Everyone knows IGT for Cleopatra and Wolf Run. These classics appear in virtually every casino. But in my experience playing IGT’s deeper catalog, I’ve found that some of their most innovative work exists in games many players might overlook.
International Game Technology (IGT) has created mechanical systems that offer different approaches to how wins form and how features activate. I’d like to share some of these interesting mechanics and the games where you can find them.
Appreciating innovative slot mechanics requires platforms that effectively showcase diverse provider catalogs. Mr. Green Online Casino delivers exactly this through its Austrian operation, featuring 700+ games, including IGT classics, alongside its welcome package of €500 plus 200 free spins.
Beyond Basic Paylines: MultiWay Xtra System
While most slots rely on symbols landing on specific paylines, IGT’s MultiWay Xtra system works differently:
- Wins pay for matching symbols in any position on adjacent columns
- Matching symbols on the same reel count multiple times for that win
- Combinations count from both left-to-right AND right-to-left in some versions
Siberian Storm is a prominent example of this system, offering 720 ways to win with a distinctive hexagonal reel layout. When you land matching symbols on adjacent reels, they create wins regardless of their positions.
In my experience: Playing MultiWay Xtra games feels different from standard payline slots. The wins tend to come in different patterns than I’m used to with traditional payline games.
Tumbling Reels: Cascading Symbols
IGT implemented their Tumbling Reels mechanic in various games, which creates a distinctive gameplay style:
- Winning symbols disappear after paying
- New symbols fall from above to fill empty spaces
- This continues until no new wins form
- All from a single spin and bet
Da Vinci Diamonds is the most famous example, but IGT has used this feature in other games, such as Rocket Man and Pixies of the Forest, each with some variations in how the tumbling works.
Bursting Wilds: Expanding in Different Patterns
Some IGT slots feature a wild symbol mechanic where wilds expand in various patterns:
- Wilds expand to fill multiple positions when they land
- The expansion pattern is different depending on the specific game
- Some expand horizontally, others vertically, and some in both directions
- Others expand in diamond or star patterns
Gameplay tip: I’ve found it helpful to understand the specific expansion pattern in each game, as it helps me appreciate when wild symbols land in potentially valuable positions.
Split Symbols: Expanding Winning Possibilities
IGT’s split symbol mechanic, visible in games like Cats, creates an interesting twist:
- Split symbols count as 2 individual symbols
- This allows combinations beyond the standard 5-of-a-kind
- Creates the possibility for higher-than-usual payouts
The game Elephant King also features split symbols, combining them with wild symbols to create a distinctive gameplay experience.
The Triple Reaction System
One of IGT’s more complex mechanics appears in games like Fortune Coin:
- Three separate reel sets spin simultaneously
- Wilds on the center set transfer to the same positions on the other sets
- Bonus features can activate separately on each set
This system creates a visually distinctive experience, as a single wild in the right position can affect multiple reel sets simultaneously.
Comprehensive igt free slots collections let you experience MultiWay Xtra, Tumbling Reels, and other unique systems side-by-side, revealing what makes this developer’s approach distinctive.
Wheel Bonus Variations
While wheel bonuses appear in many manufacturers’ games, IGT has created several distinctive implementations:
- Progressive wheel segments in games like Ocean Magic Ultra
- Multi-stage wheels in Golden Goddess Valeria
- Persistent state wheels in games like Bubble Blast
These aren’t just visual variations—they create noticeably different gameplay experiences.
In Bubble Blast, for example, you can see the wheel building potential across multiple activations, creating a persistent state that carries through your session.
Approaches to Playing IGT’s Innovative Slots
Based on my personal experience with these games, here are some approaches I’ve found helpful:
For MultiWay Xtra Games:
- Games like Siberian Storm and Crown of Egypt feature stacked symbols that work well with the MultiWay system
- The betting structure works differently from standard payline games, so I take time to understand the cost-per-spin
For Tumbling Reels Games:
- I pay attention to games that add multipliers during tumble sequences
- These games create a different rhythm than standard slots, sometimes with longer waiting periods between wins
For Bursting Wilds Games:
- I find it helpful to watch the burst pattern a few times to understand how it works
- The pattern of symbol arrangement on the reels interacts with the burst pattern in interesting ways
For Split Symbol Games:
- These games often have a different volatility feel in my experience
- The winning combinations look different than standard slots when split symbols are involved
The Bottom Line
While IGT’s classics remain popular, their innovative mechanical systems showcase creative approaches to slot gameplay. The company has developed various ways to create winning combinations, trigger bonuses, and engage players beyond simply reskinning successful formats.
For players seeking different experiences, these lesser-known IGT mechanics provide alternatives to standard slot formats. They offer distinctive gameplay that focuses on different aspects of the slot experience, whether that’s unusual ways to form winning combinations or interactive bonus features.