Big Bass Bonanza Megaways Slot Review
Pragmatic Play’s Big Bass Bonanza series has become a recognisable fixture in the online slots landscape since launching in 2020. The franchise’s evolution from fixed paylines to Megaways was perhaps inevitable given the mechanic’s popularity, and this third major release delivers exactly what the title suggests. Developed in collaboration with Reel Kingdom, Big Bass Bonanza Megaways retains the fishing theme and collection mechanics that divided players from the start while introducing the dynamic reel structure that powered countless high-variance releases.
Released in November 2021, this Megaways iteration sits between the original Big Bass Bonanza and the later Hold & Spinner variant in terms of win potential. The game operates on a 6-reel, 2-7 row configuration delivering up to 46,656 ways to win, marking Pragmatic’s application of the Big Time Gaming mechanic to their established fishing formula. For those familiar with either the Big Bass series or Blueprint Gaming’s Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways, the concept will feel immediately recognisable. The question becomes whether combining these elements creates something worthwhile or simply repeats a formula that’s already been executed elsewhere.
Base Game & Features
The Megaways structure operates as expected for those who’ve encountered the mechanic previously. Each of the six reels displays between two and seven symbols per spin, with an additional sliding reel positioned above reels 2-5 contributing extra symbols to the win ways calculation. Winning combinations form from three or more matching symbols landing on adjacent reels from left to right, with the highest-paying Fishing Float symbol requiring only two to award a payout. The mathematical maximum of 46,656 ways activates when all reels reach their seven-symbol height.
Symbol hierarchy follows the established fishing theme without deviation. The Fishing Float sits atop the paytable, followed by the Fishing Rod and Dragonfly as mid-tier premiums. Lower-paying card ranks A-9 fill out the paytable in typical fashion. Wild symbols substitute for all regular symbols but exclude Scatters and the Fisherman, maintaining standard Megaways functionality without additional twists.
The Tumbling Reels mechanic activates after winning combinations, removing successful symbols and dropping new ones into vacant positions. This cascading continues until no new wins form, a feature borrowed directly from standard Megaways implementation. Base gameplay remains straightforward with betting from £0.20 to £100 per spin, accommodating both conservative players and those willing to stake higher for proportionally scaled returns.
Where the game diverges from pure Megaways formula is its treatment of the sliding reel during bonus triggers. Scatters must land on the main six reels exclusively, with the sliding reel unable to contribute to free spins activation. This design choice prevents the sliding reel from interfering with scatter counting, though it does reduce overall scatter frequency compared to some competing Megaways titles.
Big Bass Bonanza Megaways Free Spins
Landing 3, 4, or 5 Scatter symbols awards 10, 15, or 20 free spins respectively, with the bonus round introducing the collection mechanic that defines the Big Bass series. Money symbols displaying cash values appear during free spins alongside the Fisherman symbol, which collects all visible Money values when landing simultaneously. Unlike standard collect mechanics where symbols disappear, Money symbols in this game drop to the bottom of the reels and accumulate throughout the feature, creating a visible meter of potential value waiting for a Fisherman to collect.
The retrigger system operates on a progression structure tied to Fisherman collection counts. Every fourth Fisherman collected awards +10 additional spins along with a multiplier upgrade. The first retrigger at 4 Fishermen applies a 2x multiplier to all collected Money values. The second retrigger at 8 Fishermen increases this to 3x, whilst the third and final retrigger at 12 Fishermen unlocks a 10x multiplier. This creates a maximum potential of 50 free spins (20 initial + 30 from retriggers) with all accumulated Money values multiplied tenfold if the feature runs to completion.
Two bonus animations activate when conditions align poorly. If 1-2 Fisherman symbols land without any Money symbols present, the Dynamite feature may trigger, placing random Money symbols on the reels to salvage the spin. Alternatively, the Bazooka feature can fire, transforming all symbols except Fishermen into new ones for another chance at Money symbol placement. These animations add unpredictability to the feature and prevent completely dead spins when Fishermen appear in isolation, though activation isn’t guaranteed.
Bonus Buy & Ante Bet
Two bonus buy options exist for markets where feature purchases are permitted. The standard Buy Free Spins costs 100x stake, whilst the Buy Super Free Spins option requires 300x stake for enhanced starting conditions. Importantly, neither option alters the 96.70% RTP, maintaining mathematical consistency regardless of purchase method. The bonus buy feature is unavailable in regulated markets including the UK where such functionality is prohibited.
Our Honest Verdict
Big Bass Bonanza Megaways executes exactly what its title promises without attempting to reinvent either component. The fishing collection mechanic transplants cleanly onto the Megaways framework, creating a high-volatility experience that improves upon the original Big Bass Bonanza’s fixed payline structure. The 46,656 ways to win and tumbling reels inject more action into the base game compared to its predecessor, whilst the fisherman collection system retains the series’ signature appeal. Professional reviewers rate this iteration at 8.1/10, positioning it as a solid third instalment that executes its concept competently.
However, the game’s conservatism becomes evident when examined against broader Megaways standards. The 4,000x maximum win sits well below typical category expectations, where 10,000x+ potential has become commonplace. Whilst this nearly doubles the original Big Bass Bonanza’s 2,100x cap, it represents a missed opportunity for a Megaways release. Multiple independent sources describe this limitation as “extremely low for the category” and a “golden opportunity wasted.” The 96.70% RTP provides above-average value and appeals to mathematically-minded players, but the capped win potential constrains the excitement ceiling regardless of theoretical return.
Player reception remains polarised, continuing the “fierce divide” that has characterised the Big Bass series from its inception. Those who connected with the original’s fishing theme and collection mechanics will find genuine improvement here, the Megaways structure enhances engagement without abandoning the formula that attracted fans initially. Conversely, sceptics of the series won’t find conversion material. The straightforward Megaways application doesn’t innovate mechanically, and the familiar theme offers nothing new for those already unimpressed by fishing slots. Casino streamers including CasinoDaddy crew members feature the game regularly, drawn to the bonus animations and multiplier progression that create entertaining content moments.
Big Bass Bonanza Megaways occupies a narrow but defined market position. For hardcore fans of fishing-themed slots and existing Big Bass enthusiasts, this represents a worthwhile evolution that improves upon the original whilst maintaining series identity. The Dynamite and Bazooka features add welcome unpredictability to free spins, and the escalating multiplier system (2x to 3x to 10x) creates satisfying progression when retriggers align. For innovation seekers or those expecting typical Megaways win potential, the game falls short. It’s a safe iteration rather than groundbreaking release, the kind of competent but predictable entry that exemplifies Pragmatic Play’s rapid release schedule. If you haven’t enjoyed the series previously, the Megaways stamp won’t change that calculation.
