Finn and the Dragon Tales Review: A Swirling Fantasy Adventure That Surprised Me in Every Way

Review Setup

I’ve always had a soft spot for slots that dare to do something different, and NetEnt’s Finn series has consistently been a standout with its innovative spiral grid mechanic. Unlike traditional slots that simply drop symbols from above, Finn and the Swirly Spin introduced a swirling pattern, making every spin feel like a magical journey. So when I heard about Finn and the Dragon Tales, I was intrigued but cautious. Would this be just another rehashed version of the same concept, or would it bring something genuinely new to the table?

At first glance, the answer seemed clear: this was no ordinary sequel. Instead of the cheerful taverns of Finn’s Golden Tavern or the sweet chaos of Finn and the Candy Spin, I was soaring through an epic fantasy world. Floating islands drifted in the distance, mythical ruins rose into the clouds, and, most impressively, dragons roamed the reels. The stakes were visibly higher, the visuals were dramatically richer, and the atmosphere felt more adventurous.

But it wasn’t just about aesthetics. The gameplay itself had evolved. The spiral grid mechanic returned but was now part of a complex, layered experience featuring scatter wins, wild multipliers, treasure chests, and multiple free spins. The sense of adventure was palpable; I wasn’t just spinning but exploring.

This review is my in-depth look at everything Finn and the Dragon Tales has to offer, from my first impressions to the final verdict.

First Impressions with Finn and the Dragon Tales

I always judge a slot first by how it feels when I load it up. And from the second the game launched, it was obvious NetEnt put serious effort into making this one stand out. The fantasy environment is immersive; giant floating islands drift in the distance, mythical ruins tower above, and ethereal music sets the tone.

But the real showstopper? The 7×7 spiral grid still true to the series but more refined than ever. It starts bottom-left and swirls clockwise toward the center, with new symbols entering from the starting point. The result feels like a mystical board game in motion.

What got my attention was how dynamic the grid was. Symbols don’t just drop; they glide and morph, responding to wins in fluid, satisfying ways. Add to that the Avalanche mechanic (where wins disappear and new symbols cascade in), and every spin felt full of potential.

Even in the first ten minutes, I found myself saying, “Okay, this isn’t just more Finn; this is next-level Finn.”

Visuals and Presentation: 5/5

I’ll come out and say it, this is one of the best-looking slots I’ve ever played. The visual design in Finn and the Dragon Tales is nothing short of cinematic.

Each time a Dragon appeared, the grid shimmered. When the free spins were triggered, the entire game board shifted color to reflect the Dragon’s power: green for Bronze, blue for Silver, and red for Gold. These small touches added weight to every bonus event.

Visually, this game doesn’t just impress; it astounds.

The Role of Sound: 4.5/5

Sound can make or break immersion in a fantasy-themed slot, and NetEnt clearly knew that. The background track is ambient and melodic, with echoes of strings and whispers that reminded me of fantasy RPGs.

What I loved most was how dynamic the music became during feature rounds. Triggering a Dragon bonus would raise the tempo and kick in the drums, genuinely building tension. I found myself leaning closer during free spins, hanging on every audio cue.

Sound effects for wins, Avalanches, and symbol reveals were crisp and never overwhelming.

The only reason I’m not giving it a full 5 is that, during long base game stretches without features, the soundtrack looped a bit too predictably. Still, it never got annoying, just occasionally too subtle.

Gameplay Journey: 4.7/5

Let me be real: this game is a lot to take in at first. It took me a few rounds to fully grasp how things connected between the spiral grid, scatter mechanics, wild multipliers, and different feature layers.

But once I did? It clicked. And it was a blast.

Gameplay Highlights:

• Avalanche & Spiral Motion: Winning symbols vanish, remaining ones rotate along the spiral, and new ones drop from the corner. This creates long chains and unexpected combos.
• Symbol Groups: Symbols come in red, blue, or green, and wins are based on clusters of 3 or more. I found myself memorizing which groups led to higher scatter win potential.
• Wild Creation: Get a 3-symbol win, and you get a wild with x1. A 4-symbol win nets a wild with x2. It’s a subtle touch, but it adds real excitement.
• Treasure Keys: Keys appear in the bottom-left and slowly move toward the center. When they get there, Free Spins activate, and that’s when things take off.

In one memorable session, I hit five wins in a row and triggered a Dragon x5 feature, which turned the whole board into red scatter symbols. A few spins later, I landed a treasure chest that awarded me an extra Dragon and three more free spins. By the end, I had a 112x win from a single feature.

This game rewards attention and timing, and I loved every minute of figuring it out.

Bonus Features Through My Eyes: 4.8/5

This is where Finn and the Dragon Tales went from good to great. The features aren’t just slapped-on gimmicks. They feel integrated and synergistic.

I personally loved the Dragon mechanics. Watching the grid light up and transform was one of the game’s most visually and emotionally rewarding parts.

Balancing Risk and Reward: 4.2/5

With high volatility and a modest max win (3,828x), Finn and the Dragon Tales sit in an interesting spot.

It’s clearly not trying to be a super high-roller game like Money Train 4 or Wanted Dead or a Wild. But that’s a strength here.

My experience with volatility:

• I had stretches of 25–30 dead spins. Nothing new there.
• But when features hit, they really hit. Free Spins often gave 20x to 100x, depending on multipliers.
• One session gave me a 187x win with two Dragons and multiple x10 wilds triggered by treasure chests.

This game delivers excitement, not constant, but when it comes, it feels earned.

The Good and Bad of Finn and the Dragon Tales

Final Thoughts on Finn and the Dragon Tales

Finn and the Dragon Tales is a brilliant evolution of the Finn brand, transforming a beloved concept into a bold, fantasy-driven adventure. NetEnt has taken the familiar spiral grid mechanic and elevated it with breathtaking visuals, intricate features, and a sense of epic discovery. This is not just another slot in the series; it’s a masterclass in how to innovate without losing the essence of what made the original popular.

From the moment I loaded the game, I was captivated by the lush, floating islands, the swirling spiral grid, and the dramatic dragon features. The gameplay is a careful dance of strategy and luck, with each spin feeling like part of a larger journey. The Dragon Feature alone is a standout, turning winning symbols into powerful scatter wins, while treasure chests in Free Spins add a thrilling layer of unpredictability.

But it’s not just about flashy visuals and mechanics. Finn and the Dragon Tales delivers a balanced experience, blending risk and reward with high volatility and a 96.04% RTP. It’s perfect for players who crave more than mindless spinning and those who appreciate a game where every decision can lead to a big payoff.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. For me, it has earned me a permanent place in my slot rotation, and I’m confident it will do the same for many others. This is a game that invites you to keep exploring, keep experimenting, and keep chasing those epic dragon-powered wins.

Final Score: 4.64 / 5