Hypernova Megaways, developed by ReelPlay (formerly known as Chance Interactive), looks like NetEnt’s super-popular Starburst on steroids. The dynamic reel configuration, patented by Big Time Gaming, allows for up to 117,649 ways to win.
Each of the 6 vertical reels can hold up to 7 symbols and the horizontal one on top contains 4 icons that contribute to reels 2, 3, 4 and 5. Although this space odyssey offers a limited number of features, it allows players to win during the base game as well as the bonus round.
Cascading reels enable multiple payouts on the same bet while Scatter-activated re-spins offer an opportunity to collect one or more (non-progressive) jackpots. Hypernova Megaways has a theoretical return of 96.095%
Hypernova Megaways Data and Features
| Reels | 5 |
| Pay lines | 32767 |
| Max cash jackpot | $2,500.00 |
| Payout Percent | 96.095 |
| Wild Symbol | Yes |
| Multiplier | No |
| Betting Range | $0.2 - $25 |
| Coin bet range | $0.01 - $1.25 |
| Coins per line | 1 |
| Progressive | Yes |
| Max coins jackpot | 2000 |
| Max coins | 1.25 |
| Scatter Symbol | Yes |
| Free spins available | No |
| Bonus Game | No |
| Buy feature | No |
| Game theme | Adventure |
Bonus Features Deconstructed
Hyascpernova Megaways slot uses cascading reels to remove all winning symbols and populate the area with new icons which may, if lucky, deliver additional payouts. Reactions continue for as long as 3 or more matching symbols land on consecutive reels starting with the leftmost one. Wilds can help complete winning combinations but they will only appear on the top horizontal reel.
Landing 6 or more Scatters triggers Jackpot Respins. You’ll get 3 re-spins to start with, with all Scatter symbols held in place while all other positions spin once again. Every new Scatter which appears on the reel area resets the number of re-spins to 3 so you may get to keep playing (and winning) without having to pay a single cent for quite some time.
Once you use up all your re-spins, each Scatter icon will award a cash prize or one of the jackpots. Non-jackpot rewards can be worth 1x-100x the player’s bet, Bronze jackpot pays 10x the total bet, Silver jackpot 50x the bet, Gold 250x and Platinum 2,000x the total stake. It’s possible to win Bronze and Silver jackpots multiple times but Platinum and Gold ones may be awarded only once per feature.
Hypernova vs Other Megaways Slots
Hypernova starts as a typical Megaways slot with reactions executed via cascading reels, but instead of standard Free Spins offers re-spins, and instead of an increasing win multiplier awards a payout for each of the held Scatters.
Players may favour one mechanism over the other though both allow them to spin free of charge and exit the bonus round with a significant balance increase. The gameplay is relatively simple and that’s doubtlessly intentional; NetEnt’s big hit which uses the same theme incorporates very few extras and nonetheless remains one of the most played online slots of all times.
Combining a Starburst clone with BTG’s popular Megaways mechanics may be a recipe for success. Still, one should be aware of a relatively low RTP (compared to other Megaways slots) and the max possible win which can’t exceed 8,640 times your total stake while most Megaways titles are willing to pay up to 10,000x the bet.
