Starburst Review
Starburst, a remarkable creation from NetEnt, has firmly established itself in the history of online slot gaming. Since launching in 2012, this game has proven its lasting popularity and remains a shining star in the iGaming landscape. In this exploration, we will delve into the enchanting world of Starburst, examining its timeless charm and engaging gameplay.
About NetEnt
Before we dive into the game's cosmic universe, it's important to recognize the renowned developer responsible for this creation. NetEnt, which stands for Net Entertainment, has an impressive collection of more than 400 slots and casino games. A few of these have reached iconic status, including favorites like Fruit Shop, Gonzo’s Quest, and, naturally, the focus of our review, Starburst.
Theme, Graphic and Design of the Starburst slot.
Even after more than ten years since it was first launched, Starburst still captivates players with its classic visuals and magical ambiance. Although it might not compete with the newest blockbuster slots regarding graphical intricacy, it possesses an irresistible charm that's truly unique.
Players are taken on an interstellar adventure in this gambling game, featuring transparent reels embellished with shimmering gemstones that shine against the endless cosmic void. In the distance, countless stars and meteors light up the sky, forming a stunning celestial scene. Accompanying this captivating visual experience is a retro electronic soundtrack that beautifully captures the essence of the cosmic journey found within the gameplay.
Starburst Slot – Payouts, Symbols, and Reel Screen
The slot machine showcases a traditional layout with 5 reels and 3 rows, providing winnings across 10 fixed paylines. You can place a minimum bet of $0.01, while the maximum bet reaches $100. What distinguishes this game is its unique winning combinations, which can occur from left to right or right to left, adding a thrilling twist to the experience. To achieve a win, you need at least three identical symbols next to each other. The paytable features 5 lower-value regular symbols, which include various shapes and colors of gems, alongside two higher-value symbols: a red Seven sphere and a Bar sphere. While the values themselves are not negative, Starburst is not particularly renowned for high payouts. The BARs are the most valuable symbols to seek, as they provide a payout of 25 times the bet for landing five in a row. Even more appealing is the fact that a complete line of matching symbols awards double, due to the feature that pays both ways. Consequently, a line of BARs can yield a total of 50 times the original stake.
| Symbol | Payouts |
| Purple Gem | Obtaining 3, 4, or 5 icons provides payouts of 0.5x, 1x, or 2.5x |
| Blue Gem | Having 3, 4, or 5 icons results in payouts of 0.5x, 1x, or 2.5x |
| Ruby | 3, 4, or 5 symbols award 0.7x, 1.5x, or 4x |
| Emerald Icon | 3, 4, or 5 icons award 0.8x, 2x, or 5x |
| Yellow Gem | 1x, 2.5x, or 6x payout for 3, 4, or 5 icons |
| Red Seven | 2.5x, 6x, or 12x for 3, 4, or 5 icons |
| Bar | 3, 4, or 5 icons offer payouts of 5x, 20x, or 25x |
| Glowing star | Nature symbol |
Features are notably scarce in this gambling experience. The gameplay is only disrupted by the Wild symbol, which looks like a shining star and can appear on the central three reels, namely reels 2, 3, or 4.
A guide on playing the Starburst Slot Demo.
To play in Demo mode, follow these steps:
- Pick an Online Casino: Opt for a trustworthy online casino that provides the required games along with a free demo mode.
- Access the Game: Search for the slot within the casino’s game collection.
- Select Demo Mode: Click on the appropriate icon and 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 features of the game.
- Understand the Gameplay: Get to know the expanding Wilds and re-spins to grasp the mechanics of the game.
- Experience Fun without Risks: Play freely for as long as you want without the need to wager real money. Refill your balance or explore different games whenever you wish.
Experiencing the excitement of the game without any financial risk can be easily done by playing the demo mode or enjoying it for fun. Enjoy your exploration of this cosmic adventure!
Gameplay, features and bonuses of Starburst.
Starburst adopts a distinctive strategy regarding bonuses and special features in comparison to other NetEnt titles. Instead of bombarding players with a plethora of additional elements, this slot focuses on an engaging branded Wilds mechanic as its main draw.
Wild Mechanic and Free Spins
Even though the game does not offer a specific free spins feature, it compensates with an intriguing Wild mechanic. The only feature in this slot includes Wild symbols that manifest as a glowing star, appearing solely on the three central reels. These Wilds provide you with greater chances for winning.
- Wilds Substitute: Wild symbols can take the place of other symbols in winning combinations, enhancing your likelihood of achieving wins.
- Expanding Wilds: Each time a Wild symbol appears, it expands to fill the whole reel, creating thrilling opportunities.
- Respins Galore: When a Wild symbol shows up, it activates a respin. In this respin, the Wild that triggered the event stays in its position, and the other reels will spin anew. Should another Wild symbol land during the respin, you'll get an extra respin along with another sticky Wild. This process can repeat for as many as three consecutive respins, offering the chance for significant payouts.
Jackpots and RTP for Starburst
The slot has different Return to Player (RTP) settings, with 96.09% being the standard configuration. It's important to recognize that the RTP can differ based on the casino you select, with variations from a low of 90.05% to a high of 99.06%. Although the maximum RTP is impressive, locating a casino that offers such a high percentage might be difficult.
Renowned for its low-volatility mathematical model, the slot machine delivers frequent smaller payouts, which can effectively help you maintain your bankroll over time. It's important to remember, however, that the maximum prize is capped, with the jackpot limited to 500 times your original stake. Consequently, the low variance provides a gameplay experience that is well-balanced, offering consistent wins, though with a modest maximum payout.
In conclusion, the Wild mechanic of the activity, combined with its variable RTP, provides a distinctive gaming experience. With low volatility, the slot guarantees players frequent wins, and the addition of expanding Wilds and respins brings an exciting element to the gameplay, even with the capped jackpot.
Conclusion
NetEnt's Starburst is a legendary slot game in the online casino realm. Its engaging gameplay combined with stunning visuals and a captivating cosmic theme contribute to its enduring popularity since 2012. The excitement of each spin is heightened by the expanding Wilds and re-spins feature, while its high volatility keeps players eagerly anticipating those elusive big wins. Although some players might long for a more conventional free spins feature, the game's timeless allure and the potential for significant payouts make it essential for newcomers and experienced slot players alike.
