Starburst Review
Created by NetEnt, Starburst is a legendary slot that has secured its place in the history of online gaming. Since it launched in 2012, this game has proven its longevity and remains a shining star in the iGaming realm. Today, we explore the enchanting world of Starburst, examining its lasting charm and engaging gameplay.
About NetEnt
Before diving into the game's cosmic realm, it's important to recognize the esteemed developer responsible for this creation. NetEnt, meaning Net Entertainment, features an impressive collection of more than 400 slots and casino games. Within this extensive range, a handful have reached iconic status, including titles such as Gonzo’s Quest, Fruit Shop, and, certainly, the focus of our review, Starburst.
Theme, graphic, and design of the Starburst slot.
Even though over ten years have gone by since its launch, Starburst still charms players with its classic visuals and captivating ambiance. It might not compete with the newest blockbuster slots when it comes to advanced graphics, yet it possesses a distinct appeal that is difficult to resist.
This gambling takes players on a journey through space, featuring transparent reels decorated with shimmering gemstones that sparkle against the endless cosmic void. In the distance, countless stars and meteors shine, forming a stunning celestial view. Enhancing this visual extravaganza is a retro electronic soundtrack that truly captures the essence of the cosmic adventure that characterizes the gameplay.
Starburst Slot – Symbols, Reel Screen and Payouts
This slot machine features a traditional layout of 5 reels and 3 rows, with winnings distributed across 10 fixed paylines. You can place a minimum bet of $0.01, while the maximum bet goes up to $100. What distinguishes this game is its winning combinations, which can be formed from either left to right or right to left, adding an exciting twist to the gameplay. To win, you simply need at least three identical symbols next to each other. The paytable includes 5 lower-value regular symbols, consisting of various shapes and colors of gems, along with two higher-value symbols: a red Seven sphere and a Bar sphere. Although the values are not inherently low, Starburst is not particularly known for its high payouts. The BAR symbols are the most desirable, as they can pay out 25 times your bet for landing five in a row. Additionally, having a complete line of matching BARs pays out double, due to the feature that rewards both directions. Consequently, a line of BARs can essentially be worth 50 times the initial wager.
| Symbol | Payouts |
| Purple Gem | Matching 3, 4, or 5 icons awards 0.5x, 1x, or 2.5x |
| Blue Gem | 3, 4, or 5 icons yield payouts of 0.5x, 1x, or 2.5x |
| Red Gem | Having 3, 4, or 5 icons will yield payouts of 0.7x, 1.5x, or 4x |
| Green Gem | 3, 4, or 5 icons offer payouts of 0.8x, 2x, or 5x |
| Yellow Gem | Paying combinations of 3, 4, or 5 icons yield 1x, 2.5x, or 6x respectively |
| Red Seven | Three, four, or five icons yield payouts of 2.5x, 6x, or 12x |
| Bar | 3, 4, or 5 icons yield payouts of 5x, 20x, or 25x |
| Bright star | Nature symbol |
In this gambling experience, features are notably scarce. The gameplay is only disrupted by the Wild symbol, which looks like a glowing star and can appear on the central three reels, specifically on reels 2, 3, or 4.
Playing the Starburst Slot Demo is easy and enjoyable.
Here are the steps to engage in Demo mode:
- Select a Casino: Pick a trustworthy online casino that provides the required games along with a free demo mode.
- Access the Game: Find the slot within the game library of the casino.
- Choose Demo Mode: Select the required icon and then choose either the “Demo” or “Free Play” mode.
- Start Spinning: The demo version begins with virtual credits that you can use to spin the reels and discover the game’s features.
- Understand the Gameplay: Get acquainted with the growing Wilds and re-spins to grasp the mechanics of the game.
- Experience Fun Without Risks: Play for as long as you want without the concern of losing real money. Reload or explore different games whenever you wish.
Experiencing the game’s excitement without financial risk is a great benefit of playing the demo mode or for fun. Enjoy your journey through the cosmic adventure!
Gameplay, Bonuses and Features of Starburst
Starburst adopts a distinctive method regarding bonuses and special features, setting itself apart from the majority of NetEnt games. Instead of bombarding players with a multitude of extras, this slot focuses on an engaging branded Wilds mechanic as its main draw.
Wild Mechanic and Free Spins
Although the game does not offer a specific free spins feature, it presents an exciting alternative with its Wild mechanic. The main feature of this slot revolves around Wild symbols, which take the shape of a glowing star that appears only on the three central reels. These Wilds serve as your gateway to greater winning chances.
- Wilds Substitute: Wild symbols are capable of taking the place of any other symbols in winning combinations, which can enhance your likelihood of achieving wins.
- Expanding Wilds: Each time a Wild symbol appears, it expands to fill the entire reel, creating thrilling opportunities.
- Respins Galore: A respin is triggered when a Wild appears. In this respin, the Wild that triggered it stays in place, while the remaining reels spin again. If another Wild symbol shows up during the respin, you'll get an extra respin along with another sticky Wild. This process can repeat for up to three consecutive respins, which can result in significant payouts.
RTP and Jackpots of Starburst
The slot features different Return to Player (RTP) settings, where 96.09% is regarded as the default. It's important to keep in mind that the RTP can differ based on the casino you select, with a minimum of 90.05% and a maximum of 99.06%. Although the highest RTP is impressive, locating a casino that offers such a rate can be difficult.
Renowned for its low-volatility mathematical model, the slot offers the advantage of frequent smaller payouts. This can assist you in maintaining your bankroll over time. However, it's important to remember that the maximum prize is restricted, featuring a jackpot limited to 500 times your initial stake. Consequently, while the low variance provides a balanced gameplay experience with more consistent wins, the maximum payout remains modest.
To sum up, the Wild mechanic of the activity combined with its fluctuating RTP provides a distinctive gaming experience. The low volatility of the slot guarantees players frequent wins, and the inclusion of expanding Wilds and respins brings an exciting element to the gameplay, even with the jackpot being capped.
Conclusion
NetEnt's Starburst is a renowned slot game in the online casino landscape. Its engaging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and captivating cosmic theme contribute to its enduring popularity since it debuted in 2012. Each spin is filled with excitement thanks to the expanding Wilds and re-spins feature, while its high volatility keeps players eager for big wins. Although some players might prefer a classic free spins feature, the game's timeless appeal and potential for significant payouts ensure it remains a favorite for both new players and veteran slot fans.
