Gearlab Genius: Bullshark Revives Classic Synced Reels

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-06-03

### A Forgotten Feature Gets a Second Life Remember when synced reels were the big thing in slots? That was back in the early 2010s. Then cluster pays and megaways came along and pushed it aside. But a Hacksaw Gaming subsidiary called Bullshark Games just brought it back in a big way. They launched Gearlab Genius on Tuesday, and it's not your typical rehash. It's a complete reinvention. The slot takes that old synced reel idea and layers on multipliers, wild transformations, and over 1,000 ways to win. The steampunk theme fits perfectly. You've got this red-haired inventor in her fancy lab, and the whole vibe is about discovery and creativity. It's a story that grabs both casual players and serious slot fans. ### How Gearlab Genius Works Fire up the game and you'll see a 5x4 grid. Before every spin, reels can sync up to show identical symbols. That creates new patterns and gives you more chances to hit. But Bullshark took it further. They added three standout features that make this slot feel fresh. - **Synced Reels:** Reels lock together to show matching symbols, creating new winning paths. - **Super Reels:** A randomly chosen reel turns entirely into wild symbols. - **Reel Multipliers:** Wins passing through a reel get multiplied by 2x to 100x. If a win goes through multiple reels with multipliers, those values add up before the win is paid. That can lead to a maximum payout of 10,000x your stake. Bets range from $0.10 to $100 per spin, so it's accessible for all budgets. ### Why It Feels Balanced Gearlab Genius manages to modernize the synced reel system without making things too complicated. The three mechanics are available in both the base game and the two bonus rounds. You get sharp moments of winning potential without the confusion that often comes with feature-heavy slots. The slot comes with medium volatility and a 96.28% RTP. There are four feature buys and two bonus games. It shows how a strong narrative can breathe new life into an old mechanic. The result is a game that feels dynamic and unique. ### What Players Are Saying The response has been positive. Players appreciate the blend of nostalgia and innovation. The workshop doors are officially open, and the buzz on social media is real. If you're looking for something that mixes classic mechanics with modern twists, this is worth a spin. ### Final Thoughts Bullshark Games deserves credit for taking a risk on a forgotten feature. Gearlab Genius isn't just a copy-paste job. It's a thoughtful redesign that respects the past while pushing forward. The steampunk setting, the inventor character, and the layered features all come together to create an experience that feels both familiar and new. Give it a try if you want to see how far a good idea can go.