Cascading reels, also known as tumbling reels or avalanche reels, fundamentally change how slot symbols are evaluated and replaced on the reels after a winning combination is formed. Instead of the reels simply spinning again on the next spin, the symbols involved in a win are removed from the reels and new symbols fall into their place from above. This removal of winning symbols opens up the potential for new paylines to be created and allows players to rack up multiple wins from just a single spin.
Excitement of cascading wins
The biggest advantage that cascading reels bring to the table is the amplification of excitement. There’s already an adrenaline rush that comes from hitting a solid win on a slot spin, compound that singular win into a multi-win avalanche creates a crescendo of intensity that keeps players on the edge of their seats. As the cascades continue and more winning paylines are created, the anticipation builds with each new symbol drop. A simple three-of-a-kind win can suddenly transform into a six- or seven-of-a-kind monster through the power of cascades. This suspense and drama is a huge part of what makes cascading reel slots so engaging.
Boosting payout potential
Ramping up the excitement factor, cascading reels also give slots a way to achieve higher payout percentages and bigger jackpot potential than traditional slots with static reels. By allowing a single spin to effectively become multiple spin opportunities through cascades, more frequent payouts are possible. Many cascading reel slots make this even more explicit by incorporating multipliers into the mix. As an avalanche progresses, multipliers begin applying to any new wins formed to boost prizes exponentially. These combo multipliers are a major incentive for players chasing towering payouts.
Game developers can use the cascading reel mechanic and its win multiplication capabilities as a way to substantially increase the overall payout percentages for their slots. While traditional slot games typically max out in the 96-98% range, cascading reel slots can push up into the high 90th percentile thanks to their ability to pack multiple wins into one spin. From a jackpot prize perspective, the cascades allow even small jackpots to blossom into life-changing scores with the right combos.
Early innovators in cascading reel design
While cascading reels seem ubiquitous in judi online scene, they haven’t been around forever. The first major cascading reel slot is widely credited as being Aztec Gems by software provider Pragmatic Play. Launched in 2015, this Aztec-themed game popularized the concept of winning symbols being removed from the reels and replaced by new ones in the style of gems swapping places. NetEnt was also one of the early trailblazers in the cascading reel slots movement with their hit Gonzo’s Quest in 2010 and its Avalanche feature. The unique display of symbols falling from above and exploding winning combos left a major impact on slot fans and developers.
New twists on cascading reels
As cascading reel slots have proliferated, developers have continued to innovate by putting new spins on the core tumbling reel idea. Many games incorporate side areas or alternate layouts where symbols are held to then interact with cascades on the main reel set. Games like Play’n GO’s Gemix allow symbols from the cascades to be captured in a separate meter, boosting a multiplier then be applied to future avalanche wins. Other slots have implemented features like reactions, where certain symbols transform after being part of a win before cascading to create clustered wins.
