Available on
Features of the game
| Free spins | Yes | |
| Re-spin feature | Yes | |
| Bonus game | Yes | |
| Risk game | No | |
| Scatter symbol | Yes | |
| Wild symbol | Yes | |
| Progressive jackpot | No | |
| Autoplay option | Yes | |
| Cascading reels feature | Yes |
Finn and the Swirly Spin video slot by NetEnt - review
What do we normally associate with Ireland? Probably, it’s their national strong beer - ale; or the Feast of St. Patrick; Celtic music and, of course, leprechauns - the major characters of all Irish folklore stories. Western culture is literally exploiting the image of leprechauns; usually they’re depicted in a quite negative way: we see them as bloodthirsty dwarfs, ready to play the nastiest tricks in order to get gold. But as a matter of fact, Irish national folklore stories see leprechauns as good creatures, that often help people. Irish legends have it, that all leprechauns are excellent shoemakers. In winter time leprechauns prefer to live under ground in their pit-houses, and in summer leprechauns come out and continue honing the tools in shoemaking. And according to mythological legends, leprechauns are overwhelmingly rich: they have lots of golden ingots left after ancient wars and battles.
Swedish software company NetEnt, which is one of the largest and most successful gambling software developers, decided to bust all myths about leprechauns once and for all - on November 1, 2017, the company released Finn and the Swirly Spin video slot, featuring a very artistic leprechaun Finn as the main character.
Anyone, who will stay together with Finn at least several minutes, will get an ever-living source of positive emotions. Finn is ready to rejoice his guests not only with driving dances and fluting (with traditional Irish flute - tin whistle), but to share his teeming treasures with them. Little Irish merry-maker will conduct you round the fantasy forest, introduce you its dwellers and show you secret places, where treasures, left by his ancestors, could be hiding. The scene will let your eyes soak up with emerald hills, offer you a glass of nappy ale and reveal a firedrake to fight against.
One would think that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel in the i-Gambling industry and it’s unbelievable, that anyone can suggest something fundamentally new. However, Net Entertainment company has other ideas about the following statement and Finn and the Swirly Spin video slot is a good example of the company cutting-edge visionary. By the way, this is the second video slot by NetEnt, which has moved beyond traditional schemes and mechanics. Shortly before Finn and the Swirly Spin was released, NetEntertainment had introduced Planet of the Apes video slot featuring two separate game fields.
You might have probably noticed at once, that the new spin mechanic is quite unconventional - symbols seem to be moving in downward spiral direction, starting at the outside corner and ending in the center position (so-called ‘Swirly Spin’). If you compare Finn and the Swirly Spin to computer games, the first thing that comes to your mind is the analogy with the once-popular Zuma with its colored balls ever-climbing in helices. But this is not the end of all surprises by NetEnt developers - they decided to amaze their players with original bonus games and bonus features.
The official Finn and the Swirly Spin video slot trailer
Are you ready to start the most fascinating adventure in your life? If yes, then press the launch button and let’s go! Merry fellow Finn cannot wait to accompany you in your unforgettable journey through the fabulous forests from Irish national fairytales in searches of the mountain of precious golden coins.
Main features
The symbols on the screen will form a 5x5 grid. Simply stated, the game field consists of 5 (five) reels, 5 (five) rows, which means that 25 elements completely independent from one another take part in forming winning combinations.
An interesting feature of Finn and the Swirly Spin slot machine is the complete absence of paylines. Wins are formed fairly simple: a win occurs when at least 3 matching symbols in a row, horizontally or vertically, appear anywhere on the reels. Of course, if the combinations would form diagonally as well, that would be sunshine and rainbows. Simultaneous wins from different paylines are added and displayed as a total sum at the end of each round in the center of the screen.
The game also features 4 kinds of Free Spins along with Random Feature and some special symbols - Wild Substitutions and Free Spins Key.
Depending on your bankroll and preferences, you can always choose a preferable bet per each spin with the help of two parameters: Bet Level (from 1 to 10) and Coin Value (from 0,01 to 2,00). Thus, the bet range varies from 0,10 to 200 units of your account currency.
