Fishin’ Frenzy continues to explore new waters with lure ‘em in

While popular at launch and once again now, Fishin’ Frenzy has had a bit of a rough time of it at least by comparison to its later competitors. In 2014, it made waves with its fishing feature. Players unlock the feature, catch cash-carrying fish by hitting the fisherman wild at the same time, and haul in those extra prizes.

Whether it was the aesthetics, the low-medium volatility, or the classic slot design with its ten visible paylines, something didn’t quite click enough to encourage its studio, Reel Time Gaming, to push it further. In 2020, Big Bass Bonanza landed with a progressive unlock version of the feature, snazzy new graphics, and higher volatility.

In the time since, Blueprint Gaming acquired the rights to the series. From there, they’ve been pushing Fishin’ Frenzy as a rightful competitor to the ever-growing Big Bass series. Now its latest instalment, Fishin’ Frenzy Lure ‘Em In, looks to further the attempt to regain the top spot as the premier fishing slot series.

Regularly Swimming to the Surface

One of the ways that Big Bass has remained on top is by regularly releasing new additions to its series. Some add new features or mechanics, like with Megaways, while others are straight out of left field, like Big Bass Boxing Bonus Round. Fishin’ Frenzy is now competing with a similar formula, but barring a seasonal release, is sticking with the angling theme.

Launched as an online casino UK exclusive, Fishin’ Frenzy Lure ‘Em In sits atop the page as a new release and will likely join the trending category after a couple of months, where Fishin’ Frenzy The Big Catch Gold Spins currently swims around. This latest release holds true to the series’ preference for lower volatility and classic paylines.

It’s got a medium-volatility rating with ten paylines running across the five reels and three rows. Fans of the series will spot several different sizes of fish carrying their cash tags, but will need to get familiar with the Tackle Boxes. Whenever players land a bonus symbol with a Lure overlay, it’ll add to its relevant Tackle Box.

Fill it up, and it’ll unleash one of three features with an upgrade. As the BG page details, the Blue box sees fishermen triggering respins to try to catch more; a Red box unlock will increase the minimum fish values; and the Green feature fills the reels with extra fish, fishermen, and worms.

Catching up to Big Bass

As is often the case with a new release from a popular series, Fishin’ Frenzy Lure ‘Em In is the most popular of Blueprint’s games in the UK right now. Whether the feature-boosting mechanic will connect with players is yet to be seen. If it does, it could remain a high-ranking slot alongside the likes of The Big Catch and Even Bigger Catch.

Either way, the approach from the 2023 EGR slot supplier runner-up is the correct one. Big Bass proved that feeding audiences with regular new ways to play around a proven and popular core feature is the way forward. Now, there are 25 Fishin’ Frenzy games, spanning progressive jackpots, Megaways, and even a Christmas edition.

With the fishing feature being such a hit at online casinos in the UK and beyond, it’s inevitable that both Fishin’ Frenzy and Big Bass will continue to go head-to-head with creative new spin-offs. Lure ‘Em In is a strong entry to the Fishin’ Frenzy series, but how will it compare to Big Bass’ next release?