daniel chigunweOnline casino gaming is an industry that is changing… and games are no longer what they used to be. These days, players have access to all sorts of innovative and engaging slot gaming mechanics. Two of the most popular formats these days are Megaways and Cluster Pays – which offer very different ways to win compared to traditional payline slots. Both of these bring their own unique style of gameplay, giving players completely different experiences from what they may be used to. You can find new casinos operators that have recently entered the UK market offering both styles of games – along with the more traditional games.
But which is best? Well, let’s take a look at the characteristics of Megaways and Cluster Pays casino games to see which one is best – and which one might suit you the most.
Megaways Casino Games
Megaways is a slot game engine that was created by Big Time Gaming – and it has completely revolutionised the world of slot games. The main feature of a Megaways game is its very unpredictable gaming experience. The number of symbols on each reel changes on every single spin.
One of the best things about Megaways games is the sheer number of paylines they provide. The game structure allows for literally hundreds of thousands of ways to win. These games are usually played over 6 reels – and can hold up to a maximum of 7 spins. So, there could potentially be up to 117,649 ways to win if all the reels have the maximum number of symbols. This can be incredibly appealing if you enjoy the thrill of unpredictability.
Additionally, Megaways slots often feature the popular cascading reels, where winning symbols vanish, and new symbols drop down… potentially creating more than one win in a single spin. One winning spin could lead to two, three, four or even more wins!
Some of the most popular Megaways games include Bonanza Megaways, Extra Chilli Megaways, and Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, among others.
Cluster Pays Casino Games
Then we have Cluster Pays, which is another innovative slot game mechanic that also doesn’t have the traditional payline structures. In Cluster Pays slots, wins aren’t determined by traditional paylines but rather by forming clusters of matching symbols. To land a win, you’d need a specific number of identical symbols (usually 5 or 6) to connect horizontally or vertically, creating a cluster. The bigger the cluster, the bigger the win – with clusters of 20 or more possible, which can lead to massive payouts.
The lack of traditional paylines makes the game much more exciting – with visually impressive game designs. Winning clusters often explode or disappear and, like the cascading feature in Megaways games, make way for new symbols to fall in and potentially form even more clusters within the same spin.
Popular Cluster Pays titles include the Hawaiian-themed Aloha! Cluster Pays and Emojiplanet, both developed by the popular provider NetEnt.
Megaways vs. Cluster Pays: Which is Best?
The choice between Megaways and Cluster Pays ultimately depends on your preferences and gaming style. However, here are some factors to consider when deciding which format might be more appealing:
- Volatility and Potential Wins:
- Megaways games are known for their high volatility, offering the potential for huge wins but less frequently.
- Cluster Pays games often feature a more balanced volatility, providing a mix of smaller and larger wins as you play.
- Gameplay Experience:
- Megaways games offer an unpredictable gaming experience with the changing number of symbols on each reel.
- Cluster Pays games offer a more relaxed and visually dynamic experience.
- Number of Paylines:
- Megaways games usually offer a massive number of potential paylines, ranging from thousands to over a hundred thousand.
- Cluster Pays games do not have traditional paylines but instead focus on forming clusters for wins – with no specified number of winning ways.
Conclusion
Picking the right game type for you is a very personal preference. If you want more unpredictable and high-volatility gameplay, then Megaways could be the way to go. However, if you want some of the most visually impressive games with unlimited ways to win, then Cluster Pays offers just that. Or, why not give them both a try… and see which one you prefer yourself?
Online Reporter