Hacksaw Gaming has made a name for itself for reinventing slot gameplay with eye-catching visuals, quirky characters, and uniquely creative mechanics. Among the most recognizable of games for Hacksaw Gaming is the popular "Em Saga," a family of four games featuring fan-favorites Canny, Mona, Bob, and their chaotic world of cartoon-style wins. All four games have evolved over the years from basic sticky-win mechanics to algorithms with complex free spins mechanics and huge win potential of 10,000x their original bet.

In this comprehensive comparison, we will review each of the four titles: Drop'em, Stack'em, Keep'em, and Stick'em. Each game offers its own style, mathematical profile, bonuses, and overall experience. At the end of this article, you will know with confidence which slot fits your style of play, whether it is extreme volatility, simple fun, or a balance of play with simple to complex layered bonuses.

Game Overviews

Drop’em

Drop’em serves as a flagship offering from Hacksaw Gaming in the realm of mechanical design. As the newest entry in the franchise, Drop’em opts for a contemporary design with its 5x6 mechanics as well as its ways-to-win structure that allows for an impressive 7,776 combinations that can come together on a single spin. The central mechanic, known as the Drop Symbol, takes precedent as Drop Symbols fall away down the reels, changing symbols, creating new connections, and often resulting in unexpected cascading effects.

The game exhibits a high volatility characteristic, with a superb 96.21% RTP and an awe-inspiring 10,000x max win, positioning it in the same rewards category as Hacksaw’s strongest products. Players will have access to several bonus buy opportunities, unlocking different free spins tiers, each increasing in intensity. The inclusion of Canny and Mona adds a sense of nostalgia, while most importantly, it features an updated and polished animation.

Drop’em is intended for customers who want a fast-paced, complex game, who enjoy game mechanics that change during the spin, and to build a higher risk, more reward bonus outcome. The game is the most feature-rich in the complete Em collection, and likely the flagship of the series.

Stack’em

When Stack’em introduced the cluster pays mechanic in the Em universe, it represented a huge change. With a 5x6 grid, cascading symbols, and a one-of-a-kind multiplier system, the game unites effortless gameplay and a massive win opportunity. Wins occur with clusters of matching symbols instead of the typical paylines. The clusters will disappear once formed, and then new symbols will cascade.

What stands out with Stack'em is the evolving multiplier component. During the bonus rounds, you may see special “X” and “?” symbols, which either increase the multiplier or apply some random effects that intensify the fun. With a 96.20% RTP and a max win of up to 10,000x, Stack'em should generate huge payouts.

From a visual standpoint game is vibrant and slightly surreal, featuring quirky characters and nature-inspired visuals. It is for thrill-seeking players who love the unpredictable tumbles and want to see the multipliers stack up higher and higher in bonus rounds. Stack'em is very well-balanced between unpredictability and control - no wonder it is one of Hacksaw's most popular cluster-style releases ever.

Keep’em

Keeping them employs a new stylization with its vintage comic book approach to the Em Saga. The 6x5 grid allows for both cluster and adjacent-type wins, starting this entry with a more comprehensive system than previous iterations. This hybrid grid offers connections of properties, such as symbols, in more liberating and less constraining ways, which should appeal to those who play in search of that type of dynamic style.

In addition to variations of wins, Keep'em also plays with new mechanics. Keeping introduced features like Get 'Em, Cash 'Em, and a rather sophisticated multi-level free spins game. All major components of this entry are instant cash outcomes to respins and a grid expansion with bonus upgrading as part of its totality. It has medium-high volatility and is not as intense or unpredictable as Drop'em or Stack'em entry series games.

With a slightly higher RTP of 96.27%, Keep’em also stands out as the best return-to-player option in the series. It should appeal to users who play games that offer rich, varied gameplay with multiple ways to big wins opposed to a single explosive mechanism. Retro comic is charming, while the number of layered features speaks to a very modern level of gameplay depth.

Stick’em

Stick'em is the first game that kicked off the Em Saga and introduced the world to Canny the Can. Its grid is a traditional 5x4 offering 1,024 ways. Though the maximum win is 1,536.20x, which is much less than later em saga-themed slots, Stick’em is still loved for its nostalgia and straightforward nature.

The mechanics and gameplay are all centered around sticky wins, expanding symbols, and a rudimentary bonus wheel feature. Stick'em doesn't have the extreme volatility and mechanics of its later released cousins, which is partly what makes it appealing to newer and casual players. It also fits the bill of a longstanding RTP around 96.08%-96.20% which is really nice between being bored and overwhelmed.

Stick'em is simplistic in design and, with its pace, makes it the most relaxing of the four-game lineup. If players want a game to ease into and prefer mild volatility, Stick'em still has some reliability in enjoyment.

Core Feature Comparison

Grid Layout and Pay Systems Across the Saga

The Em Saga has 4 different grid types that change the gaming experience from one to another.

