Spinning Beyond Limits: An Introduction to Expanding Reels

One of the most popular slot features are Expanding Reels. So, what is it?

Expanding Reels are a slot mechanism that can appear in both the base game and within bonus features. When activated, this feature can increase the size of the slot grid. In turn, it increases the number of paylines that can help you win. Expanding Reels are often hidden within the design of a game. Blank blocks that can be smashed to reveal extra gaming spaces, thus allowing the reel to expand, are common amongst slot machines.

The Expanding Reels feature can be activated in a variety of ways. One way is hrough the formation of a win, which triggers the game grid to expand. Others are by activating a feature with the same effect and as a bonus feature that enlarges the game. This expansion gives you more chances of winning by increasing the number of ways to win or paylines.

For instance, in Fire in the Hole 3 by Nolimit City, sion is aided by the ZapReel, above the game. To expand the reels of this game, you need to land a win of three or more matching symbols on the original three-row, five-reel grid. Do this in synchronization with the ZapReel while a feature symbol is aligned over the winning reels, and they will expand by one row.

In Silicon Spinners by AvatarUX, you will see that the gaming grid has two sections. The original layout and the area beneath the hazard line. To expand the reels, generate a win on the original grid, and the hazard line will drop a row.

The game has a Collapse feature. If you win once, new symbols replace the winning ones, potentially generating another win. This can lead to consecutive payouts and the expansion of the reels.

Expanding Reels and Megaways are very similar, and the difference is in presentation. You have design concepts, and then you have payout mechanisms, of which Megaways is an example. I prefer a slot that sticks to its original format, playing a game that works on a 3x5 layout, and then hitting a feature that enlarges the reels, like the Expanding Reels feature does.

Megaways slots do this within the mechanics, but the presentation is different, and the symbol count on the reels multiplies. This happens without the need for the grid to change physically. The same can be said for Split Symbols or xSplit, a feature commonly used by Nolimit City as a way of expanding the number of ways to win within a single reel.

If anyone tells you otherwise, feel free to correct them and begin your argument with the word WELL loudly expressed.

So, you now know what the Expanding Reel feature is and which online slot machines host it. Allow me to now present a list highlighting the pros and cons of playing video slots with such expandable features.

Your newfound wealth of knowledge on Expanding Reels, which will not help you in any way when applying for a new job, can now be put to the test. This is a proud moment for you. You may wish to call your parents to share this news and explain to them how Expanding Reels are safe and are on the side of us humans.

Now, onward, to the greatest online casinos this side of the galaxy!