Create Clusters and Win on the Go

Create Clusters and Win on the Go

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Cluster Pays mechanics explained

About Cluster Pays mechanics and the best NetEnt slots with Cluster Pays.

Distinctive by its cluster payout system, Aloha! Cluster Pays remains one of the most popular NetEnt releases ever since it was first launched in 2016. The unique cluster based structure is only one of the elements that contribute to the slot’s immense success. Beautiful graphics, background audio inspired by the exotic Hawaiian wildlife mixed with traditional ukulele sounds and last, but not least, the abundance of special features are what makes this 6 reels and 5 rows slot extremely appealing to any player.

As one of the top software developers, NetEnt has definitely raised the industry’s standards when it comes to overall video slots quality, but it is quite safe to say that they have outdone themselves with Aloha! Whether or not the developer’s new Shangri La Cluster Pays slot (scheduled to be launched in September 2017) will satisfy the criteria remains to be seen, but the expectations run high.

What is Cluster Based System?

With Cluster pays concept, the player can form a winning combination when any slot symbol creates a horizontal or a vertical cluster with other, identical slot icons. For the combination to be valid, at least 9 icons will have to form the cluster, with only the highest one generating a payment in case of multiple wins.

This pretty much means that the standard pay-lines structure is eliminated. The lines in this case are completely replaced by the clusters, which employ all the standard paylines qualities – winnings from clusters formed simultaneously will be added together and identical symbol clusters which are not joined will be counted as independent combos.

Aloha! Cluster Pays Overview

Probably the best thing about Aloha! Cluster Pays is its versatility. There are so many different ways you can enjoy this game – players who are inclined towards a more aesthetic aspect will be rather pleased with the slot’s visual profile, which, luckily, does not steal the thunder from the Bonus Features.

Let us start with the Substitution Symbol, that has the power to change and take on the form of any adjoining symbol, thus forming a valid winning cluster combination. The icon can land on absolutely any reel, with one restriction – it will not substitute the symbol that triggers Free Spins.

Once a cluster is formed, Sticky Win Respins will be unlocked, during which the cluster-forming symbols are locked on the reels while the rest of the icons continue to spin. This can potentially increase the size of the cluster and generate a much higher payout, especially considering the fact that all icons added to the cluster remain frozen on the reels as well, until all the respins are spent.

This is not the end of Aloha! Cluster Pays slot magic. More Bonus spins are triggered when Free Spins colourful stamps appear on the reels, awarding the player with up to 12 additional spins in the base game and up to 4 extra spins while the bonus rounds are still in progress. The reels will be different during these sessions, converting to a Symbol Drop mechanism which eliminates all lower value icons. If no winnings occur within the Free Spins, a new spin will be activated until a payable combination is formed.

There are two types of Stacked symbols, the large and the small ones. Larger symbols are counted double, while the small icons have the value of one symbol. They both appear only during the Sticky Win Respin round.

Shangri La Cluster Pays Slot – What We Know So Far

The final days before the Shangri La slot is finally revealed are being counted down and the hopes that the game will manage to surpass the Aloha slot glory are high. Judging by the preview, the optimistic expectations will be justified; visually, the slot is beautifully executed, featuring a fresh interpretation of the often exploited Oriental theme.

Having a cluster based payout system, Shangri La is structured in the same way as Aloha!Cluster pays, with 6 reels and 5 rows. There are also similarities in terms of design, animation style and functionality; both of the slots can easily be launched on pretty much any device and you can start creating clusters on the go, on your smartphone or tablet.

Random Substitution feature appears here too, creating larger clusters from the smaller ones and increasing the payout amount. The feature is triggered when at least two small clusters with minimum 4 icons land on the reels and the Random Substitution icon joins them together.

Another extremely helpful feature is Nudge Reel, which will activate if one of the Scatter symbols lands outside the reels. In order for the Free Spins to be triggered, a combination of 3 Scatters will have to be formed, so Nudge will push the stray Scatter back on the reels and help with unlocking the bonus round.

Even invalid clusters in Shangri La have a payout potential and can be transformed into winning combinations with Sticky Respin Feature. When clusters that consist out of 5 to 8 elements are formed on the reels, the feature will be unlocked, freezing the clusters on their positions during the following spins. New icons will then be added to the cluster, increasing it and creating a winning combo that can potentially cover the entire screen.

A considerable number of free spins can be won in Shangri La slot. Combination of 3 Scatters is all that takes for additional 5 rounds to be activated. Any added Scatter will increase the number of Free Spins, which can be re-triggered while the feature is still in progress. An interesting addition is the Ice Dragon, that flies across the reels eliminating some of the symbols while the others remain frozen on their places potentially forming a new, larger cluster with the Substitution icons.

Looking at the slot’s presentation, it is safe to say that the game has all elements to potentially surpass Aloha! Cluster Pays, however, only time will show which of the two will earn higher user ratings. And even though we are still waiting on the Shangri La full release, we can’t wait to see what NetEnt has prepared for their next in line cluster system slot.

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