Front Runner (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Front Runner: Slot Overview 

Front Runner by Pragmatic Play takes players on a high-stakes adventure into the world of horse racing. Released on May 9, 2024, this highly volatile slot combines racing aesthetics with traditional slot mechanics. Built on a 5×3 grid with 10 fixed paylines, Front Runner comes with a theoretical RTP of up to 96.51%, with alternative RTP settings of 95.51% and 94.51% depending on where you play. With its simple gameplay and racing-themed design, it attempts to capture the thrill of a day at the races. The slot’s top prize is a modest 3,000x the bet, and its hit frequency of 1 in 4 ensures players can anticipate semi-regular payouts. However, can this slot truly deliver a winning performance, or does it stumble before reaching the finish line?

Design and Graphics

Pragmatic Play has done a commendable job of creating a racing atmosphere in Front Runner. The reels are set against the backdrop of a vibrant horse racing track, complete with lush green grass and fences. The attention to detail gives the game a realistic race-day ambiance. Symbols include traditional card ranks (10 to A), complemented by horse-themed icons such as trophies, ribbons, horseshoes, and a golden saddle. These high-paying symbols ensure the theme remains consistent throughout the game. One of the standout visual elements is the inclusion of animated horses during the Free Spins feature. While these animations attempt to bring a competitive edge to the slot, the base game visuals can feel static and repetitive. Overall, the graphics do a decent job of immersing players in the horse racing theme, but they lack the polish and dynamism seen in some of Pragmatic Play’s other titles.

Gameplay Mechanics

Front Runner sticks to a straightforward gameplay formula. The 5-reel, 3-row setup makes it easy to understand for both beginners and seasoned slot enthusiasts. Wins are awarded for landing three or more matching symbols from left to right across any of the 10 paylines. 

The gameplay’s simplicity is a double-edged sword. While it is accessible, it lacks innovation. The base game has no additional features or modifiers to keep things interesting. The absence of wild symbols further reduces the excitement, leaving players to rely solely on standard payouts until the bonus round is triggered.

Sound and Music

The soundtrack in Front Runner complements its racing theme, with upbeat background music that mimics the buzz of a racetrack. During the Free Spins feature, the tempo picks up, adding a sense of urgency and anticipation as the horses move closer to the finish line. Sound effects, such as the neighing of horses and the clinking of reels, add a layer of authenticity. 

However, outside of these moments, the audio design is relatively subdued. The base game lacks variation in sound effects, which may cause the excitement to wane during longer play sessions. While the sound and music do the job, they don’t elevate the slot to a truly immersive experience.

Bonus Features

The bonus features in Front Runner are centered around the Free Spins mode, which introduces a unique horse racing mechanic. Free Spins

 This feature is triggered by landing 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols, awarding 10, 12, or 15 free spins, respectively. During the Free Spins round, three horses—red, blue, and green—appear on the reels. Each horse is linked to a multiplier and moves one step closer to the finish line each time its corresponding symbol lands. 

Horse Movement and Multipliers

 The multipliers start at x3 for a single horse crossing the finish line. If two horses finish, the multiplier increases to x6, and if all three finish, it reaches x12. Each horse that crosses the line also adds three additional free spins. 

Wreath Mechanic

 A wreath symbol may randomly appear during the Free Spins, granting a bonus movement to a horse of your choice. This mechanic adds an element of strategy and unpredictability to the bonus round. 

Buy Free SpinsFor those who prefer to skip the base game grind, the Free Spins feature can be purchased for 100x the bet. Players will receive a random number of scatters to activate the feature. 

While the Free Spins feature is the game’s main attraction, its reliance on horse movement and multipliers may feel gimmicky after a few rounds. The concept is entertaining but doesn’t offer much depth, which may limit its replayability.

Betting Options and Payouts

Front Runner caters to a wide range of players with its flexible betting options. The minimum bet is set at €0.20, while high rollers can wager up to €250 per spin. This broad range ensures that both casual players and those chasing bigger wins can enjoy the game. 

Payouts in the base game are relatively modest. Low-paying symbols, represented by card ranks, pay between 3x and 6x the bet for five of a kind. High-paying symbols, including the horseshoes and ribbons, offer more substantial rewards of up to 200x the stake. However, the game’s maximum win of 3,000x the bet feels underwhelming compared to other high-volatility slots on the market. 

The RTP of 96.51% is competitive, but activating the Ante Bet—an optional feature that increases the stake by 50% to improve the odds of triggering Free Spins—slightly reduces the RTP. The overall balance of risk and reward is reasonable, but the relatively low max win might deter thrill-seekers.

Conclusion

Front Runner is a solid attempt by Pragmatic Play to bring the thrill of horse racing to the online slot world. Its vibrant design, straightforward mechanics, and engaging Free Spins feature with racing horses are its standout qualities. However, the slot falls short in delivering the excitement and depth expected from a high-volatility game. The lack of base game features, coupled with a modest max win of 3,000x, may leave players wanting more. 

While the horse racing theme and unique Free Spins mechanic provide a fresh twist, Front Runner struggles to maintain momentum over extended play sessions. It’s a decent slot for casual play or for fans of horse racing, but it doesn’t quite capture the heart-pounding thrill of the sport. In the end, Front Runner crosses the finish line but doesn’t quite claim the gold.