Introduction to Big Bass Return to the Races
Pragmatic Play and Reel Kingdom have once again teamed up to release another addition to the ever-expanding Big Bass slot series. This time, they’re heading to the horse races in Big Bass Return to the Races. While the concept might seem a bit odd, merging horses, racing, and fishing, players can expect the same action-packed wild symbol and Money symbol gameplay they’ve come to expect. However, don’t expect many new mechanics in this release, as it mostly reuses elements from previous titles like Big Bass Secrets of the Golden Lake.
Visual Appeal of the Game
One aspect that might appeal to nature lovers is the lush green visuals of Big Bass Return to the Races. The race track-themed background is flooded with vibrant grass, setting a tranquil scene. The grid itself is also adorned with this greenery, adding a calming aesthetic. Interestingly, the same music from Golden Lake is used in this game, which ties the two cc6 titles together. Some might find this nostalgic, but others may wish for a fresh soundscape.
Game Mechanics and Features
At the core of Big Bass Return to the Races is a 5×3 reel set with 10 paylines. The gameplay remains familiar for players who’ve experienced previous Big Bass slots. To make things more exciting, the game offers a range of betting options, with a stake range from 10c to $/€250. The RTP stands at 96.07%, which is standard for many slots. There’s also an ante bet option, allowing players to increase their stake by 50% in exchange for higher chances of triggering free spins.
Pay Symbols and Wilds
There are 10 pay symbols in Big Bass Return to the Races, with the lower-paying symbols ranging from 10 to Ace card ranks. Horses, binoculars, beer, boxes, and champagne buckets make up the high-paying symbols, with values ranging from 20x to 200x your bet. Wild symbols substitute for other paying symbols, though they do not appear in the base game. Players looking for wild symbol action will need to wait for the free spins rounds to fully appreciate their potential.
Triggering Free Spins
Big Bass Return to the Races offers players the chance to trigger free spins by landing 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols, which reward 10, 15, or 20 free spins, respectively. In a fun twist, when 2 scatters land, there’s a chance the third scatter will appear through a respin. If visible scatters can move down and remain on the grid, or a random scatter is added, players might be in luck. Before the free spins start, players select a card from 12 options to determine which type of free spins they will get. If a regular bonus card is revealed, players get a normal free spins round. If a Golden Cup card is drawn, it triggers the coveted Golden Cup Free Spins.
Regular Free Spins Mode
Once the free spins start, wild symbols collect values from any Money symbols on the reels. These Money symbols are represented by horse symbols, and they can carry values ranging from 2x to 5,000x your bet. Every 4th wild symbol collected adds 10 extra free spins and increases the multiplier for Money symbol collection. The multiplier grows as follows: x2 for the second level, x3 for the third, and x10 for the fourth level. After the fourth level, the feature can no longer be retriggered.
Golden Cup Free Spins
The Golden Cup Free Spins feature offers a more exciting twist on the standard free spins round. Played on a grid that only shows blanks, Money symbols, and wild symbols, this round has all winlines paying for combinations with Money symbols. As with the regular free spins, wild symbols collect the value of all visible Money symbols on the reels. In Golden Cup Free Spins, the rules are mostly the same, but the excitement is heightened by the grid’s exclusive focus on Money and wild symbols.
Unique Features in Golden Cup Free Spins
During any free spins round, players may experience some random actions. For example, if wild symbols appear but no Money symbols are present, Money symbols may randomly appear on the reels. Alternatively, if there are Money cc6 symbols but no wild symbols, a lasso might pull a random reel to bring in a wild. There’s also the possibility of a curtain animation that transforms all symbols (except for wilds) into new symbols, adding an element of surprise and excitement.
Feature Buy Option
For those who can’t wait to get to the action, Big Bass Return to the Races offers a feature buy option. Players can pay 100x their stake to trigger either the regular free spins or Golden Cup Free Spins, or they can go all-in and pay 270x for guaranteed Golden Cup Free Spins. This option is perfect for players who want to skip the base game and jump straight into the thrilling bonus rounds.
The Verdict
In the end, Big Bass Return to the Races is another entry in a long line of Big Bass-themed slots, offering familiar mechanics and features. While some might find the racing theme a fun twist, it’s clear that the overall gameplay remains unchanged. If you’ve enjoyed other Big Bass slots, you’ll likely appreciate this addition, but if you’re looking for something groundbreaking, you might be left feeling underwhelmed. The familiar wild symbol and Money symbol cc6 mechanics will keep many players entertained, but after so many similar titles, it may start to feel like a bit of a repeat.
