Friends

Friends Introduction

Do you remember when WMS Remember when this renowned developer was crafting some of the most celebrated slots ever? It feels like a lifetime ago. Montezuma and Raging Rhino In recent times, this formerly prominent American company known for pinball production has been acquired by SG Gaming. Unfortunately, they've been on a consistent downturn. We can't recall their last successful slot release. Thus, when WMS introduced a new branded game, our decision to review it wasn't based on high expectations but rather the potential interest generated by its branding. After all, we can't possibly review every available slot, so we prioritize those with recognizable themes.

Upon launching this slot, its unique design catches your eye. The reels are centered but appear relatively small against the expansive backgrounds. This design mimics the physical cabinet machines that have been around for a while. Above the reels, a group photo acts as a 'TV screen,' displaying series' cutscenes along with an engaging bonus wheel.

Though it might look interesting to some, the setup does not deviate from typical configurations. This standard slot consists of 5 reels, 4 rows, and 40 fixed paylines. Betting options range from €0.50 to €100, which unfortunately narrows its appeal to budget-conscious players. The game is loaded with various features, which we will discuss in detail, yet the developers might have focused too much on entertaining aspects rather than winning potential.

It's no surprise that the beloved theme song, 'I'll Be There For You' by Rembrandts, loops in the background, albeit as an instrumental version. While it allows players to sing along during gameplay, we found it somewhat tiring over time and eventually lowered the volume. Maybe this is a sign of us getting older.

Graphically, the slot doesn't stand out. The New York skyline serves as a backdrop, but the gameplay feels disjointed, with noticeable delays between spins. Furthermore, every minor win is paired with unnecessary pauses, which can be frustrating as there's no option to skip them.

Friends Symbols & Paytable

The slot symbols feature iconic elements like a Central Perk coffee cup, Phoebe's acoustic guitar, and the café's logo. You'll also encounter references like Joey's ducks, Monica's memorable turkey episode, and moments with Monica & Chandler or Ross & Rachel. The highest rewards come from symbols featuring all six main characters, yielding 0.80 times your stake if you land 5 on a payline.

A wild symbol, which is depicted by the complete Friends cast, substitutes all symbols except for the Bonus Wheel and Jackpot Wild symbols. Achieving 5 wilds on a payline results in 10 times your bet. Furthermore, landing an entire stack of Jackpot Wild symbols across reels 2, 3, and 4 may trigger a significant 2000x jackpot.

The Mystery Stacks feature is another aspect of both the base and free spin games. Its main function is to act as a substitute symbol to improve winning opportunities. However, given the main game’s lackluster potential, its impact goes largely unnoticed.

Friends Slot Features

Anyone attempting this slot must recognize the necessity of activating the Bonus Wheel to secure any rewards. Achieving this requires landing full stacks of Bonus Wheel symbols on the three middle reels, a task often demanding numerous spins. And even then, half the wheel's slots only offer trivial cash prizes. If fortune favors you with a bonus, here’s what awaits:

• Thanksgiving Bonus – 10 free spins, featuring a triple multiplier.
• Wedding Bonus – Entails 10 free spins with sticky wilds included.
• Party Bonus – Enjoys 11 free spins with expanding walking wilds covering one or two reels.
• Bamboozled Bonus – A choosing bonus provides chances to trigger a 2000x jackpot.

Friends Conclusion

The TV show might have been a hit, but this slot, sadly, does not live up to the same standard. Review sites might suggest trying it out if you’re a Friends aficionado, but we strongly advise against it. Save your funds for a Friends-themed poster or coffee cup instead. Unless your only goal is to sing along to the instrumental, which you can do via the demo, don't consider giving it a spin.

Overall, the game's performance is subpar, with slow mechanics and minimal payouts. There are no convincing reasons to engage with this slot, whether online or in a live casino. Perhaps it's safe to say that we're not in favor of this Friends-themed slot.