Play’n Go will officially debut the exciting Abyssways™ reel modifier mechanic with the release of 13th Trial: Hercules Abyssways™ on August 14. (Image from Playngo.com)
13th Trial: Hercules Abyssways™ is set to launch on August 14, bringing with it Play’n GO’s brand-new Abyssways™ reel mechanic, which is one of the studio’s boldest innovations yet.
Following the releases of Blitzways and Crashback earlier this year, Abyssways™ shakes up the traditional slot formula. Instead of static reels during free spins, the mechanic causes symbols to collapse, new rows to appear, and the entire grid to constantly shift.
This means every spin offers a fresh configuration and potentially huge payouts.
One of the most innovative Play’n GO Features
Arguably, it is the most innovative of the three Play’n GO features, with it being a reel modifier mechanic that dynamically changes the reels and rows during free spins bonus games, meaning that no spin is ever the same as the last.
Essentially, Abyssways™ has changed the static nature of traditional free spins rounds to now result in the falling of symbols, rise of rows and the entire game shifting between each spin.
As a result, the number of ways to win on each spin can, at least in the titles it has featured to date, be anywhere between 4,096 and 46,656.
Source: Play’n GO’s offcial website was the main source for this news piece where the software provider explains the mechanic on its Abyssways™ page. Of course, we also tested the demo version of the upcoming release of 13th Trial: Hercules Abyssways™.
How Does Abyssways™ Work?
We’ve only seen Abyssways™ in two slots so far, and it behaves the same in both. Symbols disappear from the bottom of the reels while new rows drop in from above, creating constant shifts in reel height.
This push-and-pull between expansion and collapse means every spin offers a different number of ways to win. Sticky Wilds help tip the balance; when they land, they expand downwards and lock in place, preventing the reels from shrinking too much.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Game Setup | 6×4 reels with 4,096 ways to win |
| Activation | Abyssways™ triggers only during free spins |
| Abyss Effect | Random bottom symbols fall away after each spin |
| Reel Expansion | A new row is added at the top every spin |
| Sticky Wilds | Expand downwards to block abyss effect and hold reel size |
| Max Ways to Win | Up to 46,656 ways to win during free spins |
Abyssways™ is certainly unlike anything else we’ve seen before, and it will be interesting to see where Play’n Go takes it next. Will it become a base game mechanic to rival other dynamic reel modifiers like Megaways? Will we see the mechanic develop to provide the potential for even more ways to win?
From Patent to Launch
While Abyssways™ will officially launch with the release of the 13th Trial: Hercules Abyssways™ slot on August 14, the mechanic has been in the works for some time. In fact, the studio must have been working on it through the early part of 2024.
Play’n GO quietly tested Abyssways™ in Scourge of Rome in 2024 before officially patenting it in Canada later that year. The results clearly impressed as 13th Trial: Hercules Abyssways™ will now be the mechanic’s official debut title, with more releases likely to follow.
The patent: You can read more about the patent for the Play’n GO Abyssways™ patent here on the official ised-isde.canada.ca website.
Play Abyssways™ Demo Slots for Free
We guess we’ll find out. Until then, you can check out Abyssways™ on both the slots it has featured to date. The best part is that you won’t have to risk any cash, as both are free to play.
Casinoplusbonus Opinion
From our testing, Abyssways™ sits somewhere between Megaways and Infinity Reels in spirit, but with its own chaotic twist. Megaways varies the number of symbols per reel, while Infinity Reels expands the grid horizontally. Abyssways™, on the other hand, plays a vertical push-pull game, forcing players to adapt to shrinking and expanding reels on the fly.
For players who find standard free spins too predictable, this mechanic injects much-needed volatility and variety. We expect to see it rolled out to multiple high-profile Play’n GO titles in the next 12 to 18 months, and we wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes a core selling point like Megaways is for Big Time Gaming.
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