Locked Reels Slots
Locked Reels can work similarly to a sticky slot feature, in which an entire reel can be locked in place for the next spin that comes along. The name also implies that more than one reel can be used in play and can contain the correct symbol you wish to use on a winning combination.
Features of Locked Reels
Locked Reels may have appeared in a classic 3×3 slot game, where you would have a button symbol named HOLD that allows to you to lock a reel in place. That way, on the next spin, this reel will not move with the others. Other times, you may need to land a certain symbol on that reel to lock it in place or for multiples at the same time.
By using Locked Reels in a slot game, you can gain more control on how to land the symbol that you want and let you play in your own time. For example, you may want to land a symbol on a reel that is more likely to have it. This feature means that you can decide where each symbol lands where and when, like trigging the bonus symbols for the free spin round or landing the highest paying ones like a Wild symbol.
Advantages and Disadvantages for Players
You can try and play the correct symbol you want using the Locked Reels, such as the Wild of the slot game or the Scatter. Land another Wild and you can get more combinations, or landing the Scatters and you can trigger the unique feature for that slot game. Sometimes, this isn’t 100% guaranteed though, so it is best to think wisely with which reel you want to hold and why.
Forms of Locked Reels
Locked Reels can be added with plenty of other features to give it that unique kick, such as making the whole reel Wild, for example.
- Multiple Locked Reels – As mentioned earlier, it is possible to lock more than one in time for the next spin.
- Wild Locked Reels – Some reels that can be locked in place could come with a Wild function, allowing you more chances to win.
- Nudge Locked Reels – When initiating a hold in the slot game, it may Nudge into place so that you can have the correct symbol shown and not partially locked up.
Tops Slots with Locked Reels
- Lock a Luck – an online slot game by All41 Studios, where you can lock two reels at once on every spin, giving you more lucky winning options.
- Book of Oz Lock N’ Spin – an online slot game based on the classic tale, where you venture to Oz and lock reels to be used in future spins.
