Megaways and Megacluster – which game is better to choose?

The dilemma is a rhetorical question. Similarly, one can wonder which combinations of three symbols are better: those collected on the first or seventh lines. Therefore, it is advisable to focus on the similarities and differences between the mechanics, trusting the choice between Megaways and Megaclusters slots directly to the player.

The unifying factor

The prefix “Mega” is not the only thing the two algorithms have in common. The same developer implements both playfield structures. In 2016, provider Big Time Gaming (BTG) launched the first Megaways machine, Bonanza. Four years later (in 2020), a new field format appeared – Megaclusters. Its creator was also the studio BTG, presenting to the gambling audience emulator Star Clusters. In addition to the typical developer, both mechanics are similar in several factors, suggesting:

modification of the structure of the playing field;
Changing the number of ways to form combinations;
High maximum winnings – tens of thousands of bets.

Finally, machines with both technologies are available in Megapay editions. It is a feature introduced by the provider BTG, which allows you to break one of the progressive jackpots in a separate round.

Unpredictability vs. regularity

It is a concise allegorical description of the difference between the mechanics. The Megaways algorithm assumes the reels’ random size (height in cells) on each spin. On the contrary, Megaclusters slots produce a predictable modification of the playing field. Its essence is the following: four cells are formed in place of one cell. Other differences between the mechanics:

How combinations are formed: megaways patterns, the machines Megaclusters – clusters.
The different number of reels. For Megaways algorithm is standard – 6 reels. Megaclusters slots have a square field, usually 4×4, with no reels.
Due to the limited format, the chance of a hit on the Megaclusters machines is lower. On the field of only 16 cells, you need a combination of at least five of the same element.
Modification Frequency. Megaways mechanics update the area with each spin, mega-cluster technology, only after winning.
Most slots with dynamic reels have no reactions. On the emulators Megaclusters, all the mechanics are based on this feature.
Modern machines offer a variety of bonus formats, from re-spinning to a round of freespins.
The reactions feature removes all the symbols included in combinations. Empty cells are filled with new elements, which gives a chance to win extra money without betting. The function continues to work while combinations are formed.
Megaways machines in the classic version have no reactions or re-spins. Megaclusters mechanism is activated only after winning spins. Below is a brief description of the technology based on the ancestor – Star Clusters slot.

The new mechanics on the market gambling

The success of Megaways slot machines has brought the studio Big Time Gaming popularity and solid income. The registration of a patent for the new format facilitated the latter. Today, Megaways machines released by other providers are necessarily accompanied by a reference to the license BTG. The achievement inspired the developers of Big Time Gaming to create a new format.

The structure of the machine Star Clusters, similar to the scheme of most other slots Megaclusters, is shown in the figure and includes several elements (markers with numbers):

A 4×4 playing field (in the base game).
Reaction Number Indicator. When the scale is filled (after five repeated spins), freespins are activated.
Payout multiplier. Increases indefinitely during the reaction when forming combinations with Gold Wild.
The mechanics are triggered immediately after winning. First, all cells in the mix are divided into 2×2 squares. Then, four new elements appear in place of one deleted symbol. Simultaneously with the change in the size of the field, the chance of a hit increases.
Even more promising is the bonus round. Freespins start on an enlarged 8×8 square. Similarly, each reaction results in splitting the cells from the combinations into four parts, filled with new symbols.

Features of the Megaways

This technology is not tied to external factors. A vital feature of the mechanics is the dynamic size of the reel, manifested with each spin, even if there are no combinations. As standard, the number of cells on the reel in Megaways machines varies within the range of 2 – 7. The first slots performed in this technology are complemented by a four-cart above the reels 2 – 5. But the extra row is only present in some emulators’ Megaways.

Dynamic configuration of the reels leads to fluctuations in the Ways parameter. The number of patterns under combinations constantly changes from a few hundred to 117,649 (expected value). In some machines, the upper limit is even higher. Realistically (in 90% of spins), the Ways parameter is in the range of 2 – 9 thousand. Such a large number of patterns leads to the simultaneous formation of several combinations, sometimes more than ten, in a winning spin, which increases the payout.

Conclusion

Megaways slots more often bring winnings in the main round. Megaclusters slots are designed for patient players and gamblers with a developed intuition. It is important to wait. The main game rarely forms combinations, but their payments can be high due to the reactions and increasing multiplier of prize accruals. The main winnings of hundreds of times bring freespin rounds, where the game starts on an enlarged field of 8×8 format.

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