Top 5 Innovative Features in Video Slots + Titles to Try
Do you know what’s excellent about slots? They just keep transforming. There’s always something new, making them a never-ending source of excitement.
It seems that providers have figured out the trick, releasing almost revolutionary features every 1 to 2 years, opening up entire categories of new slots, and reinventing mechanics as time goes on.
In this article, I’ll highlight the most important innovations in video slots. Read closely so you don’t miss any special features, and take note of the titles that catch your eye.
- Megaways
The slots that have taken the world by storm are the Megaways from Big Time Gaming. They were released a few years ago and quickly became a favorite among many players.
Unlike traditional slots with fixed paylines for winning combinations, Megaways work differently. Their paylines are variable, meaning the number of symbols on the reels changes with each spin. This allows for over a thousand potential winning combinations!
Bonanza by Big Time Gaming
The pioneer of Megaways and a favorite among many (myself included), it offers excellent gameplay that never gets old and significant prize potential. The title is currently available on casino Stake.
| Reels | 6 |
| Rows | 2-7 |
| Paylines | 117,649 |
| RTP | 96.0% |
| Volatility | High |
- Hold & Win Feature
The Hold & Win mechanic is another exciting innovation. What happens here? Some aspects of the gameplay become “locked” in place during spins, generating extra spins.
In other words, you can “trap” a bonus symbol that allows you to accumulate prizes. If you catch it on one spin, you’ll have more chances to win on subsequent spins.
On one hand, it provides a unique and thrilling experience; on the other, it offers a higher profit potential in terms of rewards.
Hold & Win Dragon Pearls by Booongo Gaming
It’s a title that has been well-received for its gameplay and respin mechanics. However, I would also highlight its multiplier system. With each spin, you have the chance to multiply your bet. Plus, it offers a jackpot! And if you tried this one, and now looking for something similar, you might want to check free wolf run slot.
| Reels | 5 |
| Rows | 3 |
| Paylines | 25 |
| RTP | 95.01% |
| Volatility | Medium |
- Cluster Pays Mechanic
Another innovative mechanic in slots is the so-called “cluster pays.” Unlike traditional slots, where symbols align on fixed paylines, cluster pays to allow you to win by forming groups of adjacent symbols. Instead of looking for linear combinations, you must group the symbols. If you manage to do that, instant prizes are activated!
Aloha! Cluster Pays by NetEnt
With a Hawaiian vibe, this tropical slot has won over many fans. It features a mechanic with 9 symbols that can form clusters of up to 30, as well as many other qualities, including sticky respins and additional symbols that unlock special features.
| Reels | 6 |
| Rows | 5 |
| Paylines | – |
| RTP | 96.42% |
| Volatility | Low |
- Buy Bonus Feature
This feature allows players to access bonus rounds directly, skipping the waiting process entirely. If you’ve been playing rounds to accumulate bonuses, buying them outright can save you a lot of money in the long run.
This mechanic is perfect for those who want to get straight to the action and don’t want to leave everything up to chance. If you want to trigger a round, you simply buy it. It’s incredibly convenient.
Dead or Alive 2 by NetEnt
This NetEnt slot is one of the most popular. But you might not know that it also features impressive bonus rounds that can be purchased with the Buy Bonus function.
This game is renowned for its thrilling gameplay and fantastic bonus rounds, which become even more accessible thanks to the Buy Bonus feature. It includes scatter symbols, sticky symbols, and wilds, among other features. Additionally, it offers several games that grant access to free spins. The initial bet multiplier can go up to 100,000x!
| Reels | 5 |
| Rows | 3 |
| Paylines | 9 |
| RTP | 96.82% |
| Volatility | High |
- Expanding Reels
The expanding reels mechanic allows the reels to expand during gameplay. Instead of having a fixed number of symbols on each reel, more symbols can appear on a spin. This increases the number of available paylines.
Reel Rush by NetEnt
The slot that stands out for this mechanic is known for its colorful design and dynamic gameplay. The expanding reels system keeps the excitement alive, and thanks to the expanding reels, you have more free spins and winning combinations.
| Reels | 5 |
| Rows | 1-3-5-3-1 initially 5 (expandable to the maximum) |
| Paylines | 45 with a progressive increase up to 3,125 |
| RTP | 97% |
| Volatility | Medium |
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these features not only enhance gameplay but also allow you to create a unique gaming experience. Explore each one to discover what you enjoy the most. When you find your favorite feature, don’t hesitate to try other slot titles.