Big Bad Wolf Christmas Special (Quickspin) Slot Review

Big Bad Wolf Christmas Special: Slot Overview 

Originally launched in 2013, Big Bad Wolf quickly became one of Quickspin’s most beloved classics. With a blend of fairytale charm, smooth cascading mechanics, and entertaining bonus features, it stood out in a growing sea of online slots. In 2020, Quickspin gave this fan-favorite a festive facelift with Big Bad Wolf Christmas Special, released on December 1, 2020, just in time for the holidays. 

This reskin keeps all the original’s mechanics intact but overlays it with a cozy winter wonderland aesthetic. The familiar 5-reel, 3-row setup with 25 fixed paylines remains, and the game’s 97.34% RTP—remarkably high even by modern standards—is preserved. With medium volatility and a maximum win of 1,268x, this slot trades raw firepower for frequent, engaging gameplay.

Design and Graphics 

Quickspin has done an excellent job transforming the original game’s rural fairytale visuals into a cheerful, snowy Christmas scene. The iconic timber-framed reels are dusted with snow, wrapped in glowing fairy lights, and surrounded by pine trees and a pink-hued winter sky. The festive reimagining captures the warmth of a holiday card, without losing the game’s original charm.The familiar three piggy characters and Big Bad Wolf return—this time bundled in Christmas hats and scarves. The medium-paying symbols (a plush toy and the pigs) now feature subtle festive accessories, while the lower-paying 10-A card royals have been nailed to icy crates for a frosty finish. 

Snow sparkles gently in the background, while festive ribbons, holiday baubles, and gift-like visuals reinforce the seasonal vibe. For fans of the original, this is more of a nostalgic snow-globe remix than a major overhaul.

Gameplay Mechanics 

Mechanically, Big Bad Wolf Christmas Special is a carbon copy of the original. The slot uses a 5×3 layout with 25 paylines, and players win by landing three or more matching symbols from left to right on a line. 

There are 11 regular symbols: five low-paying card royals and six themed icons including soft toys and the three pig characters. Wins are awarded when at least three matching symbols align on a payline. The wild symbol—a festive beehive—can substitute for all symbols except scatters and moons, and can pay up to 40x the stake for five of a kind. 

A major mechanic is the Swooping Reels (aka cascades): when a win occurs, the winning symbols disappear, and new ones swoop down to fill the gaps. This can trigger multiple wins in a single spin and also fuels several bonus features like Pigs Turn Wild and Blowing Down the House. 

While the reel layout and base mechanics are simple by today’s standards, the swooping and incremental features make it highly engaging without being overly complex.

Sound and Music 

Quickspin’s audio team has always been top-tier, and they didn’t disappoint here. The soundtrack is a light, orchestral jingle with holiday bells and warm melodies, creating an atmosphere of cozy Christmas cheer. The ambient sounds of chirping birds and wintry breezes further anchor players in the seasonal setting. 

Sound effects during spins are subtle and satisfying, with swooshes accompanying symbol drops and a celebratory jingle when wins occur. During free spins or feature activations, the audio intensifies appropriately, building tension and excitement without veering into over-the-top theatrics. 

The game’s sound design is a textbook example of how to enhance a theme without overshadowing gameplay.

Bonus Features 

Despite its age, Big Bad Wolf Christmas Special features a surprisingly layered set of bonus mechanics that interact with one another seamlessly.Swooping Reels

Triggered on every win. 

Removes winning symbols, allowing new ones to cascade down. 

Chains of wins can unlock additional features (e.g., wild pigs). 

Pigs Turn Wild

With every second win in a swoop sequence, one of the pig symbols transforms into a wild. 

On the 2nd, 4th, and 6th consecutive win, 1, 2, or 3 pigs become wild. 

These wilds significantly boost the chance for more wins during extended swooping chains. 

Free Spins

Activated by landing three wolf scatter symbols, now wearing Santa hats. 

Awards 10 free spins and a 3x payout multiplier on the triggering spin. 

Landing 3 more scatters during free spins awards +10 extra spins. 

Moon Symbol and Blowing Down the House

A moon symbol appears on reel 5 during free spins. 

Collect 3 moons to earn +2 free spins. 

Collect 6 moons to get +2 more spins and a permanent 2x multiplier on all remaining wins. 

This layering of features makes the bonus game dynamic and exciting. Swooping wins build momentum, pigs turn wild, moons add spins, and multipliers stack for potential snowballing payouts.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Big Bad Wolf Christmas Special is designed to appeal to both casual players and experienced slot fans, thanks to its accessible betting range: 

Min Bet: €0.25 

Max Bet: €100 

Paylines: 25 Fixed 

RTP: 97.34% 

Volatility: Medium 

Max Win: 1,268x the stake 

The game isn’t about explosive jackpots, but it shines through consistent, moderate wins, especially during free spins with swoops and multipliers active. The wild symbol is the highest individual payer, offering up to 40x the bet, while pig symbols offer decent value once turned wild. 

The high RTP is a standout, especially in an age where many slots dip below 96%. This makes Big Bad Wolf Christmas Special especially appealing to players who prioritize return over volatility.

Conclusion 

Big Bad Wolf Christmas Special is more than just a holiday reskin—it’s a seasonal tribute to a timeless classic. Quickspin didn’t reinvent the wheel; instead, they wrapped it in tinsel, lit it with fairy lights, and made it feel like a warm, nostalgic return to a favorite childhood storybook. 

The game doesn’t rely on gimmicks or overwhelming complexity. Instead, it offers tight gameplay, interactive bonus features, and an exceptionally high RTP that makes it a strong choice for players seeking engaging playtime rather than high-risk gambling. 

Admittedly, the 1,268x max win may feel modest compared to modern Megaways or high-volatility alternatives. But for players who value pacing, consistency, and a cheerful theme, this slot offers plenty of joy. 

Ultimately, Big Bad Wolf Christmas Special is a festive gift from Quickspin to long-time fans and new players alike. Whether you’re spinning with mulled wine in hand or just chasing a few nostalgic wins, this snowy edition is sure to bring holiday cheer with every swoop.