The Starburst slot machine is a popular online casino game developed by NetEnt. It was first released in 2012 and has since become one of the most beloved games among players worldwide. This review will delve into the features, gameplay, and mechanics of the Starburst slot machine to provide an in-depth analysis of its appeal.
Theme and Design
The theme of the game is set in a cosmic environment with stars, planets, and galaxies as inspiration for the symbols and slot demo graphics. The overall design is vibrant, colorful, and energetic, giving players a sense of excitement and adventure from the very beginning. The game’s background features a mesmerizing animation that changes colors and patterns throughout the gameplay session, adding an immersive element to the experience.
Symbols
The Starburst slot machine boasts 5 reels with 3 rows each. There are various symbols on offer, ranging from classic card values (9-A) to higher-paying gems, diamonds, and precious stones. The game’s logo serves as the wild symbol and has a special role in triggering bonus features, which will be discussed later.
Payouts
The payout structure of Starburst is based on the traditional paytable system used by most slot machines. Payouts are awarded according to the value of symbols combined with the number of winning combinations created across active paylines (noted below). In addition to standard wins, players can earn bigger rewards through various bonus features.
Here’s a summary of payouts for each symbol in Starburst:
- Card values (9-A): 10-500 coins
- Lower-paying gems and diamonds: 100-1,000 coins
- Higher-paying precious stones and combinations with wilds: Up to 5,000 coins
Wilds
The Starburst logo serves as the game’s wild symbol. It replaces any other standard symbol (except for scatters) in a winning combination, helping players form successful patterns and earn rewards.
Scatters
Scatter symbols are marked by stars with an animated effect that changes colors. There is no specific scatter payout; however, landing three or more of these on adjacent reels triggers the free spins feature, explained later in this review.
Bonus Features
One of Starburst’s defining features is its Re-Spins mechanism, a process triggered whenever players land on expanding wilds. This happens when the game’s logo lands on one of the 3 central reels (second or third), spreading to cover two positions and awarding 2 free re-spins with guaranteed wins.
To further enhance gameplay experience, Starburst also includes:
- A Random Win feature that randomly awards a win based on potential combinations.
- The ability for players to purchase additional spins using coins.
Free Spins
Triggered when three or more scatters land in an active payline, the free spins bonus consists of 10 initial re-spins with any winnings being subject to re-spin multipliers. An unlimited number of extra wins can be triggered through various combinations during these rounds.
RTP and Volatility
The RTP (Return To Player) for Starburst has been confirmed by NetEnt at around 96%, indicating an overall payout percentage. It should also note that the game is considered to have medium volatility, with potential payouts spread evenly throughout gameplay but not excessively frequent compared to higher-volatility slots.
Betting Range and Max Win
The minimum wager required for a spin in Starburst is $0.10 (or any equivalent currency). Meanwhile, maximum wagers are set at around $100 per turn depending on the selected coin value or denomination. It’s also important to note that no fixed jackpot limit exists within the game.
Gameplay and Experience
One of the standout features of Starburst is its simplicity in design, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced slot players alike. The Re-Spins feature offers opportunities for higher rewards without requiring complex combination searches or strategy usage from users.
Upon starting gameplay, newbies may find themselves adjusting quickly due to straightforward rules presented at every session’s commencement via on-screen text.
Starburst is designed with mobile compatibility in mind as well; this does not restrict accessibility but also expands access across a broader range of devices such as tablets and smartphones.
Mobile Play
In terms of mobile support, players can engage with the Starburst game using virtually any device (PC or otherwise), while its compact yet colorful graphics allow an immersive experience for users regardless of platform.