Big Bonus Slot Review

Unlike many retro-themed slots which tend to scrimp on bonus elements, Inspired Gaming have ensured that the Big Bonus slot machine lives up to its name when it comes to the bonus features offered.

Big Bonus Free Spins

The primary bonus element of the game is its additional feature of free spins, which activates when you land at least three scatters in a single spin. Every scatter that lands on the reels will, however, provide you with a "pick me" feature before the extra spins start. There is a 20x, 25x, 30x, 50x, or 100x multiplier behind each option; this multiplier sets the threshold at which the bonus spins will start to pay out. After a value is chosen, the round will start and continue until you win an amount that is equal to or greater than the chosen figure. Moreover, every wild that appears during this round turns sticky until the end of the session.

Spin Chance

If the player balance falls below the current play fee but is still greater than zero, the Spin Chance function will start immediately. Gamers can wager their remaining bankroll to try and win an additional spin at the stake, which is an added benefit. Clicking the "Play" button will start the feature and move the pointer over the gauge. If the pointer stops on the green section, you will receive a spin at the current bet; if it stops on the red piece, you will forfeit the remaining balance. Alternatively, you can exit with the remaining balance by choosing the “No Thanks” option to end the transaction. This is a pretty innovative feature seldom seen, but this feature needs to be used carefully to avoid irresponsible gambling practices as it can be tempting to play on if successful with this bonus feature and have run out of additional spins.

So, does the Big Bonus slot reinvent the metaphorical retro slot wheel? If I am being honest, not quite. It would have been great to see wholly modern 3D representations of the classic symbols, instead of their same likeness with a small graphical update. The solid black background used in this slot also seems to greatly age it, instead of giving me the feeling of nostalgia. 

However, there are certainly elements of the Big Bonus game which feel like a reinvention of the humble retro slot. Take the 6x4 reel format and 50 paylines, for example. Fruit-themed slots usually opt for a 3x3 reel format, and 1-9 paylines, so this supersizing certainly feels like a refreshing change.

Probably the most exciting feature that the Big Bonus slot machine offers is the ‘Spin Chance’ bonus element as it is not one I have seen before (and I have played and reviewed a lot of slot machines). By allowing players to risk the dregs of their balance for some extra spins, it feels like Inspired Gaming is trying to give players a little more bang for their buck. Of course, this feature could be seen as a double-edged sword as it feels a little on the side of irresponsibility.

Moving on from scepticism to the surety of mathematics with an RTP below 96% the Big Bonus slot does drag its heels a little in terms of payout potential, but this is not too far outside the average seen in retro-themed games. Combined with a medium volatility rating and accessible betting limits, the Big Bonus slot feels like an accessible and entertaining game for most players.

Rating: 6.5