- Good RTP – Although their slots are not particularly noted for offering massive payouts, they do nevertheless offer players consistently good RTP and value.
- Bonus features – Their slots will usually have a range of special features and symbols, such as wilds and scatters, along with a range of standalone bonus rounds.
- Accessible everywhere – As Barcrest slots are distributed under the SG Digital banner.
Cons:
- No progressive jackpot slots – It does not have an online progressive jackpot slot network.
- No table or casino games – This company is a slot game specialist, and to date has no casino games, live dealer games, or bingo games in its portfolio.
Conclusion
This company is a specific phenomenon in the world of online slot games because of not only its origins and history, but furthermore it still continues to be a respected name and presence in the industry. While it may be the true that its games are not necessarily going to blow you away at first glance, there is absolutely plenty of amazing gameplay you can find in many Barcrest slots.