Mechanics first, theme second
It’s rare for a series of slots to not share a theme, but that isn’t what the Tumble series is about; it’s the titular Tumble mechanic that defines and unites the games in this sprawling series.
The Tumble is comparable to ‘avalanche’ and ‘cascading reels’ mechanics. Essentially, when you score a winning combo, you’ll get your multiplier prize, then the symbols will vanish. Others will tumble into the spaces left behind, giving you another opportunity to win.
With this mechanic, if you’re lucky, you can even score a string of consecutive wins off the back of a single spin.
Grid-based chaos
Almost all of the entries in the Tumble series are grid slots (with the original being the only reel-based exception). This means abandoning the traditional slot machine design, and using a cluster pays system rather than the familiar paylines.
Instead of aligning matching symbols along the paylines, players can create clusters of symbols anywhere on the grid, which tends to be 6x6 or 8x8. Few modern slot series have shaped the grid-slot space as decisively as Tumble.
Relax is known for its number-centric approach to slot development, and its confidence in grid-based formats. By taking calculated, creative risks, it has gained a reputation for quirky, left-field titles that reinvent what slots can be whilst still managing to appeal widely.
A divisive approach
There’s no getting away from the fact that Relax Gaming’s slots aren’t for everyone. They feel edgy, intense and uncompromising, and they often operate very differently from traditional slots. Think of Relax as being somewhere between an avant garde indie developer and a commercial mainstream studio.
With high volatility levels come long dry spells. This tends to appeal to experienced players, who are hunting those top prizes, but it can isolate more casual players. Sometimes, taking a risk can pay off, and that’s exactly what Relax did here.
From Temple Tumble to full-blown franchise
The progression of the series has been impressive, with around one slot per year being added to it. Temple Tumble Megaways led to Tower Tumble, TNT Tumble and Templar Tumble, giving fans of the Tumble mechanic plenty to chew on.
However, because of the various themes, the Tumble series seemed to lack a voice, a cohesive identity. To resolve this, Relax returned to the origins of the series and broke from tradition to create a couple of direct sequels.
In 2021’s Cluster Tumble, the wife of the hero from Temple Tumble Megaways takes to the screen. This polished title boasts big wins, and became one of our highlights of that year.
Big wins galore
The success of Cluster Tumble led to another direct sequel, and new heights for Relax Gaming: Temple Tumble 2: Dream Drop. Combining the Tumble mechanics with Relax’s signature five-pot Dream Drop progressive jackpot system was nothing less than a stroke of genius.
The release of Dream Drops was already a big deal, and came shortly after several big awards victories. Daniel Eskola, Relax Gaming deputy CEO, described Dream Drops as “the most heart-racing jackpot on the market”.
Even the Temple Tumble 2: Dream Drop base game had a max win of 10,000x the stake, and it’s not the only title in the series to do so. High potential wins are a big part of the series’ DNA.
It was with the launch of Dream Drop Jackpots in 2022 that Relax Gaming truly entered the big leagues, where it seems to have carved out a very interesting space for itself. It’s hard to think of another developer that could be so innovative, yet so prolific.
