Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways: Slot Overview 

Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways by Pragmatic Play continues the wildly successful Big Bass series, this time pairing the beloved fishing-themed gameplay with the highly dynamic Megaways mechanic. With 6 reels, up to 147,456 ways to win, and an RTP of 96.70%, this installment introduces exciting features while maintaining the signature Big Bass charm. Players can enjoy high volatility and a chance to reel in a maximum win of 20,000x their bet. Released on August 28, 2023, this slot blends innovation with familiarity, delivering a fresh yet nostalgic gaming experience for fans of the franchise.

Design and Graphics 

The graphics of Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways remain true to the vibrant, aquatic theme that fans have come to expect. Set against a backdrop of bubbling water and schools of fish swimming through a serene undersea landscape, the game evokes the tranquility of a fishing trip. The colorful reels are filled with fishing-inspired symbols such as rods, tackle boxes, and various fish, while the higher-paying symbols include dragonflies and floats. 

The introduction of the Megaways mechanic is reflected in the reel layout, with the main 6-reel grid accompanied by a smaller, horizontal 4-reel grid above. The animations are smooth, and the transitions during tumbles or feature activations add a layer of excitement. Pragmatic Play has done a great job of ensuring the game remains visually appealing while catering to the intricacies of the Megaways format.

Gameplay Mechanics 

Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways utilizes the popular Megaways system, where each reel can display between 2 and 7 symbols, creating up to 147,456 ways to win on any given spin. Wins are formed by matching symbols from left to right, starting on the leftmost reel. After each winning spin, the tumbling reels feature replaces the winning symbols with new ones, providing additional chances to win within a single spin. 

The slot introduces a unique mix of mechanics, including Fish Money symbols, Mystery symbols, and dynamic rows that unlock as wins progress. The upper horizontal reel contributes to the Megaways functionality by adding wilds and additional opportunities for big wins. High volatility ensures that while wins may not be frequent, they can be substantial when they occur.

Sound and Music 

The soundtrack complements the game’s theme perfectly, with cheerful and whimsical tunes reminiscent of a relaxing day by the water. The sound effects, including the bubbling of water and the plopping of fishing lines, enhance the immersion. During bonus features, the tempo of the music picks up, adding a sense of urgency and excitement. Pragmatic Play’s sound design strikes a balance between calm and engaging, ensuring players remain entertained throughout their gameplay session.

Bonus Features 

Fish Money Symbol 

Fish Money symbols land with values ranging from 2x to 5,000x the bet. These symbols are central to both the base game and free spins, with their values collected by Fisherman symbols when they appear during the Free Spins feature. 

Mystery Symbols 

Mystery symbols transform into the same random paying symbol when they land, offering additional ways to form winning combinations. In free spins, they appear randomly, adding to the unpredictability of each round. 

Free Spins 

Landing 3, 4, 5, or 6 Scatter symbols triggers 10, 15, 20, or 25 free spins, respectively. The Free Spins feature revolves around Fisherman symbols collecting the values of all Fish Money symbols in view. Each set of 4 Fisherman symbols collected awards 10 additional spins, along with increasing multipliers of x2, x3, and x10. The multiplier continues to grow by +10 with each retrigger beyond the third, providing massive win potential. 

Hold & Spin 

Triggered by 3 or more Coin Money symbols, the Hold & Spin feature takes players to a separate grid. Coin symbols are locked in place, and 3 respins are awarded. Each new Coin symbol resets the respins counter, and their values are added to the total win. Special Diamond Money symbols can appear during this feature, offering prize values between 50x and 2,000x the bet. 

Buy Features

For those eager to dive into the action, players can purchase the Free Spins feature for 100x their bet or the Hold & Spin feature for 120x their bet. This allows instant access to the game’s most exciting features without waiting for them to trigger organically.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways offers a wide betting range, catering to both casual players and high rollers. Bets start at a modest 0.20 and go up to a substantial 250 per spin. The game’s RTP of 96.70% is slightly above the industry average, ensuring fair returns over extended play sessions. The high volatility means players can expect occasional large payouts, but wins may not occur as frequently as in lower-volatility games. 

The maximum win of 20,000x the bet is a significant draw, with a probability of 1 in 1,496,522, making it achievable yet rare. Regular payouts are balanced, with lower-paying royal symbols awarding up to 1.5x the bet for six-of-a-kind, while premium symbols such as dragonflies and floats offer up to 50x the bet. 

Conclusion 

Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways is a worthy addition to Pragmatic Play’s extensive portfolio and a standout in the Big Bass series. By incorporating the Megaways mechanic, the game adds a new layer of excitement and complexity, making it appealing to seasoned slot enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The combination of Free Spins, the Hold & Spin feature, and the ability to buy features ensures there’s always something to look forward to, whether chasing massive wins or simply enjoying the engaging gameplay. 

Visually stunning, with a cheerful soundtrack and fluid mechanics, this slot captures the essence of a fishing expedition while delivering thrilling opportunities for substantial rewards. The 20,000x max win is a significant incentive, and the balanced RTP and betting range make it accessible to players of all budgets. 

For fans of the Big Bass series or anyone looking for a feature-packed Megaways slot, Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways is a fantastic choice. Its mix of familiar themes and innovative mechanics ensures it stands out in the crowded world of online slots, providing hours of entertainment and the potential for life-changing payouts.