In the era of so many software providers and loads of video slots that are sometimes very similar, there is a need for innovation. Now and then, the audience is looking for something fresh and something that has never been seen before.

In 2021, there have been several attempts by different software providers to bring freshness and innovations to the iGaming industry. Some of them were more and some less successful. We are bringing you our list of games that we see as the most innovative video slots in 2021.

1. Diamond Fruits (BTG)

The good people of Big Time Gaming got us used to deliver innovative games, and that was also the case with Diamond Fruits. The 2021 release is played on a 5×5 reel grid and benefits from cluster pays. The most innovative part of the game is that winning symbols are replaced by smaller symbols, but we will tell you more about that in a second.

When talking about the visuals, some would say that this is a retro game with classic symbols on the reels. This is another proof that looks can be deceiving. Players need to form clusters of 5 or more matching symbols, horizontally or vertically connected, to win payouts. Winning clusters trigger reactions. Every winning symbol will be replaced by 4 smaller ones, giving you more space to form successive wins.

Of course, icons will not turn into smaller symbols indefinitely. There is a limit when it comes to how small the symbols can get. It is also important to say that the reel grid will nod be filled constantly. We failed to mention that the game operates on the Megaclusters game engine and has 3D reels. This is a highly volatile game with an RTP of 96.23% and a max win of 6,650x bet per spin.

Reactions are very important in this game. With 3 consecutive reactions, players trigger the Wild Cannon feature. The feature rewards you with 5-15 Wilds placed on random positions on the reels. To trigger the Free Spins feature, players need 8 successive reactions. You receive 8 free spins. Each additional reaction brings you 1 extra freebie.

To retrigger the feature, just land 8 successive reactions. With each win, the win multiplier goes up by 1x. The win multiplier is unlimited.

2. Book of 99 (Relax Gaming)

When you look at the Book of 99 video slot by Relax Gaming, you will see nothing special at first glance. There is a common theme, usual graphics, and a soundtrack that seems as if heard somewhere before. What makes the 2021 release stand out from the crowd is the massive 99% RTP. The variance of the game is high, while the top payout is 5,000x the bet.

You will agree with us when we say that there aren’t many video slots (if there are any) that offer an RTP that is this high. Instead of adding innovative features and new game mechanics, Relax Gaming decided to try with a massive return to the player. Judging by Book of 99’s growing popularity, it seems that Relax Gaming did the right thing.

Let’s say more about the game itself. It is played on five reels and three rows, with 10 fixed paylines. The slot pays left to right, beginning from the leftmost reel. Three of a kind is the minimum for landing payouts. Among the symbols populating the reels, players will come across a Cyclops, Spinx, a hero that resembles Hercules, and a made that is probably some goddess in disguise.

The Wild symbol is both the Wild and the Scatter, just like in other “Book of…” video slots. Three Scatters are needed on the reels at the same time for the feature to be triggered. Players get 10 freebies. Before the feature starts, a randomly chosen icon becomes the Special Expanding Symbol, active only during the feature. This special icon will pay like a Scatter, anywhere on the reels.

It does not have to be on a payline to deliver wins. Furthermore, the special symbol will expand to cover an entire reel. This will secure big wins for all players. Another way to trigger the Free Spins feature is through the Collection feature. Each Wild you land is collected in a special Meter. Once you collect 99 Wilds, you trigger the feature.

3. East Coast vs West Coast (Nolimit City)

We are taking you to the USA, somewhere in the middle of the 1990s, when the battle between the East Coast and the West Coast was in its prime. Nolimit City decided to dedicate its most innovative game in 2021 to the famous rappers. East Coast vs West Coast is a highly volatile, 5-reel video slot that benefits from up to 84,375 ways to win and offers a max win of 30,618x bet.

The RTP of this entertaining video slot is 96.04%, just shy of the average. It can go up to 96.89% if you buy the feature. Free spins and respins in this game are boosted by Enhancer features. The slot pays left to right, beginning from the far-left reel. Get matching symbols on at least 3 successive reels to win payouts.

The reels are set on the city streets, while Washington, Lincoln, and Franklin are pimped versions of their dollar bills, with hats, crowns, glasses, and smokes. The game is packed with features, and first, we need to mention Enhancer features, the main innovation of the game. Enhancers are active in both free spins features and the Drive By Respin feature.

Players benefit from the X-Ways feature and the X-Nudge Wilds feature, which increase the number of ways to win, add Wilds on the reels, and increase win multipliers. Multipliers feature, Linked Reels feature, and Infectious X-Ways feature multiply symbols to increase the number of ways to win, sync 2 or more reels, and infect random symbols and make them expand to cover entire reels.

The Drive By Respin feature is triggered with 2 Scatters landed. Players get 1 respin with 1 of the Enhancers. Get 3 or 4 Bonus Scatters on the reels to get 8 or 10 free spins in the East Coast Spins feature. An Infectious X-Way symbol is guaranteed on each spin. Also, other Enhancers can be triggered. Unlock all Enhancer and trigger the Coast to Coast feature.

In the West Coast Free Spins feature, you also get 8 or 10 free spins, depending on the number of Scatters landed. Every freebie comes with 1 of 5 Enhancers, randomly chosen. Again, you can unlock all Enhancers to trigger Coast to Coast Free Spins. This feature is also triggered when you land 5 Bonus Scatters at once. Get 5 freebies with 2 Enhancers active on each free spin.

Players also have the option to buy the feature. Buy 8 free spins in either East or West Coast Free Spins, or by 12 Coast to Coast Free Spins. Select the latter, and the RTP will be 96.89%.