The iGaming industry has seen some serious innovations in its short lifespan. Few have made the same impact as the advent of the Megaways slot game engine. The brainchild of Australia-based Big Time Gaming, this clever slot mechanism has helped to redefine how we view and play the latest slot titles.
Megaways has introduced a new dynamic with every spin, amplifying the drama and variability of slots with conventional paylines.
Understanding More About the Megaways Game Engine
Before we dive into the nuts and bolts of this article – exploring the most enjoyed Megaways slots in the iGaming industry to date – it’s vital that we help you grasp what sets this system apart from a traditional slot game.
A conventional online slot usually has dedicated paylines. These are visible in a slot game’s paytable, showcasing the patterns of symbol combinations required to land winning spins. However, Big Time Gaming took the bold decision to do away with the concept of paylines altogether. In its place is a dynamic reel system where the number of base game symbols visible on every reel fluctuates from spin to spin.
In most Megaways slots, there are six active reels during every spin. However, the number of rows in each active reel differs from spin to spin. Sometimes it can be just two rows and in some cases it can be as many as seven rows. The variability of rows results in a massive fluctuation in winning potential from one spin to the next. If all reels display the maximum number of allotted symbols, most Megaways slots can offer up to 117,649 ways to win.
It’s also about how you win, not just the number of ways to win. Instead of landing matching base game symbols on a payline, you must match clusters of matching symbols instead. It’s a game engine seemingly inspired by casual games like Bejeweled, simplifying the action in its entirety. In most cases, players will need a cluster of at least five matching symbols to land a winning multiplier.
Since the emergence of Megaways slots, there have been so many slot themes powered by this turbocharged game engine. However, only a handful have successfully left an indelible mark on the industry. Below, we’ll shine a spotlight on the five most played Megaways slots in the iGaming industry to date.
Bonanza Megaways
Bonanza Megaways is still considered the slot which propelled the Megaways game engine into the limelight. This mining-themed slot invites players to dig for precious gems and other assets with up to 117,649 ways to win. Despite being one of the oldest releases, it’s still a slot which features heavily in the promotional campaigns of online casino brands. Rhino Bet still awards Bonanza free spins upon registration, 99 of them to be precise. This particular slot was also one of the first to blend cascading reels dynamics with the Megaways game engine.
Gonzo’s Quest Megaways
Gonzo’s Quest is another long-standing slot game that’s stood the test of time. Developed by Swedish slot studio, NetEnt, this game is based on an intrepid explorer, keen to uncover the hidden Aztec city El Dorado. After the commercial success of the original, NetEnt joined forces with Red Tiger Gaming, who secured a license to build Megaways slots from Big Time Gaming. Gonzo’s Quest Megaways takes things up a notch for Gonzo, with an avalanche feature which operated almost identically to the cascading reels feature of Bonanza.
Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways
Fishin’ Frenzy is the angling-themed slot from UK-based iGaming development studio, Blueprint Gaming. Featuring a serene, deep-sea fishing theme, the original Fishin’ Frenzy slot was a big hit, hence the decision to give it a Megaways makeover. As one of the first Megaways slots, Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways doesn’t have quite the same number of ways to win as its successors, offering up to 15,625 ways to win. The game also includes a multiplier collect feature, where the virtual fisherman appears and reels in prize values which appear on the reels.
Wheel of Fortune Megaways
Heavily inspired by the classic television game show, Wheel of Fortune Megaways is always on the lips of experienced slot players who ask them about volatile but action-packed Megaways slots. This slot is unique in that it offers up to 1,000,000 ways to win, powered by its expanding reels mechanic. One of the primary features of this slot is the free spins mode, which tries hard to stay true to the theme of the classic TV game show.
Age of the Gods: King of Olympus Megaways
Mythological slots are still some of the most popular in the iGaming scene. With the ability to transport yourself into a piece of ancient history, these slots have an immersive quality that few can match. The Age of the Gods slot series is one of the most popular for those intrigued by the gods of Ancient Greece. King of Olympus was also given the Megaways treatment, creating a six-reel slot with up to 117,649 ways to win. There’s a free spins feature which includes a rising multiplier with every cascading symbol win.
Although this article celebrates five of the most successful Megaways slots, it’s fair to say the Megaways game engine has delivered dozens more impressive slot experiences than this quintet. Today’s online casinos are now littered with hundreds of slot games and themes. Slots compete on a more level playing field with table games, since those who play online roulette UK-licensed games are more likely to be attracted to today’s slots than their retro-style predecessors.
Could the Megaways trend be a bellwether for more slot innovation?
This slot innovation has certainly changed the landscape of online gaming, making slots more accessible to casual gamers who may have otherwise been confused by paylines and other traditional slot mechanics. It may also inspire more slot developers to push the creative boundaries further still in the quest for doing things differently.