Not all online slots are equal. Classic slot machines and fruit machines used to have pretty much the same structure and just differed in terms of their symbols and graphic design.
Nowadays, online slots vary greatly in relation to some very basic aspects; the number of reels, paylines, bonuses, jackpots and volatility levels. Some pay more, while others pay more often.
It can be indeed pretty challenging to lock in a particular online slot from the long lists featured at online casinos.
A recent game type that has gained traction is the Megacluster, which is a response to the Megaways mechanic; slots implementing the latter have been popular for many years now, with Bonanza Megaways being the first big hit.
Let’s explore these two slot categories individually, before positioning them head to head.
AU$5,000
300 Free Spins
⚡️4000 AUD
🎰 +400 Free Spins
TOP3 Best casino offer in AU
🔥🔥 100% / $5,000
300 FREE Spins
AU$3000
300 Free Spins
AU$5,000
300 Free Spins
* 🎉 Grand opening!
What are Megaways online slots?
Megaways slots are pretty common online today. Their main difference from classic online slots is their changeable reel structure. The height of each symbol varies on any given reel, allowing more or less symbols to appear at a time. This process happens randomly.
The above simple addition to classic online slots results in the number of different ways of payouts to also alter from spin to spin. These games may have a maximum of 117,649 different ways to payout on a given spin, or more.
Which are the best Megaways slots online?
Nowadays, it’s pretty hard to pin down the best since many Megaways games have been released. I’ll go with my favourite three to illustrate how they work:
Bonanza Megaways – it might be old, but it still remains gold. This particular Megaways slot is fascinating, as it has one of the best bonus rounds that can reward an unlimited number of multipliers. The Megaways aspect makes both the base game interesting, but also plays into the ever-growing multiplier number beautifully.
Gonzos Quest Megaways – this slot is often avoided by online casinos, as its volatility levels are at an all time high. The classic Gonzos Quest symbols and free falls features are apparent in the Red Tiger version too. However, the Megaways structure results in more frequent wins and therefore a lot of rewards with fancy multipliers. Unbreakable wilds have also been introduced to spice things up.
Rainbow Riches Megaways – as you can see, I stick with the classics. The Megaways was a great addition to the Rainbow Riches saga, offering 2x bonus rounds in addition to the Megaways reel feature. The pretty disappointing part here is that the max bet is only A$20, which is lower compared to both of the above games.
What are Megaclusters Slots?
This slots genre is a pretty unique one, although many confuse it with the classic clusters type. It has been pioneered by Big Time Gaming, the maker of Megaways slots. To form a winning combination here, symbols must be matched in clusters of 4 or more both vertically and horizontally.
Their unique point compared to standard cluster slots is that each symbol splits into four after they payout. Therefore, players get 16 symbols instead of 4, massively increasing subsequent payouts.
Best Megaclusters Slots
This category of online slots is much smaller compared to the Megaways one, but it is expected to grow in the future considering early player reception.
Star Clusters Megaclusters – this is the first online slot of this type and it is structured in a 4×4 reel format. The total number of symbols here is 16, which could turn into a whooping 64 (and beyond) with the Megaclusters engine.
Cyberslot Megaclusters – this online slot has the above Megacluster feature, but it follows an 80s design and theme. It also sports mutlipliers, scatters, wilds and a maximum bet of A$100 on a 3×3 reel structure.
Chocolates Megaclusters – this is another amazing slot part of the newest genre by Big Time Gaming. Chocolates Megaclusters has a 4×4 reel structure and a maximum win of 65,536x the stake. With an RTP of 96.6%, free spins and multipliers, it is probably the most lucrative Megaclusters option in the market.
Megaways vs Megaclusters: Which is the Best?
Testing both of the above types provides a clear idea about which is best, according to the type of player you are.
Megaways slots are ideal for gamers who love classic slot machines, but prefer newer versions with crisp graphics and larger payouts.
Megaclusters, on the other hand, seem to be excellent for players who don’t want to spend much money and are on a limited budget. Their bonus rounds and free spins tend to be much less impressive though – especially when you compare these to the Free Falls (Gonzos Quest Megaways) and the GOLD bonus (Bonanza Megaways) rounds – which nicely blend several special effects.
What about Megasquads slots though? Well, you will have to wait to see.
- About the Author
- Affiliate Disclosure
Michael has reviewed and verified all information on this page. Having worked in the iGaming industry for over 8 years, he is the most capable person to help you navigate online casinos, pokies, and the Australian gambling landscape.
