Technical features of the best Pokies
Introduction
The choice of slot is not limited only to its theme or graphics. Specifications such as game mechanics, volatility, RTP (return to player) and the number of paylines also play a crucial role in how exciting your gaming experience will be. For Australian players looking for the optimal pokies for a fun and profitable game, it's important to understand which technicalities make a particular slot the best. In this article, we take a look at the key technical parameters of popular poker machines and explain how they affect gameplay.
1. Game mechanics
Game mechanics are how basic slot functions work, including paylines, symbols, and bonus games. Some slots use unique mechanics that distinguish them from other games.
Megaways: A mechanic that offers thousands of ways to win by increasing the number of characters on each reel, giving players more opportunities to make winning combinations.
Cluster Pays: Instead of traditional paylines, in these slots, wins occur when clusters of the same symbols are formed, which adds interest to the game.
Hold & Win: In these slots, players can fix symbols for active bets and wait for them to be replaced or improved in bonus games.
Cascading Reels: A slot with cascading reels allows the winning symbols to disappear, and new ones fall out in their place, which makes it possible for multiple wins in one back.
Example:
2. Volatility
Volatility (or variance) determines the frequency and size of wins in a slot. A high-volatility slot may offer large payouts, but wins are rarer, while low-volatility slots produce frequent but small wins.
Low volatility: Players often get small winnings, making the game less risky.
Average volatility: Slots offer a good balance between frequent payouts and the possibility of big wins.
High volatility: High volatility slots can result in big wins, but rarely, making them riskier and suitable for players looking for a bigger reward.
Example:
3. RTP (Return to Player)
RTP is the percentage of all bets that is returned to the player in the form of winnings for a long-term game. The higher the RTP, the more profitable the slot for the player in the long term.
High RTP (95% and up): High RTP games offer a better chance of a refund, making them attractive to players seeking consistent wins.
Low RTP: Such slots can offer large payouts, but are less likely to receive them. These games may be more attractive to players looking for high risks and big wins.
Example:
4. Number of paylines
The number of paylines (or ways to win) determines how many different paths can result in winning combinations.
Standard paylines: Many classic slots offer a fixed number of paylines (such as 25 or 50) to be filled with the same characters.
Megaways: Slot with Megaways mechanics has a variety of options for shaping winnings, where the number of ways to win can go up to 117.649.
Cluster Pays: There are no traditional paylines here. Wins are generated when a cluster of identical symbols is assembled in any part of the reels.
Example:
5. Bonus features and additional rounds
Many modern slots offer additional features and bonus rounds that can make a significant difference in winning.
Freespins: Free spins that are usually activated when certain characters appear.
Bonus Games: These games can be activated with additional symbols or bonuses on the reels and offer additional opportunities to win.
Character conversion: In some games, characters can be converted into Wild characters or other symbols, which increases the chances of winning.
Example:
Result
The technical features of the slot play a key role in how exciting your game will be. It is important to understand how game mechanics, volatility, RTP, number of paylines, and bonus features affect the overall gaming experience. By choosing slots based on these factors, you can find the game that matches your preferences and style of play. Games with high volatility and large payouts may suit those who are risk-ready, while slots with low volatility and frequent payouts will suit those looking for stability and long-term play.
The choice of slot is not limited only to its theme or graphics. Specifications such as game mechanics, volatility, RTP (return to player) and the number of paylines also play a crucial role in how exciting your gaming experience will be. For Australian players looking for the optimal pokies for a fun and profitable game, it's important to understand which technicalities make a particular slot the best. In this article, we take a look at the key technical parameters of popular poker machines and explain how they affect gameplay.
1. Game mechanics
Game mechanics are how basic slot functions work, including paylines, symbols, and bonus games. Some slots use unique mechanics that distinguish them from other games.
Megaways: A mechanic that offers thousands of ways to win by increasing the number of characters on each reel, giving players more opportunities to make winning combinations.
Cluster Pays: Instead of traditional paylines, in these slots, wins occur when clusters of the same symbols are formed, which adds interest to the game.
Hold & Win: In these slots, players can fix symbols for active bets and wait for them to be replaced or improved in bonus games.
Cascading Reels: A slot with cascading reels allows the winning symbols to disappear, and new ones fall out in their place, which makes it possible for multiple wins in one back.
Example:
- Megaways: The Dog House Megaways (Pragmatic Play), Bonanza Megaways (Big Time Gaming).
- Cluster Pays: Aloha! Cluster Pays (NetEnt).
- Hold & Win: Dragon’s Fire Hold & Win (Red Tiger).
2. Volatility
Volatility (or variance) determines the frequency and size of wins in a slot. A high-volatility slot may offer large payouts, but wins are rarer, while low-volatility slots produce frequent but small wins.
Low volatility: Players often get small winnings, making the game less risky.
Average volatility: Slots offer a good balance between frequent payouts and the possibility of big wins.
High volatility: High volatility slots can result in big wins, but rarely, making them riskier and suitable for players looking for a bigger reward.
Example:
- Low volatility: Starburst (NetEnt), Thunderstruck II (Microgaming).
- Average volatility: Gonzo's Quest (NetEnt), Book of Dead (Play 'n GO)
- High volatility: Dead or Alive II (NetEnt), Tombstone R.I.P. (NoLimit City).
3. RTP (Return to Player)
RTP is the percentage of all bets that is returned to the player in the form of winnings for a long-term game. The higher the RTP, the more profitable the slot for the player in the long term.
High RTP (95% and up): High RTP games offer a better chance of a refund, making them attractive to players seeking consistent wins.
Low RTP: Such slots can offer large payouts, but are less likely to receive them. These games may be more attractive to players looking for high risks and big wins.
Example:
- Высокий RTP: Gonzo’s Quest (NetEnt) — RTP 96%, Book of Dead (Play’n GO) — RTP 96. 21%.
- Low RTP: Mega Moolah (Microgaming) - RTP 88. 12%, Jackpot Raiders (Yggdrasil) — RTP 94%.
4. Number of paylines
The number of paylines (or ways to win) determines how many different paths can result in winning combinations.
Standard paylines: Many classic slots offer a fixed number of paylines (such as 25 or 50) to be filled with the same characters.
Megaways: Slot with Megaways mechanics has a variety of options for shaping winnings, where the number of ways to win can go up to 117.649.
Cluster Pays: There are no traditional paylines here. Wins are generated when a cluster of identical symbols is assembled in any part of the reels.
Example:
- Fixed paylines: Thunderstruck II (Microgaming) - 243 lines.
- Megaways: Bonanza Megaways (Big Time Gaming) - 117,649 ways to win.
- Cluster Pays: Aloha! Cluster Pays (NetEnt).
5. Bonus features and additional rounds
Many modern slots offer additional features and bonus rounds that can make a significant difference in winning.
Freespins: Free spins that are usually activated when certain characters appear.
Bonus Games: These games can be activated with additional symbols or bonuses on the reels and offer additional opportunities to win.
Character conversion: In some games, characters can be converted into Wild characters or other symbols, which increases the chances of winning.
Example:
- Frispins: Starburst (NetEnt), Gonzo's Quest (NetEnt).
- Bonus games: Dead or Alive II (NetEnt), Buffalo Gold (Aristocrat)
Result
The technical features of the slot play a key role in how exciting your game will be. It is important to understand how game mechanics, volatility, RTP, number of paylines, and bonus features affect the overall gaming experience. By choosing slots based on these factors, you can find the game that matches your preferences and style of play. Games with high volatility and large payouts may suit those who are risk-ready, while slots with low volatility and frequent payouts will suit those looking for stability and long-term play.