Drop’em uses a ways-to-win format, providing continual motion and excitement. Stack’em has a cluster pays format that allows huge symbol explosions and cascading wins. Keep’em plays into both clusters pays and adjacent pays to give players flexibility with combinations. Stick’em snakes back to a traditional way of playing with basic paylines

The range of themes ensures that players who enjoy each will be able to find a title for them.

Bonus Modes and Win Mechanics

Each game introduces its own distinct bonuses intended to capture the game.

Drop’em embodies evolution with its impressive Drop mechanic and free spins system, with three tiers. Stack’em is all about the escalation of multipliers, which players love due to the tumble-based uncertainty. Keep’em offers players variety, with instant prizes, respins, upgrades, and multiple bonus paths. Again, Stick’em plays to the unwinding simple bonus wheel and sticky respins; almost a nostalgic throwback to the earlier days of design and online slots.

Players who have a penchant for in-depth analysis and build some strategy around bonuses will be drawn to Drop’em or Keep’em as their top two choices. Similarly, those simply wanting clean chaos with multiplicity, Stack’em will do it for you, as well. Either way, Stick’em will keep you in the game, too.

Volatility and RTP Profiles

The volatility categories vary extensively across the saga. Drop’em and Stack’em sit cleanly in the high category of volatility. They are games intended for players who enjoy substantial risk and big win potential.

Keep’em has a medium-high volatility rating. This means the game is more forgiving in volatility. It still offers the player frequent payouts combined with potential for large payouts. Stick’em is more toward the middle of the spectrum and is a great option for casual players who would rather spend their time in the game, rather than activate bonus features.

The RTP for Keep’em sits at 96.27%, slightly above the other three games. Overall, RTPs are high for all four games and are a strong indication that the games will payout and provide statistical value for the invested money.

Gameplay Experience

Visual Style, Themes, and Immersion

The visual component has undergone a significant evolution throughout the Em Saga. Both Drop’em and Stack’em will be seen as lush and contemporary in style with animated characters and bright backgrounds. Keep'em is bold and comic-book inspired, with nostalgia from the 1960s pop-art and newspaper comic strips presented in the art style that transports the player to a different sensory experience.

Stick'em is simple - but iconic - in its use of simple hand-drawn and retro graphics. The game remains charming, light-hearted, and warm in a style that the newer games do not provide or replicate, regardless of how hard they try.

If quality of visuals and high-quality animation is preferred, then players will stick to Drop'em or Keep'em. If the player just wants to enjoy some time playing a new game that is rooted in old-school graphics, then Stick'em is the nostalgic choice for them.

Pacing, Difficulty, and Engaging Players

Drop’em presents the most complicated style of play with constantly shifting reels, symbols that turn, and multi-layered free spins gameplay. Stack’em is also brisk in pace, but less complicated in that it has cascading symbols and bonus features that are multiplier-driven. Keep’em provides a fun level of complicated game play that does not lose a potential new player. With several bonuses, Keep’em has a refreshing feel. Stick’em is slow and the least complex Electronic Game, which is perfect if you’re a new player or want a calm experience.

Bonus Buy Options and Value

The availability of bonus buys differs quite a bit between games. For example, Drop'em and Keep'em offer multiple buy tiers. Players can select the investment level to take a risk for the potential for a bigger payout, depending on the tier. Stack'em has a simple bonus buy available for around 129x the bet. This will appeal to players who want to jump straight into some of the features available without much hassle.

Stick'em is an older game, so it has less to offer with advanced bonus buy features, possibly appealing to enjoying a more organic style of gameplay.

Which Slot Is Better?

Most Suitable for High-Risk Players: Drop'em

For players who enjoy high volatility, complexity, and maximum win potential, Drop’em takes the cake. The combination of its two-layered free spins system and its innovative Drop mechanism creates some real potential for fun.s

Best for Players Who Like Multipliers: Stack'em

Players who thrive on progressive multipliers and cascading chaos will love Stack’em more than anything else. The cluster pay system is super-clean and satisfying while still being able to display ridiculously huge builds of symbols.

Best All Around Gameplay Experience: Keep'em

Keep'em really manages to find the balance; fantastic retro aesthetic, varied bonus features, manageable volatility, and the highest RTP. Perfect for gamers looking for depth without the intensity.

Best for Casual Gamers: Stick'em

Stick'em is still the most accessible entry point in the series. Its easy-to-grasp mechanics and low stress levels make it an excellent fit for players looking for entry-level gaming or simply entertainment based on nostalgia.

Comparison Table

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Which Slot is Your Favourite?

Hacksaw Gaming's Em Series features a robust and imaginative collection of slots, appealing to all players. Whether you're hunting for the biggest wins of up to 10,000x, playing to unlock layers of rich bonuses, or just want to spin for enjoyment, you will find a title that fits your purpose. Drop'em is the most contemporary and explosive, Stack'em delivers simple multiplier thrills, Keep'em is balanced gameplay with a retro style, and Stick'em will appeal to nostalgia.