PRAGMATIC PLAY
Released towards the end of 2020 by Pragmatic Play partner Reel Kingdom, Big Bass Bonanza struck a chord with many online anglers, unexpectedly becoming quite popular. What was surprising about its success was that, in many respects, it didn't offer much more than what slots like Fishin' Frenzy already provided. However, it did introduce a more engaging bonus game, offering the potential for multipliers as high as x10 to enhance scatter wins, although the maximum win left some players wanting more. Nonetheless, Big Bass Bonanza managed to reel in enough players to justify a sequel. Thus, Bigger Bass Bonanza was born, wisely opting not to alter the core gameplay too drastically but instead introducing a few enhancements to truly make it a "bigger" game.
Right off the bat, a few changes are noticeable. Firstly, an additional row has been added, expanding Bigger Bass Bonanza's action onto a 5-reel, 4-row game grid with 12 fixed paylines. The background image has also received a makeover, transporting players from deep-sea fishing to a shoreline adorned with palm trees and neon-lit buildings. It exudes a hip, urban vibe, complemented by a funkier, electro 80s style soundtrack that replaces the more laid-back tune of the original game.
When it comes to the game's mathematical model, there have been both changes and constants. The default RTP remains a generous 96.71%, though it's worth noting that it may vary, so consulting the help files can clarify which version you're playing. As part of the "bigger" makeover, the volatility has been ramped up to a high level, now rated 5 out of 5, compared to the previous 4 out of 5. Bet options have been adjusted to align with the paylines, starting at 12 pence/cents and increasing in odd increments until reaching a maximum of $/€240 per spin.
In terms of winning potential, big wins can be achieved by collecting scatters during free spins, while regular line wins occur when matching symbols land from left to right on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel. The lower-value symbols are represented by 10-A card royals, while higher-paying symbols include a tackle box, a lure, a fishing rod, and a boat. Aligning five of these high-paying symbols results in payouts ranging from 50 to 200 times the bet, and landing a full line of fish scatters awards the total monetary value displayed. Additionally, a wild symbol is present, appearing during free spins to substitute for regular pay symbols and collect any money symbols visible on the reels.
In Bigger Bass Bonanza, the features mirror those found in Big Bass Bonanza, with the added enhancement of an extra row and larger value money symbols. Scatter symbols can appear on any reel, and landing 3, 4, or 5 of them awards 10, 15, or 20 free spins, respectively.
During the free spins round, whenever wild symbols land simultaneously with money symbols, the angler collects the values of all money symbols on behalf of the player. These money symbols come with randomly assigned values. Notably, there's also a rare fish scatter symbol worth an impressive 4,000 times the bet.
Furthermore, wild symbols are accumulated on a meter displayed above the reels. Every fourth wild symbol collected triggers a retrigger, granting an additional 10 free spins and activating a multiplier for the wild money symbol collector. The multiplier starts at x2 for the first retrigger, increases to x3 for the second, and peaks at x10 for the third. Essentially, when the x2 multiplier is active, any money symbols collected by the fisherman have their value doubled. Once the feature has been retriggered three times, it cannot be triggered again.
Feature | Bigger Bass Bonanza | Fishin' Frenzy | Reel 'em In Lobster Potty | Lucky Angler |
---|---|---|---|---|
Developer | Pragmatic Play | Blueprint Gaming | Barcrest | NetEnt |
RTP (Return to Player) | 96.71% | 96.12% | 95.00% | 96.40% |
Reels | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Paylines | 10 | 10 | 20 | 15 |
Bonus Features | Free Spins, | Free Spins, | Free Spins, | Free Spins, Sticky |
Wild Multipliers | Bonus Game | Bonus Games | Wilds, Sticky Wilds | |
Mobile Compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Jackpot | 2,100x | 500x | Progressive | 205,500 coins |
Theme | Fishing | Fishing | Fishing | Ice Fishing |
Welcome, fellow anglers and slot enthusiasts! Today, we’re casting our lines into the serene waters of Bigger Bass Bonanza, a fishing-themed slot game that promises big wins and a splash of adventure. So grab your tackle box, put on your lucky fishing hat, and let’s explore the design elements that make this game a catch of the day.
The moment you launch Bigger Bass Bonanza, you’re transported to a tranquil lakeside scene. The backdrop features a serene lake, surrounded by lush greenery and tall reeds swaying gently in the breeze. The water ripples as if waiting for your next big catch. The color palette is earthy and calming—shades of blue, green, and brown. And there, in the center of it all, stands your trusty fishing boat, ready for action.
The game grid consists of 5 reels and 3 rows, a classic setup that feels familiar yet inviting. The symbols are a delightful mix of fishing gear and aquatic creatures:
Fishing Rods: These represent the lower-paying symbols. They come in different colors—red, blue, green, and yellow. Imagine them leaning against the boat, waiting for the next bite.
Tackle Boxes: These mid-range symbols are filled with shiny lures, hooks, and bobbers. They evoke the excitement of choosing the perfect bait.
Fish Species: The high-paying symbols include various fish species—bass, trout, and catfish. Each fish is beautifully detailed, and when they align just right, it feels like reeling in a trophy fish.
Wild Symbol: Look out for the fishing enthusiast—he’s your wild symbol. He’s the one who’ll help you land those big wins by substituting for other symbols.
Indeed, the "bigger" descriptor in the title of Bigger Bass Bonanza is not an idle boast. This iteration features an expanded reel set, a couple of additional paylines, and an elevated math model, set at a high level. Notably, the game's setting has shifted as well, transitioning from the laid-back ukulele vibes of deep-sea fishing to a more energetic synthwave ambiance reminiscent of locales like Miami or Tenerife. While this change may stir some debate among players, the overall carefree and seafaring atmosphere remains intact.
Despite these alterations, the core features of Bigger Bass Bonanza remain consistent with its predecessor. Players who enjoyed the fishing escapades of the original game will likely find themselves drawn to this sequel, especially given the increased potential rewards. With the win cap raised to almost double the amount, from 2,100 times the bet to 4,000 times the bet, there's ample incentive for anglers to cast their lines into these waters. However, it's worth noting that hitting the win cap will prompt the bonus game to conclude.
From a technical standpoint, Bigger Bass Bonanza doesn't stray far from its predecessor's formula. Instead, it amplifies the thrills inherent in the beloved format. If you found yourself yearning for a bit more excitement while playing the previous version or similar Fishin' Frenzy-inspired titles, Bigger Bass Bonanza may just be the catch you've been waiting for.
For those seeking even greater potential, there's a Megaways edition available under the title Big Bass Bonanza Megaways. On the other hand, if you're feeling festive, you can immerse yourself in the holiday cheer with Christmas Bigger Bass Bonanza.