Cluster Pay is a unique feature in this game, as it deviates from the conventional payline system. Instead of relying on specific lines, you can win by landing 5 or more symbols of the same kind in a group. Gem Crush utilizes a spacious 6×8 grid, enabling you to hit numerous symbols simultaneously. A ‘cluster’ of symbols means that the matching symbols all have to be connected to each other for you to win. Only symbols connected vertically or horizontally count – diagonals don’t count in this case.
Beyond that, anyone familiar with online slots will feel right at home. Just use the buttons to set your stake, bearing in mind that wagers are limited to between $0.10 and $20. You can then just hit spin, sit back, and enjoy the show.
However, another crucial feature of NetEnt Gem Crush is symbol cascades. Basically, each winning symbol is eliminated from the game, making way for fresh symbols to fall from the top of the board and take their place. These newly arrived symbols have the potential to create further winning combinations. This (hopefully) results in strings of multiple winning combinations after a single spin. For a more comprehensive understanding of this feature, we recommend referring to our comprehensive guide on cascade features in slots.
Special Features
Multipliers sometimes randomly activate and can be seen next to the reels. When this happens, all payouts during the spin are multiplied by the displayed amount, ranging from 2x to 5x.
Additionally, Wilds appear in the game and work as they usually do. They can substitute any other regular symbol in the game. Basically, if a Wild is connected to 4+ matching symbols, you get a payout. You can read more about wilds in slots here.
Another special type of symbol in the Gem Crush slot game is the Rainbow symbol, This symbol randomly selects one type of regular symbol currently present on the board. All instances of that symbol are transformed into another random type of higher-paying symbol. No more than 4 rainbow symbols can hit during one round.
Gem Crush Free Spins
AS expected, Scatter symbols are also present. They can win anywhere on the grid without being connected to a cluster. Additionally, if you hit 3 of them in one spin, you win 10 free spins.
Gem Crush slot free spins have additional features that are active during the free spin round.
- For starters, the reel multipliers don’t reset after every spin. Instead, they stick around and affect every win while you still have free spins.
- Wilds in free spins appear bigger, as 2×2 symbols, and at least one is guaranteed to hit in every spin.
- Rainbow symbol transformations last until the end of the bonus round. However, they’re still limited to 4 transformations for the whole round.
- Some spins may randomly hit as an “x-strike”. This further increases the reel multiplier by +1.
You can also use the Feature Buy button to activate free spins at any time for 70x the stake.