Gold Carp Bonanza Slot Review & Free Play Demo - By Pragmatic Play

First Impressions

Diving into Gold Carp Bonanza is like casting your line into a serene lake filled with potential. This vibrant slot, a reimagined version of the classic Big Bass Bonanza, offers a fresh twist on a beloved theme. As you spin the 5 reels and gaze at the stunning graphics, it’s hard not to feel a rush of excitement. The animations are smooth, the soundtrack is relaxing, and the visuals pop, immersing players in a fishing adventure that promises both fun and rewards. With its mix of familiar mechanics and appealing design, Gold Carp Bonanza sets the stage for an exhilarating gaming experience that keeps players engaged.  The game employs a 5×3 grid setup with 10 paylines that pay from left to right. The main symbols include two different Carp: one graces the reels as the third highest-paying symbol, while the other plays the role of a scatter. The inclusion of features like Autoplay, Quickspin, and Spacebar Spin enhances the player experience, although options for ante bets and Bonus Buy are notably absent. Thankfully, Gold Carp Bonanza is designed to be compatible with a wide range of mobile devices, thanks to advanced HTML5 technology.

The Fishing Theme: An Angler’s Paradise

Fishing-themed slots have consistently hooked players since the launch of the first Big Bass Bonanza in 2020. Pragmatic Play continues to collaborate with its talented studio, Reel Kingdom, to bring forth this entertaining series, which has seen numerous upgrades over the years. Recent additions like Big Bass Bonanza Reel Action and Big Bass Mission Fishin’ are worth exploring too! With Gold Carp Bonanza, the visuals and animations have received a stunning makeover that truly enhances the experience. And let’s not forget the relaxing soundtrack that sets the mood—it’s definitely one of my top ten audio performances in online slots!

Symbols and Payouts

Special Symbols

Fish Money Symbols: They are the hidden treasures of Gold Carp Bonanza, offering values that range from 1x to an impressive 20x your bet. When these symbols land on the reels, they can accumulate significant cash values, adding an exciting layer to every spin. Keep an eye out for the coveted 2,000x symbol during the Free Spins bonus, as it can lead to some truly rewarding moments!

Scatter Symbols (Gold Carp): They acts as a scatter symbol, unlocking the Free Spins feature. Landing three or more of these symbols sends you on a thrilling fishing spree, where the real winnings await!

Wild Symbol: Meet the star of the show—the Fisherman! This adventurous guy swoops in as a wild during Free Spins, stepping in for all other symbols (except scatters) to reel in those winning combinations. With the Fisherman on your side, the chances of snagging big payouts increase dramatically!

Collecting Cash Values

During the Free Spins, the Fish Money symbols come into play, offering various cash values. Players can find themselves on the edge of their seats as they collect these during the bonus rounds, especially when the Fisherman wild swoops in to gather them all!

Betting Range and Volatility

The flexibility in betting options is a significant draw, allowing players to stake anywhere from €0.10 to €250 per spin! This wide range makes it attractive to both high rollers and casual players alike, enabling the development of various betting strategies. Notably, Gold Carp Bonanza differs from its predecessor in volatility, boasting high levels as opposed to the medium-high volatility seen in Big Bass Bonanza. This translates to higher regular payouts, making every spin an exciting prospect!

The RTP (Return to Player) of 96.71% remains on the favorable side, despite a lower maximum win of 2,100x the bet. However, with a little bit of angler’s luck, high rollers can reel in over €525,000!

Exciting Features Await!

Released on August 13, Gold Carp Bonanza is available at selected online casinos, but I recommend starting with our free demo to familiarise yourself with the unique fishing-themed bonuses and random reel modifiers. The game may not boast an abundance of features, but it surely delivers a thrilling experience!

Money Symbols

In addition to their mixed-paying capabilities, Fish symbols feature cash values of 2x, 5x, 10x, 15x, 20x, 25x, and 50x the bet. Spotting the elusive Fish carrying a massive 2,000x value is the dream of every player, but remember—these treasures are collectible only during the bonus minigame and offer no assistance during base gameplay!

Free Spins

Unlocking Free Spins is where the real fun begins! Scatter Carps can summon 10, 15, or 20 free rounds when you land 3, 4, or 5 in view, respectively. This feature introduces the wild Fisherman, the most powerful character in the series, capable of collecting cash values from all Fish on the reels. And there’s more! The game includes a special trail that visualizes on top of the grid, collecting all wilds that land in view, offering retriggers and multipliers.

As you collect Fishermen during Free Spins, the rewards keep growing! The 4th collected Fisherman rewards 10 free spins with a 2x multiplier, while the 8th and 12th Fishermen can boost your wins even further, retriggering the bonus and upping the multiplier to 3x and 10x, respectively.

Dynamite Feature

As if that weren’t enough, expect a random Dynamite modifier to activate after a free spin when only one Wild is present and no Fish appear. When it does, you can expect a random number of Dynamite sticks to be placed on the grid, transforming into Fish symbols for guaranteed prize collections!

Multipliers

The thrill doesn’t stop there! As you reel in those Fishermen during Free Spins, watch your winnings soar with progressive multipliers of 2x, 3x, and even 10x. The more Fishermen you catch, the bigger the boost to your earnings—talk about a catch of a lifetime!

Autoplay

For those who prefer a laid-back approach, the Autoplay feature is a game-changer! Set it and forget it as the reels spin automatically for a predetermined number of rounds. Enjoy the thrill of the game without the constant clicking—perfect for those long fishing trips!

Turbo and Quickspin

Need for speed? Dive into the Turbo and Quickspin options that allow you to kick your gameplay into high gear! Experience faster spins and keep the action flowing, making every second count as you chase those elusive big wins.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Captivating Fishing theme with a high RTP of 96.71%

• Mixed Pays up to 20x the bet

• Free Spins packed with familiar Fishing mechanics

• Wild Trail feature with bonus retriggers and a progressive multiplier

• Random Dynamite Feature adds extra Fish symbols

• Potential wins up to €525,000

Cons

• High volatility may be intimidating for some players

• Essentially a reskin of Big Bass Bonanza

• Limited features available compared to other titles

Final Verdict: Hooked or Not?

In summary, Gold Carp Bonanza offers yet another entertaining way to dive into the beloved fishing theme. While it may not bring groundbreaking changes compared to its predecessor, it does elevate the fishing theme with refined graphics and a high RTP of 96.71% and a slightly high volatility . The potential for big wins through multipliers and the Wild Trail keeps the gameplay engaging, although its high volatility may pose a challenge for less experienced players.

Overall, this slot is ideal for those who appreciate the fishing theme and are looking for a game with solid mechanics. If you’re a fan of the original Big Bass Bonanza, you’ll likely enjoy this reskin. However, if you’re seeking a slot packed with innovative features, you might want to explore other titles in the genre.

So, grab your gear and get ready for a fishing experience like no other with Gold Carp Bonanza—you might just reel in a big one!