Everyone loves a good horror film. It’s the perfect way to top off a stormy night, snuggled up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn… for those who can handle the gore, anyway. Over the years, there have been a series of scary films to hit the silver screen, some of them worthy of iconic status, and others pure busts. Rather than focus on the duds, let’s focus on those which have made major contributions to the movie industry, resulting in household names for years to come.
The Original Dracula
Before the Twilight saga, and the countless takes on vampire films, there was one that started it all: Nosferatu. Based on Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula, the 1922 silent film depicts a slightly altered take on the original story. In fact, because the film could not obtain rights to the novel, it was forced to modify names, and other details. The term for ‘vampire’ became Nosferatu, and Count Dracula was changed to Count Orlok. While much drama ensued from the making of the film, including a lawsuit, and a large amount of the film’s copies being destroyed, it managed to become one of the most influential titles throughout the movie industry, inspiring endless silver screen takes on similar themes.
A 1950’s Classic
Released in 1954, Creature from the Black Lagoon is one that everyone is familiar with in one way or another. Whether you’ve seen the movie or not, you are definitely familiar with the plot. It was initially pegged as a sci-fi thriller, but has since been considered a staple among the horror genre. The black-and-white film was released in 3D… yes 3D existed in the 1950s… and tells the story of a monster lurking deep in the Amazonian jungle. Its existence sparks the interest of a group of scientists who attempt to capture it for study. Directed by Jack Arnold, it delivers impressive acting performances, which can be lacking in today’s horror films, and spawned, what is recognized today, as one of the most iconic monsters of all time.
An Extra-Terrestrial Favorite
Fast-forward a couple of decades, and the world is introduced to director Ridley Scott’s Alien in 1979. It’s got everything viewers are looking for: action, life beyond earth, and tension that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The movie stars Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, and Sigourney Weaver, and tells the story of a space crew reacting to a distress call from a foreign vessel. They soon realize that this alien entity is not too friendly. The film saw much popularity, even receiving an Academy Award for ‘Best Visual Effects,’ and went on to produce a series of sequels, including Aliens, Alien 3, Alien: Resurrection and the upcoming Alien: Covenant, scheduled for release in May 2017.
Where Are They Now?
While the popularity of such aforementioned films has gained them merchandise deals, non-stop television airings, and various pop-culture nods, the iconic titles have lived on in other ways, in an effort to provide further entertainment for die-hard fans. In what other ways, you ask? Today, the films are preserved by way of slot games. Yes, the kind where you pull the lever (or press the button nowadays), to watch the reels turn for the chance to reveal win combinations. Whether land-based or online, fans can get a taste of their favorite horror films with a simple click of a button.
Dracula
For starters, remnants of Nosferatu are clearly evident within B3W Gaming’s Dracula slot. The game offers up 5 reels, and 25 paylines, and depicts what appears to be some kind of European cemetery scene. Its symbols include all the items we have come to associate with vampires today, including garlic, silver bullets, a wooden stake, bat, and a character who bears a striking resemblance to Count Orlok. A coffin symbol acts as a joker, having the ability to stretch across an entire reel, in an effort to complete wins. Additionally, a vampire bonus game is initiated when 5 Dracula (Count Orlok) symbols are obtained. The bonus game features 24 closed drawers, which players are prompted to open to award potential prizes. A second bonus game may also be awarded by three or more of the axe icons. Twenty closed coffins will appear, and players must select one to uncover 1 of 5 creatures and a prize.
Creature from the Black Lagoon
Top software brand, Net Entertainment, has also provided its take on Creature from the Black Lagoon. Having celebrated its 60th Anniversary in 2014, it was only appropriate that the brand launch a slot in its honor. Players will see all of their favorite characters, including Kay, David, Carl, and Lucas. Additional symbols which contribute to the theme include, binoculars, knives, oxygen tanks, cameras, and others. While the creature isn’t actually used as a gaming symbol, it does make an appearance. In fact, it can be seen skulking in the lagoon, and also appears during bonus games, and free spins. The game’s logo symbol is wild, and also sticky. A free spin symbol will appropriately award free spins when three or more appear on the screen, beginning with 10. During free spins, the creature can be summoned by collecting target icons.
Aliens
Modeled after the sequel to Alien, Aliens serves as yet another movie-inspired slot from Net Entertainment. The reels, and the gaming background recreate space and all the foreign characters from the film. The game is made up of 5 reels, and 15 paylines, a number of unique features, and three levels of game play: the search, the encounter, and the hive. Weyland-Yutani Corp logo icons serve as wilds, with the ability to replace other symbols on the screen. It appears on reels 2, 3, 4, and 5 during level 1 spins, and in random positions during level 2. During the encounter, the reels transform so that the player is viewing the screen through a first-person shooter view. Each winning spin during this level, will inch players closer to level 3. Finally, level 3 pits your character against the Queen alien, and boasts a series of respins.
So, in addition to enjoying TV airings of your favorite horror films, renting it from your local video store, or pulling out the now dusty DVD or… gasp… VHS tape; why not check out the slot version? Immerse yourself into an entirely new, interactive adventure, where there’s added features to be triggered, bonuses to enjoy, and money to be won, while still maintaining the classic elements of your favorite films.
