Squeeze

Squeeze Slot Review

ELK Studios has established themselves as a developer unafraid to break from convention, and Squeeze demonstrates this perfectly. Released in August 2024, this tropical fruit-themed slot brings a fresh take on cluster mechanics with mechanics designed to keep players engaged on every spin. The vibrant, colourful aesthetic pairs well with an innovative feature system that rewards observation and patience. Best suited for experienced players who appreciate complex mechanics and are comfortable with high volatility gameplay.

Base Game & Features

Squeeze operates on a 6×7 grid (6 reels, 7 rows) using cluster pays mechanics, where 5 or more matching symbols in clusters form winning combinations. This grid size is larger than standard 5×3 layouts, creating more opportunities for symbol clusters and interaction with the game’s feature system. The cluster approach replaces traditional paylines entirely, giving a more fluid feel to winning combinations.

The Squeeze Mechanic

The Squeeze feature is where Squeeze truly differentiates itself. When winning symbols are removed from the grid, new symbols tumble down from above to fill the gaps. This is where things get interesting: symbols can bounce back randomly, increasing the multiplier with each bounce. The bounce-back multiplier mechanism adds genuine unpredictability to wins, meaning a modest cluster can suddenly transform into something much more valuable. This creates cascading win potential across multiple spins.

Feature Meters System

Squeeze employs four colour-coded Feature Meters that drive much of the base game excitement. Each meter fills when you create cluster wins, and when fully charged (requiring 3 cluster wins), it activates a unique feature:

• Swap (Blue Meter): Two symbols swap places on the grid. This happens three times per meter completion, potentially repositioning symbols for new winning combinations.
• Make Big (Yellow Meter): A paying symbol transforms to either 3×3 or 4×4 in size. After wins are evaluated, the enlarged symbol returns to normal size, creating opportunities for larger clusters.
• Upgrade (Green Meter): Symbols advance to the next value level. If already at the highest level, symbols transform directly into wilds, which can dramatically increase win potential.
• Spawn Wilds (Red Meter): Between 2 and 6 symbols randomly turn into wilds. Notably, these can transform into super-charged wilds, adding an extra layer of volatility to the feature.

The feature meter system rewards observation. Unlike some games where features feel random, here you’re actively filling meters with each cluster, giving a sense of progression toward something bigger. That said, the high volatility means progression can feel slow during dry spells.

Bonus Features & Free Spins

Squeeze triggers bonus modes through scatter symbols. Land 3 or more scatters to enter the Bonus Game; if any of those symbols are super scatters, you’ll enter the more rewarding Super Bonus Game instead. Once triggered, you receive 5 free spins with a significant advantage: one or more Feature Meters start pre-filled at the beginning of each spin. This gives you an immediate head start toward activating features without needing to build from scratch.

Bonus Round Mechanics

During free spins, Feature Meters and multipliers persist across all 5 spins. This persistence is crucial—a meter that’s partially filled carries forward, meaning the third feature could activate partway through the bonus. Additionally, landing 3 more scatters during the bonus awards another 5 free spins, with all active meter progress carried forward. The compounding nature of the bonus rounds creates genuine potential for extended sequences.

X-iter Bonus Buy System

For players who want to skip the base game grind, Squeeze offers five bonus buy options:

• Bonus Hunt (3x bet): Increases bonus trigger chances by 3x for the next 10 spins. A budget option for those wanting slightly better odds without committing to a full bonus.
• Single Meter (10x bet): Triggers a bonus round with 1 Feature Meter already fully charged. You’ll activate one feature immediately and still have 5 free spins to fill the others.
• Two Meters (25x bet): Enters the bonus with 2 Feature Meters pre-filled, giving more firepower right from the start. This is where bonus buy value starts to feel reasonable.
• Bonus Game (100x bet): Direct access to the regular Bonus Game with 5 free spins. No meter advantage, but bypasses base game entirely.
• Super Bonus (500x bet): The premium option—direct access to the Super Bonus Game with maximum potential. Community feedback notes this cost feels steep, though players who trigger it sometimes see worthwhile returns for entertainment value.

The bonus buy system carries significant volatility. Community opinions indicate they can return anywhere from 0-20% of cost to delivering a 500x win, highlighting the high-risk nature of purchasing features on this game.

Our Honest Verdict

Rating: 7/10

Squeeze is genuinely innovative. The Squeeze mechanic with bounce-back multipliers is a standout feature that sets this game apart from the cluster-pays competition. The feature meter system adds strategic depth that engages experienced players. Every spin is busy—metres filling, multipliers growing, constant action that maintains engagement across sessions.

