Release Date – 09/05/2024
PUG THUGS GALORE! ELK DOES IT AGAIN! A SURE HIT!
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Front Runner Odds On |
| Developer | Pragmatic Play |
| Reels | 5 |
| Rows | 3 |
| Paylines | 10 |
| RTP | 96.51% | 95.51% | 94.51% |
| Max Win | 3,000x |
| Volatility | High |
| Min/Max Bet ($,€,£) | 0.20 – 250 |
| Release Date | May 9, 2024 |
| Features | Free Spins, Multipliers, Ante Bet, Buy Free Spins Option |
Set against a lush, emerald turf, Front Runner Odds On by Pragmatic Play drops you right at the starting gates of a seemingly tranquil racecourse. However, don’t let the serene setting fool you; the action is as sparse as the crowd in this virtual race. With a design mimicking a starting gate, the slot boasts clean graphics but lacks the lively vibe one might hope for in a horse-racing-themed game. There’s a distinct absence of dynamic energy in the visuals, especially noticeable outside of the free spins round where not a single horse is in sight unless summoned by the special features.
Gameplay Mechanics: Trotting Along at a Steady Pace
Diving into the mechanics, Front Runner Odds On lines up with a traditional 5×3 reel structure, featuring 10 paylines that might seem limited but align with the game’s straightforward approach. Betting options range from a modest $0.20 to a hefty $250 per spin, catering to casual punters and high rollers alike. The game includes an ante bet option, ramping up stakes by 50% for a better shot at hitting scatters, although it’s a gamble whether the extra investment is worth the payout.
Features: Not Quite the Home Stretch
This slot introduces a base game as still as the audience stands—no features to report here until you hit the scatters. The real race begins with the free spins round, where three horse symbols (blue, green, and red) dash across a track overlaying the reels, each linked to corresponding reel symbols. Land a horse symbol, and its related steed advances, with free spins accumulating as they race towards the finish line. Cross it, and multipliers increase, adding a much-needed boost to potential wins. Despite this, the excitement is akin to a leisurely trot rather than a full-on gallop, with the gameplay sometimes feeling more like waiting for the race to start than participating in it.
Symbols: Basic with a Touch of Equestrian Flair
The symbols maintain a simple aesthetic with low-paying royals from Ten to Ace and higher values represented by thematic icons like horseshoes, ribbons, and trophies. Wilds mirror the top-value symbols, substituting to create winning combinations. It’s a standard fare with a dash of thematic charm, though hardly enough to keep the adrenaline pumping without the accompanying features of the free spins round.
Buy Feature: Shortcut to the Action
For those lacking the patience for natural triggers, the slot offers a buy-in to the free spins feature at 100 times the stake. It’s a steep price for a shortcut, and whether the investment returns its value depends largely on those unpredictable multipliers and the progress of your chosen horses across the track.
Payouts and RTP: Middle of the Pack
The Return to Player (RTP) wavers based on settings, sitting at 96.51% at its peak, which is reasonable yet not exceptional. The slot’s high volatility might appeal to those who relish the risk for substantial rewards, though the maximum win cap of 3,000x the bet, while decent, doesn’t break any records. Combine this with a hit frequency of 1 in 4 for base plays and the challenging odds of the free spins feature, and you’ve got a game that’s more a slow burn than a fiery race.
Final Thoughts and Rating: A Mild Day at the Virtual Races
Front Runner Odds On has its moments, particularly for fans of the equestrian theme who will enjoy the novelty of the race-related features. However, the game struggles to sustain excitement, particularly in a feature-sparse base game that can test the patience of even the most enthusiastic players. Our rating?
RATING – 6/10
A trot rather than a gallop, Front Runner Odds On will find its niche audience but may not appeal to those seeking a high-energy, feature-rich slot experience.
