Forgive the terrible pun, but NetEnt’s purchase of Red Tiger and the Megaways license it came with has continued to pay dividends. For example, the fruity-tastic game Fruit Shop has received a Megaways update, illustrating that no classic slot in NetEnt’s back library is immune from being upgraded. Although the original was known for its simplicity, the free spin function made it difficult to put down. In addition to the standard reel arrangement, NetEnt has improved nearly every other facet of the game.
When Fruit Shop Megaways loads, the scene seems quite similar. The market stall that houses the 6×3 Megaways grid is surrounded by greenery and lovely skies. It’s the epitome of minimalism, and it fits the game well. The music and other sound effects have been preserved in addition to the visuals. All of this creates a refreshingly pleasant atmosphere, proving that NetEnt has not abandoned the original’s allure since its 2013 debut.
After taking in the scenery, players can wager anywhere from 20 percent to 100 dollars or euros every spin. When it comes to the mathematical model, Megaways like to turn up the volume on everything, and the volatility is no exception. One area that has not improved is return to player (RTP), which although still above average at 96.06%, has dropped a few points. As could be expected, the maximum payout has gone increased, and the game’s already excellent playability has been given a nice boost by the Megaways feature.
To win, you need to line up at least three identical symbols in a row, starting on the leftmost reel. However, this is not the case with cherries, which pay off at a much higher rate for just two or more. The 10 pay symbols have been divided by NetEnt into two categories. The 10-A royals, which have a low payout and have retained their puffy blue pattern, and the fruits, which have a middle payout, are the two types. Included in the second category are melons, citrus fruits, stone fruits, plums, and cherries. Six of a type pays anywhere from 1.5 to 12.5 times the wager in the mid pay fruit category.
Cascade fans will be dismayed to learn that the newest iteration of Fruit Shop Megaways does not have any such elements. Since free spins would have caused chaos with the current system, they have been removed. In the base game and the bonus round, the wild symbol appears only on reels 2, 3, 4, and 5. The wild card can stand in for any other icon.
Slot Characteristics: Fruit Machine Megaways
The Megaways reimagining of Fruit Shop stays true to the original’s enticing simplicity and mesmerizing flow and rhythm. This one is even more difficult to put down than the last. This is because of the frequent, but less in quantity, occurrence of free spins.
Free spins are triggered by a victory with a fruit symbol. The prize money is proportional to the length of the combination and the number of matching symbols. Two, three, four, or five free games are awarded for a medium win combination of 3, 4, 5, or 6 symbols. The cherries are the one exception, awarding one additional spin for a two-of-a-kind win.
Low pay symbol wins now also offer free spins during this feature, which is similar to what happens during regular gameplay. Therefore, 1, 2, 3, or 4 additional spins are added to the total for wins of 3, 4, 5, or 6 lengths with low pay. Second, a win multiplier is included in free spins. The multiplier begins at x1 and rises by 1 with each successful spin. The multiplier can go up to a maximum of 10.
The Final Say on Fruit Shop Megaways
Fruit Shop’s transition into Megaways mode is so natural that it’s almost shocking. The structure works well with the bonus spins, and the gameplay is often rather exciting. The game’s playability may not be immediately obvious before you spin the first one. The potential is clear, though, once you’ve retriggered the free spins bonus a few times. It has quite long rolls on, but a cascades feature would have made it much more dangerous. Although I understand why it wasn’t included, I feel like the game is lacking a bit without it.
Releasing previously released slots with updated visuals risks losing the intended effect on newer players who missed out on the original. The appeal of Fruit Shop: Megaways may be lost on those who are unfamiliar with the original game. It can grow boring if you have a string of spins in the main game or a series of free spins that don’t pay off. If the standard operating procedures don’t pique your attention, there’s nothing else to keep you coming back for more. The Fruit Shop Megaways, like the Megaways in other games, can fire whenever it wants to; yet, when it doesn’t, players may rapidly lose interest. For those who stick with it, or get lucky, the maximum payout is 10,000 times the initial wager. To go close to it, you’ll need a lot of free spins and a high multiplier, both of which hopefully the stall will provide in plenty.
There’s no reason the Megaways expansion shouldn’t send players reeling who have positive memories of the original. Megaways adds its fascinating predictability to the overall show, and volatility and potential both are on the rise. There are moments in Fruit Shop Megaways where the gameplay feels a bit too similar, and as a result, not everyone will want to play it again after giving it a try. The bright and fruity games are fun if that isn’t a concern, or if you just want to relive a simpler time.