Play Count Down For Real Money With Bonus
Review of the Countdown Online Slot Machine
Endemol specializes in creating game show-themed slots. Some of the most popular UK TV shows have been transformed into slot games by them. These include 3-2-1, Golden Balls, and The Million Pound Drop. Countdown follows this trend, bringing the iconic daytime TV show to life as an engaging slot game. It features 3 different bonus games inspired by the TV show to keep players entertained. Before diving into the review, one thing to note: the host of the slot has blonde hair, meaning Carol Vorderman is not included. I wanted to give you a heads up to avoid any disappointment later on…
The design of this video slot stays true to the original show. The reels are dominated by letters (represented by playing card symbols), and symbols include familiar items like the dictionary, timer, and winner’s trophy. There are various bonus symbols that reflect different aspects of the TV show, such as the numbers round and conundrum. Compared to other Endemol slots, this game moves at a faster pace, with sound effects reminiscent of the TV show playing while the reels spin again. The background sounds consist of mechanical clicks and subtle beeps, with a distinct sound signaling the end of a round when a win occurs.
The features in this game follow the Endemol formula; however, they each have their unique twist. Two of the features are pick-em games where players collect either numbers or letters. The third feature is based on the main game of forming words from jumbled letter sequences. Players can try to create their own words, although the bonus feature is chance-based.
Countdown: Gameplay and Features
All Endemol slots I’ve played so far have shared the same 20-line setup with 5 reels and 3 rows. You can choose to play on 1 to 20 lines and place bets ranging from 1p per line to $10. This provides a spin range (assuming full line selection, which most players opt for) of 20p to £200. Additionally, you can set the game to play automatically for up to 25 spins at a time.
The countdown logo serves as the wild symbol and offers the highest prize in the game. Landing 5 wild symbols on a line awards 5000x the coin amount, with 600 coins for 4 wilds. This symbol can substitute for any regular symbol to create additional winning combinations, except for the bonus (scatter) symbols.
In terms of regular symbols, the trophy provides the highest standard payout of 500 coins for getting 5 of them. Following that are the clock (300), countdown timer (200), and dictionary (125). The remaining wins come from the playing card symbols – ace through to jack.
There are 3 distinct bonus symbols in the game. Triggering a bonus game requires landing 3 of the same type of symbol. Additionally, hitting 5 scatter symbols anywhere on the reels results in a pay-out of up to 50x the total spin amount. The bonus symbols include a numbers bonus symbol, letters bonus symbol, and a pad symbol representing the conundrum bonus.
Countdown Slot: Bonus Games
The primary game in the TV show involved compiling the longest word from a set of letters. This is recreated in the ‘letters bonus’ game of the slot. You will see a string of letters at the bottom of the screen and can participate if you wish. Clicking the reveal button unveils the words created by your player and an opponent. If your player forms the longer word, you win a cash prize. There are a total of 5 rounds, and I must admit, my player was not great at this game!
When the numbers bonus symbols appear, you enter a pick-em game that determines the number of free spins awarded. You simply select cards (face down), each with a number attached, and the last card chosen determines the multiplier for wins during the free spins round. The conundrum round is another pick-em game where you choose letters, mimicking the final stages of the TV show.
The ‘Housemates Tasks’ round is perhaps the least interactive bonus feature I’ve seen from Endemol. Here, you are presented with a 3×3 grid, each containing an envelope with a task. By selecting 3 envelopes, tasks are revealed, and each provides a payout that is then totaled. While this aspect stays true to the original show, I feel there could have been more engaging options.
Countdown Slot: Final Thoughts
This game embodies the classic Endemol format. The base game is stable and fast-paced, but lacks significant excitement. The bonus games trigger regularly, but the rewards are moderate at best. These games incorporate themes from the original show as pick-em or free spins features. While they stay true to the essence of the show, I doubt this slot would captivate players for extended periods beyond occasional spins.
A notable feature is the opportunity to partake in forming the longest word game, albeit for personal amusement only.
Overall, not a groundbreaking slot, but it will definitely attract fans of the TV show.
