Shark Bounty

First Impression

Shark Bounty dives straight into the deep-sea hunting narrative that PG SOFT fans will recognise. The studio pairs a 6×5 «pay anywhere» grid with its trademark cascading wins, so you are not restricted to fixed paylines. Instead, any cluster of matching icons scattered across the screen can trigger a payout, which feels dynamic right from the first spin.

Theme & Visual Style

Everything revolves around Aiden’s quest to capture the elusive whale shark of Emerald Bay. The backdrop is a sun-lit ocean shelf, with reels populated by fishing gear, assorted fish, and the special Hunter and Shark icons that drive the bonus mechanics. Animations are kept relatively lean, which helps performance on older smartphones without sacrificing clarity.

Pay-Anywhere Cascades Explained

Instead of counting identical symbols along predefined lines, Shark Bounty rewards whenever enough matching symbols appear anywhere on the 6×5 matrix. Once a payout is calculated, the contributing symbols disappear and fresh ones cascade from above, potentially chaining several wins off a single stake. This centerpiece mechanic also sets the stage for the game’s signature Shark feature.

Hunter & Shark Symbols

• Shark – After every standard win and before the next cascade, one or more Shark symbols may be added to the reels. Each carries a cash value that can be collected later in the spin.
• Hunter – The Hunter symbol (Aiden) lands with a value equal to the current base bet. If at the end of the cascade sequence Hunters and Sharks remain in view together, the values combine to deliver an extra cash award.
• According to PG SOFT’s marketing description, collecting five or more Sharks in a single spin can merge them into a larger «Mega Shark» worth their combined value.

The precise cash amounts attached to these symbols are not listed in the public specifications, so it is worth checking the in-game paytable for current figures before committing real money.

Free Spins With Progressive Hunters

Landing three Scatter icons triggers 10 free spins. Every additional Scatter on the triggering spin adds +2 spins. During the bonus:

• Each time four Hunter symbols are collected, players receive +5 extra spins.
• The base value of all future Hunter symbols increases, with a stated ceiling of 10× the stake.

This escalating mechanic adds long-term potential, although the high volatility rating means the feature might require patience to unlock.

RTP, Volatility & Win Potential

The theoretical return-to-player (RTP) is listed at 96.75%, which sits comfortably above the current industry average. Volatility is labelled «High», so expect pronounced bankroll swings and the possibility of lengthy dry spells between bigger hits. The advertised maximum win is 5,000× the stake, achievable in theory through a combination of large Shark values, multiplied Hunter payouts and free-spin retriggers.

Mobile Performance

Built in HTML5/JS, Shark Bounty launches instantly on iOS, Android and desktop browsers. The vertical-first layout feels purpose-designed for portrait play—great on mobile, a little less space-efficient on wide monitors.

Licensing & Fairness Notes

PG SOFT states that its portfolio is certified by BMM and GA laboratories and that the company holds licences from the Malta Gaming Authority and the Government of Gibraltar. These are provider-level claims; always verify the exact RTP version and rule set displayed inside the game window at your chosen casino.

Pros & Points To Consider

• Above-average 96.75% RTP on the published version.
• Pay-anywhere system with unlimited cascades keeps play fast-paced.
• Hunter/Shark combo offers an alternative to classic «collect» fishing slots.
• High volatility may not suit short sessions or tight budgets.
• Vertical layout is mobile-friendly but can feel cramped on large desktops.

Verdict

Shark Bounty successfully splices PG SOFT’s cascade engine with a fresh take on cash-collection bonuses, producing a slot that feels familiar yet distinct from the crowded fishing genre. The 5,000× max win places it in the mid-range for high-risk games, and the progressive Hunter upgrades during free spins add a layer of long-term excitement. If you enjoy volatile pay-anywhere titles and don’t mind occasional empty waters before reeling in a prize, this deep-sea hunt is worth a look—just remember to set sensible limits and keep the experience purely entertainment-focused.

18+ | Play responsibly | All information is for entertainment only and may vary by casino version.