The evolution of online slots goes beyond slot themes. Now, it has evolved into various slot mechanics, which enhance gameplay and multiply the ways players can win.
Well-known mechanics ingrained in modern slot machines include: free spins, multipliers, jackpots, and cascading reels.
Each serves its purpose to spice up gameplay, multiply wins, or offer you more chances to win, depending on how it works.
Some mechanics are exclusive to developers, while others are licensed by game studios to use in their games. This is a popular way of making slots innovative without having to spend months developing original mechanics. Additionally, recognisable features from known game providers can draw in more players.
However, one slot mechanic that is not talked about enough is cascading reels.
So what are they? How do they work?
What Are Cascading Reels?
Cascading reels are often associated with slots. They are a slot mechanic where once players land a winning combination, those symbols disappear, leaving room for new symbols to appear. Most famously, this mechanic, popularised by NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest game, came in the form of an avalanche.
For players, this means they can have additional chances to win from that same spin without placing another bet.
How Do Cascading Reels Work?
It is difficult to explain the mechanics of cascading reels because they vary depending on the game. However, they do operate similarly. Here’s an overview:
- A player will spin the reels.
- If they land a winning sequence, the matching symbols they landed disappear from the reels.
- New symbols drop down and appear in their spaces.
- If the new symbols show a winning combination, the same process occurs.
Pros & Cons Of Cascading Reels
Cascading reels are popular with players for various reasons. Firstly, they are a simple mechanic to understand. All that is required to put them into motion is a winning combination. There is no set number of paylines, minimum bets, or other information needed to make a win using cascading reels.
Additionally, they are widespread across many slots, which makes them a reliable mechanic. Cascading reels cannot be cheated because wins in a slot machine are random. So, if you receive a win and your symbols disappear, it is only based on pure luck. While they don’t have a particular importance in slots, they can shake up the game and make things interesting with new symbols.
With that being said, they do have some drawbacks, which we will explain in our pros and cons section.
Pros
- Offer multiple new ways for players to win.
- Potential for bigger wins.
- Exciting – the constantly changing symbols keep players visually entertained.
- Can work in conjunction with other slot mechanics.
Cons
- Wins are not guaranteed with cascading reels.
- Dependent on winning combinations, which means wins can be rare.
- Spins can be slow.
- Wins are unpredictable, which can be frustrating.
Slots With Cascading Reels
Now that we have explained why cascading reels are popular and their purpose, here are some good ones to try.
Sugar Rush Slot
Extra Chilli
Gonzos Quest Slot
Gates of Olympus 1000
Candy Blast
Sword of Ares Slot
Cluster Tumble
Mystery Reels Megaways Slot
Sweet Bonanza
Reactoonz 2
Cascading Reels: A Summary
Cascading reels are a mechanic where the symbols change after the original winning symbols disappear. These changes can result in different and bigger wins compared to the original combination landed by the player. However, they are unpredictable, so that is not always the case.
Regardless, their fast reactions and unpredictability are what keep players excited and eager to play slots with them. Some of the most well-known titles use them as a mechanic in their games, showing their longevity and popularity among slot fans. Since they are not complicated, fans can easily understand how they work and do not have to do much work to activate them.
For that reason, cascading reels are here to stay.
