Overview
Reels: 6 | Rows: 5 | Paylines: Cluster Pays
After trying on various cultures across various time periods, there is something awfully inevitable about software provider Hacksaw Gaming's favourite raccoon starring in a fishing slot. The game is Le Fisherman, and it sees the return of Smokey Le Bandit, this time donning wellies and casting off to catch something, hopefully not an old boot. It also sees the return of the Golden Squares concept, which has played a huge part in the series' popularity, complemented by a special epic triggering symbol and a collection bar innovation helping bring a different kind of thrill to the free spins bonus rounds.
Since Smokey's gone fishin', players are treated to an outdoorsy scene rather than having to dodge tourists on the Parisian streets. Smokey is dressed for the occasion in his finest fisherman outfit, yellow boots, rod, wide-brimmed hat, all that, though he does look as cranky as ever, despite finding himself in the sublime grandeur of nature. The world turns icy for the On Thin Ice bonus game, and if you thought you'd seen it all, wait till you catch an eyeful of Smokey all gussied up as a mermaid in the Slippery When Wet bonus, complete with clam shells covering his nips.
Final Thoughts
Smokey certainly is a raccoon who gets around. He's tried on a number of different personas as Hacksaw Gaming latched onto the 'Le' popularity and rolled out a variety of different iterations, so it stands to reason that sooner or later, there would be a fishing version, given how outrageously popular this theme is. The game makes a positive first impression, though, and this next step in the Le Bandit series proves that even the well-worn fishing theme can feel fresh given the right mechanics. The visual presentation is a charming one, too, swapping the original's urban grit for the serene outdoors, and Smokey's costume changes from rugged fisherman to underwater mermaid add a humorous twist that keeps the atmosphere buoyant.
Mechanically, Le Fisherman shares a lot that came before, but there are key twists. One is the Epic Rainbow symbol, and if the regular Golden Squares trigger symbol was already desirable, this one raises the appeal several notches, for the simple reason that it reveals special symbols across the entire grid, not just on Golden Squares. It's not for nothing the Epic Rainbow feature buy costs a hefty 500x per spin. Then there are the bonus rounds, which benefit from the intriguing Big Catch Bar, similar in some ways to Le Zeus' Mystery Meter, but by no means the same. Level 4 is the goal, it goes without saying, where every spin drops a Rainbow or Epic Rainbow symbol to trigger sticky Golden Squares, giving gamblers an alluring goal to aim for.
Le Fisherman isn't a regular Big Bass imitator, but an entertaining evolution of Hacksaw Gaming's Le series, capped with winning potential of 15,000x the stake. Whilst much of what is here makes for repeat viewing, fans of Smokey should be able to enjoy the continuity, as they go about attempting to experience its newer elements. As such, players eager for a fishing slot that combines humour, pleasant visuals, and proven gameplay, Le Fisherman is one worth tossing some bait at.
