Game ThemeFishing |
ProviderPragmatic Play |
VolatilityVery high |
RTP96.07% |
Max Multiplier5'000x |
Min Bet0.10 CHF |
Max Bet3'240.00 CHF |
Released on August 4, 2024, Big Bass – Secrets of the Golden Lake brings the iconic fisherman from the Big Bass saga into an unexpected Arthurian tale. The scene unfolds beneath the surface of a golden-shimmering lake, where a sunken castle and a sword embedded in stone evoke Excalibur. Here, the tradition of “fishing slots” meets medieval mythology, with a protagonist wearing a crown reminiscent of a deep-sea King Arthur. The 5-reel, 3-row, and 10 fixed paylines grid maintains the series’ classic framework, but introduces a clear shift in the bonus mechanics.
The core mechanic relies on a familiar combination, enhanced by a dual free spins path. The heart of the system remains the pairing of Money Symbols (fish with x-value) and the Fisherman Wild, which collects these values when they appear together. But the standout innovation is called Golden Lake Free Spins: an alternate version of free spins where all paying symbols disappear, leaving only empty positions, value fish, and the Collector Fisherman (Wild). This visual and mechanical purification refocuses the action on value collection, emphasizing multiplier progression.
As in the main chapters of the saga, a progress meter above the reels collects every Fisherman Wild appearing during free spins. Every 4th Wild awards +10 spins and increases the multiplier following the sequence x2 → x3 → x10. This explosive and easy-to-follow escalation shapes the rhythm of the features and gives each session a clear, stepwise momentum.
Another notable detail: the bonus is accessed via a Pick Game that precedes the free spins. A selection of 12 cards determines whether you enter the regular free spins or the Golden Lake Free Spins. Altogether, it creates a coherent roadmap linking the classic 10-line grid with a modern bonus loop blending collection, value multiplexing, and random modifiers. The result continues the Big Bass series under the pragmatic play banner, with a refreshed theme that combines fishing and Arthurian legend without disrupting its mechanical DNA.
The setting immerses you in a shimmering lake with amber tones, as if sunlight were filtering through golden water. In the background, a ruined castle and a sword embedded in stone create a clearly recognizable Arthurian scene. The palette focuses on warm golds and deep blues, evoking a late-afternoon light that contrasts with the more typical greens of the series’ lakes. The fonts take on a more “medieval” look, and the hero, wearing a crown, instantly anchors the reference to Camelot.
Visually, the game keeps its landmarks: a 5x3 grid, 10 paylines, and familiar fishing icons. Animations highlight collection moments and key appearances: the arrival of a Fisherman Wild, the re-evaluation of fish values, and the triggering of a modifier. Nothing flashy, but everything that matters is here to make each step clear: spotting value fish, compact nudge/respin moves around Scatters, and smooth transitions between the two free spin variants.
The symbol hierarchy combines “fishing gear,” “fish,” and classic “royals,” with a clear framing of special symbols. The multipliers below show the relative payout per line.
It’s worth noting that fish symbols play a double role: as line symbols (1x to 20x) in the base game, and as money symbols in the bonus, where their x-values can be collected via the Fisherman Wild.
The soundtrack adopts lively medieval melodies, with plucked string textures reminiscent of a lute. The soundscape, bathed in golden reflections, supports without overwhelming: calm loops in the base game, rising intensity during fish collection or multiplier climbs. Audio cues clearly mark key moments: the appearance of an extra Scatter, the activation of random modifiers in the bonus, and the transition to the Golden Lake variant, where the stripping away of the grid is as audible as it is visible.
| Element | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 5 reels, 3 rows, 10 fixed paylines | Paylines left → right, up to 5 matching symbols. |
| Line Fish | Pay 1x, 5x, 20x for 3, 4, 5 in base game | When the Wild is absent, fish act as regular line symbols. |
| Pick Game | 12 cards to reveal | Assigns either regular Free Spins or Golden Lake Free Spins before the session. |
| Aspect | Values | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Symbol | Fish of various sizes | The bigger the fish, the higher the value. |
| Range | 2x to 5,000x (including 1,666x, 2,500x) | These values are collected only during Free Spins via the Fisherman Wild. |
| Base vs Bonus | In base game, pay as line symbols | The “cash” function activates only in bonus rounds. |
| Symbol | Role | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Fisherman Wild | Substitute + Collect Money Symbols | Appears during Free Spins; feeds a counter for re-triggers. |
| Collection | Adds up the values of visible fish | Enhanced by the progression multiplier (see below). |
| Trigger | Assignment | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| 3, 4, 5 Scatters | 10, 15, 20 Free Spins | Before starting, a Pick Game (12 cards) selects regular FS or Golden Lake FS. |
| Step | Threshold | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 → 2 | 4 Fisherman Wilds collected | +10 spins and x2 on fish collection |
| Level 2 → 3 | 8 Wilds collected | +10 spins and x3 |
| Level 3 → 4 | 12 Wilds collected | +10 spins and x10 |
After x10, no further progression is possible. The cycle focuses on these three key tiers.
