How Do Slot Reels Work?
They say that variety is the spice of life, and here at CasinoEuro we wholeheartedly agree. We’ve come a long way since the 3-reel online slot was your only option, so let’s take a look at what’s on offer nowadays.
It’s important to note that reels are not just gimmicks – different types of reels will offer different gameplay possibilities and winning combinations. If you need some help unravelling these different types of reels, then you’re in luck! We’re here to unravel a few of the more traditional, and less conventional reel types that we have on offer in our online slots lobby.
The 3-Reel Slots Explained
It’s easy to dismiss 3-reel slots as the very classics of the online slot world. The simple, old-school feel of 3-reel slots is precisely part of the charm and makes for a no-frills experience that will appeal to anyone who isn’t into the flashier aspects of modern slots. For some, it’s just like an experienced musician picking up his first guitar, or a grandad picking up his first skateboard.
In other words, 3-reel slots definitely still have their place in today’s online casinos, but it’s not just as a nostalgic novelty. The simplicity and low wagering requirements associated with them mean that they remain very attractive. For a great example of a 3-reel slot that definitely stands out in the modern slot crowd, look no further than Double Diamond, which can pay up to 2,500 coins with its Double Diamond logo symbol. Its exciting multiplier feature is also something worth watching out for. Despite its simplicity, there are 27 ways to win here.
The 5-Reel Slots Explained
These slots are largely considered to be the standard in casino slots. When you click on most titles, especially when you pick niche themes revolving around music and film, you’re likely to find a 5-reel slot game loaded up. Does that make them boring? Not at all!
The 5-reel slots might be the current definition of simple slots in their most basic form, but this makes them easier to pack with a good load of features, from 3D animations to wilds, bonus games, multipliers, free spins, and more.
A game like Barber Shop is a great example of a 5-reel slot game. It’s not particularly flashy and is as standard as it gets with its 25 paylines and 2D animation (which is excellent in its cartoony style), but you’ll soon find out that there are plenty of locked symbols, free spins, re-spins and other features to look out for.
What Are Cascading Reels?
Also known as avalanche reels, falling symbols or cascading reels, these slots do not spin in the same way as 3-reel or 5-reel slots. Instead, the symbols fall onto the screen. Once the reels have been filled in with symbols, all winning combinations are paid out and then each of those winning symbols are removed from the screen. When this happens, the game screen will have lots of gaps left by the removal of these symbols, and those directly above the missing ones will then drop down to fill in the gaps. As a result, additional winning combinations could then be formed and this continues until no more wins occur.
The first game that springs to mind when cascading reels are mentioned is the ever popular Gonzo’s Quest. The stone reel symbols tumble down the screen and any winning combinations explode, creating a lot of extra winnings from the base spin. Are you ready to join Gonzo in the search for Eldorado, the Lost City of Gold?
What Are Shifting Reels?
Shifting reels are a bit like shifting wilds, only bigger and better, and here’s how they work: when you win a round, the shifting reel function will be activated. When that happens, the first or fifth reel will disappear, the rest of the reels will shift accordingly, and in place of the missing reel will enter a new, spinning reel that might help you win another round when it sets. This process will continue until no more winning rounds land.
In that sense, then, shifting reels are almost like a permanent bonus feature that prolongs rounds until you spin out. It’s a great feature, so it’s surprising that not too many games can be found with shifting reels. Don’t be disheartened, though. We recommend starting with Robin Hood, which might seem like a standard 5-reel slot, but that illusion only lasts until you start winning rounds. Wild Symbols and Free Spins make this game worth playing in addition to this nifty shifty reel structure.
The Colossal Reels
Colossal reels are popular at land-based casinos, but you can definitely get your fix at online casinos too. The thing to understand about colossal reels is that they are the Texas of the slots world – they make everything bigger. And they’re definitely not for the faint-hearted.
Take the KISS online slot game, for example, which is pretty representative of how colossal reels work in general. First of all, you don’t simply have one gameplay screen here – that’s too little. Instead, you get two! One screen is quite regular, as it has the rather standard 5×4 reels layout. The second screen, though, is what makes playing this game a big experience, as it has a 5×12 reel layout. That means that when you play the KISS online slot you get a total of 100 paylines. More paylines mean more chances to win, so get ready to rock and roll all night, then party every day with this electrifying slot.