What Works

• The Squeeze mechanic is genuinely original and delivers unpredictable, exciting outcomes
• Feature Meters create a sense of progression and strategic gameplay
• Super Bonus rounds offer chaotic, engaging gameplay with substantial cash prize potential
• Maximum win of 10,000x is achievable and delivers genuine big-win excitement
• Mobile adaptation is well-executed with clear 6×7 grid visibility and smooth interaction
• Dual bonus system (Regular and Super) provides variety in bonus mode gameplay

What Doesn’t

• The 94% RTP is below industry standard (96-97%), which is a notable drawback for bankroll-conscious players
• High volatility (8/10) means significant dry spells between wins—patience and strong bankroll management are essential
• Base game can be difficult to gain meaningful wins from. Hit frequency of only 33.4% (about 1 in 3 spins) feels restrictive
• The 500x bet Super Bonus buy is steep and may feel inaccessible for casual players
• Some players report cluster-pays mechanics and features can fail to deliver expected outcomes, resulting in disappointing sessions
• Competitors like Nitropolis 5 and Sumo Sumo offer significantly better RTPs (95-96.4%) and higher max wins (25,000-50,000x), making alternatives more attractive

Who This Suits

Squeeze is best suited for experienced slot players who appreciate complex mechanics and aren’t fazed by high volatility. The 94% RTP and 8/10 volatility require strong bankroll management and patience. Those familiar with games like Quantum Thrills and other ELK Studios titles will find the feature system intuitive. Casual players or those seeking frequent small wins will likely find the game frustrating. This is unquestionably a game that demands engagement and acceptance of prolonged dry spells for the chance at substantial outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the RTP of Squeeze?

  The RTP of Squeeze is 94%, which is below the industry average of 96-97%. This lower return rate represents a trade-off for the game’s high volatility and complex feature system. While 94% is not uncommon among high-variance titles, players should be aware this means your bankroll will deplete faster compared to standard 96% RTP games when playing equivalent bet sizes.
• What is the maximum win on Squeeze?

  The maximum win on Squeeze is 10,000x your bet. This significant win potential is achieved through the combination of cluster wins, the Squeeze mechanic amplifying wins with bounce-back multipliers, and the bonus feature system. Maximum wins can be triggered in both base game and bonus rounds, though the bonus rounds offer more probability given the pre-filled feature metres.
• How does the Squeeze feature work?

  The Squeeze feature is the core mechanic where winning symbols are removed and new ones tumble down from above to fill the gaps. Symbols can bounce back randomly, increasing the multiplier with each bounce and staying on the reels for additional wins. This creates cascading win potential across multiple spins—a winning combination might suddenly become significantly more valuable through the bounce-back mechanism.
• Does Squeeze have free spins?

  Yes, Squeeze has free spins in both its Bonus Game and Super Bonus Game modes. The game awards 5 free spins when triggered by 3 scatter symbols, with one or more Feature Metres pre-filled at the start of each spin. This pre-filled advantage gives players an immediate edge during the feature round, and metres carry forward across all 5 spins, enabling quick activation of additional features.
• Can I play Squeeze on mobile?

  Yes, Squeeze is fully mobile compatible and can be played on all Android and iOS devices through any updated browser. The game adapts intelligently to mobile screens with optimised reel visibility and touch controls. The 6×7 grid displays clearly on smaller screens, and the gameplay translates smoothly to on-the-go sessions without losing the complexity of the feature system.
• Does Squeeze have a bonus buy feature?

  Yes, Squeeze features the X-iter bonus buy system with 5 options: Bonus Hunt at 3x bet (increases trigger chances), Single Meter at 10x bet (1 metre pre-filled), Two Metres at 25x bet (2 metres pre-filled), Bonus Game at 100x bet (direct trigger), and Super Bonus at 500x bet (premium trigger). This allows players to directly purchase bonus features, though the premium options carry significant cost and volatility risk.
• What is the volatility of Squeeze?

  Squeeze has high volatility rated at 8/10, meaning wins are less frequent (33.4% hit frequency, approximately 1 in 3 spins) but can be substantially larger when they occur. This suits experienced players who prefer chasing bigger wins over frequent small payouts and have the bankroll to weather extended dry spells. Casual players seeking regular small wins should approach this volatility level with caution.
• What are the feature metres in Squeeze?

  Squeeze has four colour-coded Feature Metres: Swap (blue), Make Big (yellow), Upgrade (green), and Spawn Wilds (red). Each metre fills as you create cluster wins, and when fully charged (requiring 3 cluster wins), the corresponding feature activates. Swap exchanges symbol positions, Make Big enlarges symbols, Upgrade advances symbol values or converts to wilds, and Spawn Wilds adds 2-6 wild symbols (potentially super-charged) to the grid. This system creates meaningful strategic gameplay beyond random feature triggers.