Increasingly, gaming software developers are trying to move away from the classics and please gamers with new original options, bonuses and mechanics.
The mechanics of the slot is the principle of spinning the reels. In standard machines, they make a few turns, after which they stop. As a result of the spins, prize combinations are formed, the risk game, bonuses and additional rounds are activated.
To attract gamers, slot machine manufacturers are improving technology. Interesting novelties with unique gameplay are presented in legal online establishments, including the best crypto casino.
Next, consider the types of mechanics and their specifics.
Megaways mechanics
The technology was invented by Big Time Gaming in 2016. The first slot machine to use this mechanic was Dragon Born with six reels. Their number is fixed, but the number of cells varies. Accordingly, the number of paylines also changes - up to 117.
Most slots with Megaways have additional bonuses: respins, free spins, multiplayer, etc. This mechanic is applied in some updated classic slots such as White Rabbit.
Cascading drums
Cascading spins were first used by the NetEnt provider. The technology was developed in 2011.
During cascading spins, the game symbols from which the winning combinations were made disappear from the field. Freed cells occupy neighboring icons. Thanks to this, new combinations can be assembled and
increased win multiplier. Similar mechanics are used in Gonzo's Quest slot machines.
Mechanics InfiniReels
The technology was developed in 2020 also by NetEnt. The bottom line is that as a result of the loss of a prize combination, new reels appear. Initially there are three or five. When winning chains fall out, their number increases by one. You can try out the mechanics in the God of Gold InfiniReels slot.
Popwins Mechanics
Yggdrasil provider's product. A distinctive feature is that the field does not increase in width, but in height. The icons that participated in the winning chains disappear from the field. Instead, two empty cells appear, which are occupied by new characters. They can also make a combination. The standard board can grow up to 5x6 in the standard game mode and up to 5x9 in the bonus stage. Used technology in Poprocks.
Mechanics of Cluster Pays
The NetEnt product is often used in combination with other features. There are no paylines in such slots – payouts are based on clusters. Icons drop out in stacks. The winnings are due when making a cluster of identical elements. You can test the mechanics in the Shangri-La: Cluster Pays slot.
Mechanics of Megaclusters
Developer Big Gaming Time took the mechanics of Clusters as a basis and applied the "avalanche". The game symbols that made combinations disappear. Their place is taken by the symbols on top. During the spins, you can increase the number of reels, while the size of the field does not change. There are no paylines in such machines, clusters are paid. The technology is applied in Star Clusters Megaclusters.
Gigablox mechanics
For the first time, Yggdrasil's technology appeared in the Lucky Neko slot. Its essence provides for the loss of large symbols on the reels. They can be different in size - from 2x2 to 6x6. The larger the block, the higher the chance of winning. Used mechanics in Hades Gigablox.
Hold and Win mechanics
The technology was developed by the Playson provider. Its purpose is to diversify the bonus game.
The option is activated when several special characters appear on the field. It provides for the launch of three re-spins, while all bonus icons remain in their places. The mechanic allows you to get additional winnings, activate multipliers and opens access to the jackpot draw. You can find the option in Vikings Fortune: Hold and Win.
Splitz Mechanics
Developed by Yggdrasil with a large number of possible lines. To activate, a special symbol must appear on the field. It is divided into several elements. Maximum one icon can create up to 12 characters. Splitz technology allows you to create up to 248 possible combinations. It is provided in the online slot Neon Rush Splitz.