There’re no jackpots, including progressive ones, however, each player can get the maximum prize in the game equal to 50 000 coins.
Avalanche feature
Finn and the Swirly Spin slot machine in no way should be considered mainstream, thanks to the original and unconventional game field mechanics. At the first sight it seems quite complicated, but don’t jump at conclusions! The thing is that video slot is ‘equipped’ with Avalanche feature, which means the following: each time you press “Spin” button, all the symbols will vanish from the game field and new ones will replace them spiraling starting from the left-hand corner and moving in the center. When a win is formed, something like a re-spin round happens: symbols, that formed the combination burst and the remaining symbols fall into vacated places. New symbols also appear on the field to fill in avalanches - they move spiraling, which gave name to the title of the video slot «Swirly Spin».
By the way, Avalanche feature can be found in some popular video slots by NetEnt like Elements: The Awakenings and Gonzo’s Quest, as well as at Quickspin product entitled Big Bad Wolf.
Finn and the Swirly Spin video slot - play for free
If you still think, that Finn and his fantasy world of leprechauns can be revealed only by making deposits, you’re making a very big mistake. All the main features and functions of the following video slot can be studied absolutely for free with the help of the demo-version. The demo mode of the following video slot is available for anyone; you simply need to press “Play for Free” button on this page or visit any online casino, which offers games by NetEnt. The demo-version will guarantee you a sufficient coin balance to play Finn and the Swirly Spin for free for quite long. Even if you run out of coins, you can always restart the page and get the same number of credits anew.
We should also mention, that you can claim no deposit bonuses at online casinos. Yes, you can really get some free real casino money or no deposit free spins on your account simply for registration on the casino official web sites, that offer such deals.
Design and layout
There’s another distinguishing feature about this video slot - unique storyline. NetEnt - the brain behind the game success - managed to create a unique fantasy world with the help of the most cutting-edge technologies and 3D graphics. From the very loading of the game you’ll be witnessing a driving dance by the main character - red-haired Finn-the-leprechaun - accompanied by traditional Irish tunes. Finn will be wearing an elegant green suit (of course, green! We’re are talking about Ireland), so you definitely won’t get bored with this eccentric character.
In the background, you’ll see a fantasy forest valley inhabited by good leprechauns. The rainbow will be rising above the forest full of wonder-trees; in the distance, you’ll see hilly meadows full of growing hops. This hop is essential for leprechauns to cook their delicious beer. The game field looks like a maze carved in stone with symbols spiraling inside. Finn the Leprechaun will always be on your left in the main game: he’ll be sitting against the stone or dancing rejoiced with your win. Don’t forget, that Finn has a magic power, so, to the best of his ability, Finn will help you to achieve your goal - finding pots with gold from famous Leprechaun treasures.
Of course, such quality video slot couldn’t go without fascinating animation. Each time you get one or several winning combinations appeared on the reels, symbols from these combinations will explode and award players additional positive emotions. Random prize functions, triggered by the leprechaun, will also be followed by stunning animated effects. If speaking about bonus games - these are separate locations with their own visual effects.
The game sound effects perfectly match the scene on the screen. During the whole gaming process, Finn the Leprechaun will be playing on his national Irish flute, sitting comfortably on the soft green grass. The endless song Finn is playing will remind you of famous Irish folk tunes. This well-known Celtic folk music, coming from the seeming very inornate musical instrument, will take you to the world of fairy tales and inspires the search for new adventures. After you finish playing, you’ll take no notice of how you began whistling this catchy yet such a soulful melody.
Mobile version of Finn and the Swirly Spin video slot
You don’t necessarily have to launch Finn and the Swirly Spin slot machine on your computer or laptop, in order to enjoy its amazing graphic effects and animation, since developers from NetEnt have created a mobile version of the game as well. Today everyone knows, that the game on mobile devices is every bit as good as the game on computers and laptops. Mobile versions of NetEnt video slots are included into a separate NetEnt Touch series/platform. With the growing demand for the game on mobile phones and tablets, Swedish developers decided to develop in this business vector as well. In 2011 NetEnt released its first mobile versions for such video slots as Starburst and Blood Suckers.