| Reel Composition | Collection | Progression |
|---|---|---|
| No regular paying symbols; only blanks, value fish and Fisherman Wild | The Wild collects exactly as in regular FS | Same re-trigger thresholds: +10 spins and x2 → x3 → x10 |
The deliberate clearing of the grid creates a “collection-focused” environment, where attention centers on the appearance of money fish and Wilds. Technically, this is the signature feature of this title.
| Situation | Modifier | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Wild without fish at end of spin | Random fish appear | Creates an immediate collection opportunity. |
| Fish without Wild at end of spin | Hook: pulls a Wild into view | Allows collection of present values. |
| Wild without fish | Curtain: transforms other symbols | Can convert the board to reveal relevant values. |
| Condition | Effect | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Scatters in view | Possible nudge/respins if both can move down without exiting | Grants a targeted re-spin to allow a 3rd Scatter to appear. |
| End of spin without 3rd Scatter | Random addition of a Scatter | Easier access to the bonus. |
| Principle | Effect on Reels | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Optional activation between spins | Adds Scatters to the reels | Increases the chance of accessing Free Spins. |
| Option | Content | Specifics |
|---|---|---|
| Buy Free Spins | Direct access to the Pick Game for regular FS or Golden Lake | The Golden Lake mode is also directly purchasable. |
Big Bass – Secrets of the Golden Lake brings together familiar elements from the series with a very clear visual and mechanical twist. Thematically, the Arthurian touch works in accents: a golden lake bathing the screen in a warm glow, a sunken castle, and the echo of Excalibur are enough to give it a distinct identity. In terms of gameplay, the 5x3 / 10 lines structure is immediately clear, centered around two axes: Money Symbol collection and multiplier progression.
The standout feature is undoubtedly the Golden Lake Free Spins: the complete removal of regular paying symbols refocuses the action on value and its capture, which clarifies spin outcomes and highlights the role of the Fisherman Wild. This approach contrasts with regular free spins, where the grid keeps its symbols and line wins, and collection intertwines with classic paylines. From an ergonomic perspective, the 12-card Pick Game adds clear staging: one door leads to the standard bonus, the other to a streamlined, value-focused version.
Several details provide appreciable consistency: tiered progression (x2, x3, x10) after 4 collected Wilds at each stage, and +10 spins at each level-up. The Scatter assistance in base game (nudge/respins, random addition of the 3rd Scatter) smooths bonus access. As for random modifiers in free spins, they act like sparks at the right moment: fish appear when a Wild stands alone, a hook brings a Wild when fish await collection, a curtain reshuffles the grid. Overall, this does not overload clarity; it strengthens the collection logic without distracting attention.
In comparison, the title fits within the continuity of other Big Bass installments by Pragmatic Play. Compared to Big Bass Amazon Xtreme, known for a density of modifiers and “expedition” staging, Secrets of the Golden Lake feels more direct in its focus, emphasizing collection + progression. Against Big Bass Floats My Boat, where mechanics renew through specific layers, the main difference here is the Golden Lake setting: the disappearance of regular paying symbols during the feature is a clear, almost minimalist variation that centers gameplay on fish values. Meanwhile, Big Bass Splash recalls the series’ more “structured” formula with immediate bonus triggers; Secrets of the Golden Lake chooses a middle path with its pick game and dual branching.
Key highlights: fish also pay on paylines in base game, a subtle but tangible advantage to pace bonus anticipation; Money Symbols climb up to 5,000x; and x2 → x3 → x10 progression remains one of the clearest ramp-up patterns in the series. Ergonomically, the option to activate an Ante Bet reinforces Scatter presence, and direct purchase allows targeting either pick game entry or the Golden Lake version without detour.
In summary, Big Bass – Secrets of the Golden Lake does not attempt to reinvent the Big Bass formula; it offers a collection-focused variation, clarified by a streamlined grid during one of the two free spin modes. The Arthurian visual identity, bonus modifiers, and Scatter assistance in base game provide a clear guiding line. For those who enjoy the “fish-collect-progress” loop, this iteration emphasizes value up to 5,000x and a well-structured level-based reading x2/x3/x10, while offering the pleasure of different staging with its golden lake and Camelot echoes.
What is the basic structure and the paylines?
5 reels, 3 rows, 10 fixed lines, wins from left to right. Fish also pay on paylines in the base game.
How are the free spins triggered and what variants exist?
3, 4, or 5 Scatters award 10, 15, or 20 spins. A Pick Game decides between regular free spins and Golden Lake.
How does Money Symbol collection work?
The Fisherman Wild collects the values of visible fish during free spins. Values range from 2x to 5,000x.
How do multipliers progress during free spins?
Every 4th Wild grants +10 spins and progression x2 → x3 → x10. No tiers beyond x10.
Which random modifiers can activate in bonus?
Fish are added if a Wild stands alone, Hook brings a Wild, Curtain reshapes the grid to favor collection.
OL-AGG-20240611-498
