Gems Bonanza is Pragmatic Play’s take on the cluster-pays gem slot — a format popularised by NetEnt’s Aloha! Cluster Pays and refined by numerous developers since. Released in 2021, this game uses an 8×8 grid and a tumble mechanic to create a genuinely distinctive experience within Pragmatic Play’s catalogue. Having played it across multiple sessions, I can say it offers a refreshing alternative to the standard 5-reel format, with some genuinely innovative bonus mechanics.
Gems Bonanza at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Pragmatic Play |
| RTP | 96.51% |
| Volatility | High |
| Reels / Rows | 8×8 Grid |
| Win Mechanic | Cluster Pays (5+ matching symbols) |
| Max Win | x25,000 your stake |
| Min/Max Bet | £0.20 – £100 |
| Bonus Feature | Free Spins, Multipliers, Bonus Buy |
Cluster Pays Mechanic
Unlike traditional payline slots, Gems Bonanza awards wins for clusters of five or more matching symbols that are connected horizontally or vertically anywhere on the 8×8 grid. Winning clusters are removed from the grid and replaced by new symbols tumbling in from above, potentially creating chain wins. The larger the cluster, the higher the win multiplier applied — clusters of 30 or more symbols can trigger multipliers of up to 100x, which is where the game’s enormous 25,000x max win potential originates.
Free Spins Feature
The free spins round is triggered by landing the bonus symbol in the centre 4×4 area of the grid. During free spins, a progressive multiplier increases with each tumble — starting at 1x and growing with every cascade. This multiplier doesn’t reset between spins, meaning it can accumulate to very high values over the course of a well-developed bonus round. Combined with the cluster pays mechanic and large grid, the free spins can produce wins that genuinely justify the high-volatility profile.
Visual Design
The gem theme is executed with real flair — each gem type has a distinct colour and animation, and the tumble sequences are visually satisfying. The 8×8 grid fills the screen effectively on both desktop and mobile, and the cluster win animations clearly highlight which symbols are contributing to each win.
Verdict
Gems Bonanza is one of Pragmatic Play’s more innovative releases — the 8×8 cluster pays format genuinely differentiates it from the standard 5-reel catalogue, and the progressive multiplier free spins round has real win potential. The 25,000x max win is among the highest in Pragmatic Play’s portfolio. Recommended for players seeking something different from the standard slot format.
Our Rating: 8.5/10