In Finn and the Swirly Spin mobile version you’ll be offered the same-quality smooth gameplay along with the complete range of bonus features. The only changes in the mobile version touched upon the control panel: “Spin” button was moved to the side (if your mobile device is in landscape mode) and the bet parameters are in the main menu. Mobile version of Finn and the Swirly Spin slot machine is very easy to launch - you simply need to access the web site with game demo-version or the web site of gambling operator from your mobile gadget and enjoy the game anywhere anytime.
The collection of symbols
No matter how innovative the mechanics of the game field may seem, one thing stays permanent - the presence of a collection of symbols in the slot. The team of designers standing behind the video slot exerted all effort to create an amazing collection of symbols to fit the theme of the game perfectly. All the symbols of Finn and the Swirly Spin video slot are connected with Irish legends about wish-fulfilling leprechauns. All in all, there’re 8 symbols in the game, 6 base symbols and 2 special ones.
Base symbols
The most money-making combinations in the following video slot are formed with the help of the images of items, mostly valued by the locals of leprechauns forest: gem stones - red rubies, golden acorns, horseshoes (traditional lucky charm) and clove - the national symbol of Ireland. Each combination made of base symbols will award you 10 - 500 credits. The set of symbols has not been without card symbols - they are represented by two suits (hearts and spades) and are designed as wooden handicrafts. 5 wooden spades or hearts in succession will guarantee 40 coins. Below this review you will find the paytable with the value of each symbol.
Special symbols
Each time you press “Spin” button, you’ll see Free Spins Key symbol in the bottom left corner. During the Re-Spins this symbol will progress to the center spiraling. Once it gets to the center of the game field, the bonus round of Free Spins will be launched. In addition to this, you’ll see a key meter, which will show the total number of keys, that have reached the central “cell”. Thus, each time you reach levels 4, 9 and 16, new Free Spins rounds will be triggered. The Key symbol cannot disappear from the field during the main game unless it reaches the middle of the spiral.
Traditional Wild symbol is designed in the form of a golden star. This little star is endowed with the standard feature for any Wild symbol: it can substitute for missing symbols in the potential winning combination or otherwise make combinations longer and thus more beneficial. During the main game, the star will appear after symbols from winning combination explode (under the condition, that there were no Wild symbols in the combination). Wild symbol cannot substitute for Free Spins Key symbol. If the winning combination contains Wild symbol, its explosion will also destroy adjacent vertical and horizontal symbols.
Sticky Wild Symbol is designed in the form of a round golden coin with a big “W” letter engraved inside it. Sticky Wild re-spins can appear only during the Lava Lair Free Spins bonus game. Sticky Wilds have the same functions, as traditional Wilds have, except for one thing: they cannot disappear from the game field and destroy adjacent symbols when winning combination is formed.
Random Features in Finn and the Swirly Spin video slot
Whenever Finn gets bored, he recalls his magic power and triggers random bonus features. There’re 4 (four) random features in the game: Starfall Wilds, Dragon Destroy, Irish Luck and Magic Transform. These features can only be activated during the main game after the initial spin, but before wins are paid. Now, let’s speak about each Random Feature separately.
Starfall Wilds
After this random prize feature is activated, two or more Wild Symbols are placed randomly on the reels. The only position Wild Symbols cannot cover during the random feature is the cell with Free Spins Key symbol. If after the Wilds are placed no win occur, Wild symbols keep adding on the reels until a winning combination is formed.
Dragon Destroy
There’s another very interesting and unique feature in the game, that has the real dragon directly involved. The dragon will wake up to increase your chances to get whopping wins. If there’re no wins as the result of the initial spin, the fire-breathing dragon may come to help you: he will destroy (burn) a random number of symbols, which will then activate avalanche - new symbols will occur and help the Key symbol to get closer to the center.
