Cascading Reels, Rolling Reels, Avalanche – Is There a Difference?

In different slots, you can encounter such feature descriptions as Avalanche, Rolling, and Cascading reels. Even when they have different names, they actually stand for one and the same game mechanics. When you land a winning combination, its symbols disappear and new ones appear on those spots.

It can also be called vanishing and exploding symbols. The name of the feature primarily depends on the game theme. Therefore, there is confusion between these terms. But in fact, it is one and the same game mechanics.

Some games may refer to Cascading reels as a Respin feature. But it is a bit different. When you trigger a respin, all or certain reels spin again. Maybe some symbols remain stuck. Meanwhile, the Avalanche feature is just about filling the empty position on the reels. So, don’t get confused.

Classical reels in slots are just spins and land symbols. When you score a win, nothing happens further. But with Cascading Reels it is different.

Here is the step-by-step feature work process:

• You spin the reels and land symbols on a payline or payway
• That winning combination disappears leaving empty spots
• Completely new symbol drop to fill the reels
• The slot checks whether you have a winning combination again
• If yes, this feature continues, otherwise, the spin ends

Some players get lucky Cascading Reels and win multiple times on one and the same spin. The probabilities of this feature happening directly depend on the volatility and symbol variety. With low volatility, it is easier to land a winning combination initially. And with a few different symbols in a slot, you have more chances to score a win again. Sometimes Wilds and other special symbols may force others to disappear.

It is necessary to mention paylines importance. The more ways to win from symbols players have, the easier it becomes to trigger Cascading Reels.

Still, what is the correct name for this slot feature? That is a common question, which we’ll answer right away. Games with spinning reels often have common game mechanics like Wilds, Scatters, Free Spins, and others. To attract more attention slot providers always seek new ideas.

Back in 2010 company, NetEnt released Gonzo’s Quest. Besides great graphics and common features, players saw that symbols explode and new ones fill the grid. That allowed getting long sequences of wins during one spin. And players across the world became fans of such a wonderful game mechanic. The developer called it an “avalanche”.

Since then, many slot providers have started to create products with this feature. However, as companies could not call it in the same way, they came up with alternatives. And now you just enjoy the same feature but with different names.

While playing new slots, there is a high chance to encounter Avalanche mechanics. More and more iGaming developers have started to use it. And you often have this feature in combination with others. The slot may have a multiplier meter, which increases each time you trigger Avalanche. And here are other reasons, why it is so popular.

It Brings Action to Reels

Many slots have an autospin option. You can set it and just watch spin after spin. Even when you score a win, the gameplay doesn’t change. But with Avalanche it is different. Players can see how one symbol vanishes, and a new one appears and grant additional wins. It is especially good when you can watch excellent animations, which align with the game theme.

Better Chances of Large Prizes

Standard reels grant just a win from one or several symbol combinations. But with Avalanche, you never know with what prize you’ll end after a spin. It brings thrill and excitement to every round. When players set high wagers, they hope to get even a small sequence of wins. And even those who play with min bets can multiply their wager dozens of times. And that is what slot players love about Avalanche.

Here we’ll check on several excellent slots with an Avalanche feature.

Esqueleto Explosivo 2

Esqueleto Explosivo 2 is a wonderful example of a nice slot with an Avalanche feature from Thunderkick. You have a 5x3 board and Multiplier Meter below the reels. When the player lands winning combinations, symbols sign and explode. To fill the empty spots, symbols from the upper reels fall. And new ones appear at the top. The spin ends when there are no new winning combinations

Sweet Bonanza

Pragmatic Play also has released Sweet Bonanza with the Avalanche feature. Here you don’t have paylines to score a win. The game drops symbols randomly anywhere on the reels. Rewards start from 8 Symbols. When you gather a winning amount, they just pop. The above symbols fall and completely new ones appear.

Now you know that to expect from a game that has Rolling Reels, Cascading Reels, or Avalanche. This feature makes the game more exciting during basic spins. You don’t need to wait for bonus rounds or free spins.

However, remember that every slot has a different variant of Avalanche. To see how it works exactly spend a bit of extra time trying the demo. That will give you a valuable personal experience. And you’ll know whether you like the Avalanche feature or not.