Video slots have come a long way from their early beginnings as mechanical three-reel games with limited payouts. Modern online slots provide visually stunning graphics, exciting bonus features, and the chance to win huge progressive jackpots. Among the most popular varieties are cluster pays slots, which have a unique layout and special ways of forming winning combinations. This article explores what makes these games so appealing to players.
What Are Cluster Pays Slots?
Unlike traditional slot machines that have paylines, cluster pays slots feature symbols that pay out when five or more land adjacently on the reels, regardless of their position. As long as the matching symbols touch horizontally or vertically, they will count as a win. Some games require cluster sizes of six, seven, or even nine to hit payouts.
As players don’t need to line up symbols on specific paylines, the reels on cluster pays slots are often much larger than usual. Many games utilize a 5×5, 6×6, or even 7×7 layout crammed with colorful symbols. When clusters form, the winning symbols disappear to allow new ones to fall into place, often triggering chain reactions known as cascades.
Key Advantages of Cluster Pays Slots
There are several reasons why cluster pays slots have rapidly grown in popularity on such gambling platforms as SpinFever Casino:
- Cascading Wins – When winning combinations are formed, new symbols cascade down to take their place, allowing for consecutive wins on a single spin. This creates exciting gameplay and ramps up the anticipation.
- Higher Hit Frequency – With symbols simply needing to land adjacent to each other instead of on paylines, players enjoy a significantly higher hit frequency and more regular payouts.
- Simpler Gameplay – Not having fixed paylines makes cluster pays slots easier to understand for beginners, while still offering immersive gameplay.
- Engaging Themes – Cluster pays slots feature a diverse range of fresh themes and graphics to match their innovative formats, from magical worlds and mythical creatures to vibrant gemstones.
Some Top Cluster Pays Slots
Software providers like NetEnt, Yggdrasil, and Big Time Gaming have led the way in developing ever-more creative cluster pays slots. Here are some of the most popular titles:
- Gonzo’s Quest Megaways – A revamped version of NetEnt’s classic Gonzo’s Quest slot using the Megaways engine for up to 117,649 paylines. Winning symbol clusters trigger avalanches while increasing multipliers.
- Beat the Beast: Kraken’s Lair – This underwater adventure game from Thunderkick offers 720 paylines via a 7×7 reel grid. Defeat the monstrous Kraken by landing clusters of symbols including mermaids, pirates, and sea monsters.
- Money Train 2 – This volatile sequel slot from Relax Gaming has a 5×6 reel set with cluster pays and up to 30,720 ways to win. Players can board the Money Train to trigger free spins and a potentially unlimited multiplier.
- Star Clusters Megaclusters – From Big Time Gaming, this cosmic-themed slot has a groundbreaking format with up to 200,704 symbol clusters possible on its variable reel set. Supernova random wilds help create gigantic wins.
Future of Cluster Pays Slots
As online slots continue to evolve, we can expect cluster pays games to become even more advanced. Larger reel sizes, 3D graphics, and augmented reality could all help make these slots more immersive. Slot developers may also integrate cluster pays mechanics into new multiplayer slots.
One thing is for sure – cluster pays slots aren’t going anywhere. Their cascading wins, frequent payouts, and simple but engaging gameplay look set to keep players spellbound for years to come. As the quality and creativity of these games improve even further, they will cement their place among the most popular varieties of online slots.