Irish Luck
This feature can be activated randomly, when there’re no wins on the reel after your spin. All five cells in the row (both horizontal and vertical) will be covered with similar symbols to award players with guaranteed wins. Whether the chosen line is horizontal or vertical, is decided randomly.
Magic Transform
When this random feature is activated, all wooden spades and hearts symbols will turn into higher paying symbols. All the spades symbols will be replaced with one kind of symbols and all hearts symbols - with another. The symbols, that the others are transformed into are chosen randomly.
These four features can also be triggered during Free Spins round.
Free spins & bonus games
As we’ve already mentioned before, the moment the Key Symbol eventually reaches the middle cell, it opens the door for players to another fantasy world entitled Free Spins. After a spectacular door opening, you’ll see a beaming portal on the screen, which will take the main character Finn to the corridor of clouds and then to the fantasy world.
Next, you’ll see 4 islands, interconnected by a wooden ladder; each of these islands will have a quaint house constructed on it. Unfortunately, you cannot access them all at once. Moreover, a specific number of keys is required to trigger each free spins bonus mode.
- Star Bar Free Spins (1 key to unlock);
- Lava Lair Free Spins (4 keys to unlock);
- Lucky Mug Free Spins (9 keys to unlock);
- Golden Pot Free Spins (16 keys to unlock).
The total number of keys displayed in the key meter doesn’t reduce whenever Free Spins game is selected. So, what’s in store for players on each of these four islands?
Star Bar Free Spins
The locality in which the action proceeds is a fantasy bar, designed like a modern observatory.
This feature requires only 1 Key Symbol to unlock. It will award players 7 Star Bar Free Spins with the Starfall Wilds Random Feature.
Lava Lair Free Spins
In this mini-game you’ll be given 3 Lava Lair Free Spins with Sticky Wild symbols and Dragon Destroy feature. The locality in which the action proceeds is the real dragon’s lair. Now, keep your head! The beast has no desire to kill you, but is meant to help: if the spin doesn’t trigger any winning combinations, the dragon will start destroying random symbols with its flamy breath, which is likely to initiate great wins. Sticky Wild symbols, just as Free Spins Key symbols in the main game, cannot disappear from the field.
Lucky Mug Free Spins
This bonus game will take you to the place most respected by all Irish - the pub, where you can lower a mug or two of ale. The name of the place is “Lucky Mug” and it completely corresponds to the things happening during this bonus round. You’ll be awarded 4 Free Spins with Irish Luck Feature.
Golden Pot Free Spins
And finally, the most hard-to-get-to bonus feature, which requires 16 Key Symbols: it consists of 2 Free Spins together with Magic Transform Feature. You’ll find yourself in a leprechaun treasury and have all chances to finish this round stone rich.
Conclusion
With the following video slot, Net Entertainment proved once again, that it’s still capable of surprising players and implementing the most cutting-edge technologies into its creations. Famous Swedish developers are known as i-Gambling trendsetters. Finn and the Swirly Spin video slot will become a true revelation even for the most experienced and sophisticated players. Superb graphic effects, 3D animation will take you to the fantasy world of kind and funny leprechauns. Throughout all the gaming process, you’ll be accompanied by joyful Finn the Leprechaun. Together with this character you simply cannot feel truly strict. Finn will rejoice your ear with his virtuoso fluting and dancing, will treat you with the best beer in the world and show the way to teeming treasures, hidden in the fairytale forest.
Apart from superb graphic effects and amazing animation, you’ll definitely be pleased with the number of prize features and the great range of bonus games in the video slot. The unique game mechanics will make the whole gaming process even more entertaining and breathtaking, and what’s more important, profitable. The success of the gaming process is exemplified by the high RTP rate equal to 96,62%.
If you wish to create unforgettable memories, you simply have to try the following game for real money on the Finn and the Swirly Spin video slot. Below you can see the list of the online casino web sites, which offer you an opportunity to test your luck in Finn and the Swirly Spin video slot.
Symbols of video slot
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