Nature-themed slots are a mainstay of the genre, but every once in a while, a title comes along that breathes new life into the familiar. Great Bear from IGT is one such game. Set in a misty North American forest, this online slot leans into its atmospheric surroundings and wildlife theme with considerable polish. From glowing symbols to shifting reels, Great Bear offers a twist on the cascading mechanic and delivers a serene yet engaging experience.
Great Bear is a five-reel, four-row slot with 1,024 ways to win. It uses the popular “ways pays” system rather than traditional paylines, which means winning combinations form when matching symbols land on adjacent reels from left to right, regardless of position on the row.
IGT has introduced a clever mechanic to keep the cascades feeling meaningful. Each consecutive cascade has the potential to upgrade symbols on the reels. Specifically, animals can transform into higher-paying animals.
The raccoon (the lowest-value animal) can upgrade to the owl. The owl can then upgrade to the wolf. The wolf can upgrade to the eagle. The eagle can ultimately upgrade to the bear, the most valuable symbol in the game.
There’s also a wild symbol, represented by a shimmering full moon. It can substitute for all symbols except the bonus, helping to complete or extend winning combinations. The wild becomes more prominent during the game’s bonus round, adding another layer of potential.
Triggering the free spins bonus in Great Bear involves landing three or more bonus symbols (represented by a mystical blue emblem) anywhere on the reels. Depending on how many you land, you’ll be awarded a varying number of free spins.
The bonus round is where Great Bear really hits its stride. The upgrade mechanic becomes persistent during free spins, meaning once an animal upgrades, it stays upgraded for the rest of the round. This dramatically increases your chances of landing high-paying symbols, especially the mighty bear.
Additionally, wilds appear more frequently during the bonus round, and retriggers are possible if you land additional bonus symbols. It’s a well-structured feature that builds anticipation and rewards players for engaging with the core symbol transformation mechanic.
Visually appealing and easy to play, Great Bear offers a relaxed tempo without sacrificing the thrill of potential big wins. It’s especially suited to players who enjoy games with a strong visual identity and layered features that evolve with each spin.
For those ready to explore the forest and chase cascading rewards, Great Bear is available now at Lord Ping, where the best online slot experiences await.
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