Nice Catch 2 DoubleMax – (YGGDRASIL GAMING) SLOT REVIEW

Hello gamers, for those on the lookout for a new fishing-themed slot, Yggdrasil Gaming offers an interesting choice with their sequel, “Nice Catch 2 DoubleMax.” Released just six months after its predecessor, “Nice Catch DoubleMax,” this sequel presents notable differences and enhancements.

“Nice Catch 2 DoubleMax” introduces fresh elements, diverging from the original. Notably, it includes a ‘hold ‘n win’ bonus round, an expanded gaming grid, and a new character, a Diverwoman, adding depth to the gameplay.

The setting has also undergone a transformation. Moving away from the beachside backdrop of the first game, “Nice Catch 2 DoubleMax” immerses players in an underwater environment, characterized by a light blue sea and vibrant aquatic plants. A significant and immediately noticeable change is the addition of a sixth reel to the game grid, maintaining the multiplier values at the top as in the original. This additional reel adds an exciting twist to the gameplay, which you’ll appreciate as you dive into the game.

Before diving into “Nice Catch 2 DoubleMax,” make sure to select a bet size that suits you. The betting range starts at a modest 10 cents and goes up to $/€40 per spin. While the sequel offers two bonus buy options, it has removed the Golden Bet feature. It’s worth noting that the game’s winning potential has significantly decreased, and the Return to Player (RTP) rate has been slightly reduced to a default of 96%. The game is set on a 6-reel, 3-row grid, offering 729 ways to win, and it operates on a highly volatile mathematical model.

In “Nice Catch 2 DoubleMax,” the allure of regular wins is somewhat diminished unless they are combined with a substantial DoubleMax multiplier. The game features leaf-decorated card suits – clubs, diamonds, spades, and hearts – as low-value symbols. The high-value symbols include an oxygen tank, flippers, a camera, and goggles. Landing a combination of 6 low-value symbols yields a win of 1-1.2x the stake, while a 6-symbol combination of the higher-value symbols can pay out 2 to 16 times the bet. Additionally, fish money symbols can also contribute to regular wins, offering 2 times the bet for a 6-of-a-kind (OAK) hit.

Nice Catch 2 DoubleMax: Slot Features

Let’s delve into the exciting features of “Nice Catch 2 DoubleMax,” which include Catching Fish, DoubleMax, free spins, a free spins gamble feature, Hold & Spin, and options to buy free spins.

Catching Fish Fish symbols can appear on any reel and may be stacked, showing values ranging from 1x to 100x the bet. When a Fisherman symbol lands on the 5th reel (only one can appear per spin), it collects the cash prizes of any visible fish symbols.

DoubleMax Activating the DoubleMax Multiplier is done by landing fish symbols consecutively from left to right, starting from the first reel. This multiplier applies to all wins on that spin and can increase indefinitely.

Free Spins Free spins are triggered by landing 3, 4, 5, or 6 scatter symbols, awarding 8, 11, 14, or 20 free spins, respectively. During this round, landing a Fisherman or Diverwoman adds an extra free spin and doubles the DoubleMax multipliers above the reels for the rest of the free spins. Scatters are absent in this feature, but the Hold & Spin feature can be activated during free spins.

Free Spins Gamble Before starting the free spins, players have the option to gamble and potentially increase their number of free spins. However, if the gamble fails, the free spins round is forfeited.

Hold & Spin This feature is activated by landing a Chest symbol along with a Diverwoman on the 6th reel. Initially, 3 spins are awarded, and landing a new Chest or Diverwoman resets the spin count. The Diverwoman also doubles the multiplier. Filling a reel with symbols activates the DoubleMax multiplier for that reel.

Buy Free Spins Players can directly access the free spins round by paying 100x their bet for 3 or more scatter symbols, or 500x the bet to guarantee 20 free spins.

Nice Catch 2 DoubleMax: Slot Verdict

“Nice Catch 2 DoubleMax” represents a significant departure from the usual DoubleMax experience, further diverging from the path set by its predecessor, “Nice Catch.” This shift is emblematic of a broader trend observed in recent slot releases like “Legend of the Dragon Wins DoubleMax” from Boomerang, where developers are exploring more adventurous uses of the DoubleMax mechanic, moving beyond the familiar confines of the “Raptor DoubleMax” style.

Despite being a fishing-themed slot with a money symbol collection feature, “Nice Catch 2 DoubleMax” avoids being a mere clone of popular games like “Big Bass Bonanza” or “Fishin’ Frenzy.” Instead, it introduces fresh elements and complexities. Notably, the game expands its gaming area and incorporates a ‘hold ‘n win’ round, a first for a DoubleMax game, led by the Diverwoman character. While this addition initially seems underwhelming, it has the potential to enhance multipliers, especially when the Diverwoman is landed. The top-tier Chest prize values might not be exceptionally high, but the theoretically unlimited DoubleMax multiplier can significantly amplify winnings, especially when applied to full stacks of Chests.

Moreover, the extra reel in the base game and free spins adds a new layer of excitement. This reel can substantially increase the multiplier value, creating more suspense as fish symbols activate values in sequence from left to right.

In essence, “Nice Catch 2 DoubleMax” offers a unique and exhilarating experience distinct from other DoubleMax slots, capitalizing on the widespread appeal of fishing-themed games. The only notable drawback is its maximum win potential. While the top prize of 10,000x the bet is less than that of the original game and lower compared to many other DoubleMax slots, it remains a competitive figure within the fishing slot genre.