In addition to theme and structure, the different types of slot games available are often also categorized by slot machine or mechanics, with some of the most beloved games due to their ingenious structure. These include, but are not limited to:
- Megaways Slots
- Cascading Reels Slots
- Cluster pays for slots
Megaways Slots
Created by Big Time Gaming (BTG) and eventually franchised to some of the most important game developers, these types of slot machines have the unique ability to change the size of the symbols between each spin, usually accommodating between two and seven symbols per reel. The first game to ever use this slot machine was BTG’s Bonanza slot, which set the precedent for a series of exciting games.
Because the symbol size is constantly changing, the number of pay lines also corresponds to this, with the most classic versions offering up to 117,649 pay lines. However, Megaways has evolved since then, with some games offering even more pay lines than this. Notable games in this category include Piggy Riches Megaways by Red Tiger, Divine Fortune Megaways by NetEnt, Genie Jackpots Megaways by Blueprint Gaming, and Hypernova Megaways by Relax Gaming.
Cascading Reels Slots
This type of slot machine is sometimes called a rolling reel, tumble feature, or Avalanche slot, and it usually refers to how the reels behave every time you happen to get a potential win on the grid. In this case, all winning symbols are typically removed from the grid, allowing new ones to replace them from above, enabling you to get multiple wins on a single spin.
Popular games in this category include the legendary Gonzo’s Quest from NetEnt, Extra Chilli Megaways from Big Time Gaming, Irish Riches Megaways from Blueprint Gaming, and Temple Tumble from Relax Gaming.
Cluster Pays Slots
Finally, we have the Cluster Pays slot types, which eliminate the concept of pay lines entirely and instead allow you to win by forming combinations of matching symbols on a grid. Each game is different, but as a rule, you will always need a group of five or more matching symbols to secure a win. Whenever in doubt, as always, it is highly recommended to check the game’s paytable to find out the finer details before you start playing, especially if you plan on spinning the reels for real money.
What are the types of slot genres/themes?
When it comes to determining what slot games are out there right now, the theme plays a major role, as some players tend to be drawn to certain popular themes that stand out more than others.
One of the most popular slot themes is certainly Ancient Egypt, especially when it comes to book-themed slots. We have seen several games follow similar patterns in this regard, starting with Novomatic’s Book of Ra, which is probably the most iconic slot in this genre, followed by Play’n GO’s Book of Dead or Relax Gaming’s Book of 99, among others.
Underwater or ocean themes also dominate the slot world, with games such as 1429 Uncharted Seas from Thunderkick, Atlantis: Wrath of Poseidon from Gaming1, and Atlantis Megaways from ReelPlay, among others.
Other popular slot theme types include outer space with some notable titles in this category, including Starburst from NetEnt, Energoonz from Play’n GO, and 2050 Escape from Mars from Espresso Games, as well as animal-themed games with several different types of slots in this category, including The Dog House from Pragmatic Play, 1Can 2Can from NextGen Gaming and 12 Animals from Bongo.