As one of the most popular and enduring slot games in the world, NetEnt’s Starburst has been entertaining players for years with its vibrant graphics, engaging gameplay, and rewarding bonuses. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the game’s features, mechanics, and what makes it so appealing to slots enthusiasts.
A Brief Overview of the Game
Starburst Starburst slot is an online video slot that takes place in space, where players are transported to a colorful galaxy filled with stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. The game has a simple yet captivating theme that appeals to fans of sci-fi and adventure games. Developed by NetEnt, one of the leading providers of online casino software, Starburst boasts crisp graphics, smooth animations, and an immersive soundtrack.
Visual Design
One of the standout features of Starburst is its visually stunning design. The game’s background displays a mesmerizing galaxy with stars, planets, and other celestial objects whizzing by in the distance. The reels are set against this backdrop, adding to the overall sense of depth and immersion. Each symbol on the reels is carefully crafted to fit the space theme, from planets and asteroids to spaceships and aliens.
The game’s color palette is a deliberate choice that adds to its charm. Bright blues, purples, and oranges dominate the visual landscape, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that draws players in. NetEnt’s attention to detail extends even to the sound effects and music, which perfectly complement the gameplay experience.
Symbols and Payouts
Starburst features a 5-reel, 3-row layout with a relatively simple set of symbols. These include:
- Low-paying symbols: Aces (A) through Kings (£0.01-£4 per combination)
- Medium-paying symbols:
- Barrels (£10-£30 per combination)
- Asteroids (£20-£40 per combination)
- Planets (£30-£60 per combination)
- High-paying symbols:
- Spaceships (£50-£100 per combination)
- Aliens (£80-£150 per combination)
The game’s payout structure is fairly standard, with higher payouts awarded for five-of-a-kind combinations. Players can win up to £1,500 during the base game by landing multiple high-paying combos.
Wild Symbols
In Starburst, the Barrels symbol serves as a Wild substitute that can replace any other regular symbol (except Scatter) on the reels. This allows players to create new winning combinations and increases their chances of scoring big.
The Wild Barrel appears on all five reels, making it relatively easy for players to land multiple wilds during base game play. When a Wild lands on an active reel, it expands to fill the entire row, creating even more opportunities for wins.
Scatter Symbols
Starburst’s Scatter symbol is represented by the Star itself – no prizes given there! Scatters pay out according to their respective values:
- 2-5 Stars (£1.00-£100 per combination)
The main purpose of the Scatter symbols in this game is triggering free spins, not paying themselves.
Bonus Features
Free Spins are arguably the highlight feature in Starburst. To trigger a bonus round, players need three or more Scatters to appear anywhere on the reels (which is much easier said than done – you’ll often find yourself searching for these elusive stars). Players receive 10 free spins during this mode.
During Free Spins, all the Wilds become Expanding Wilds that fill an entire reel when they land. This significantly increases your chances of creating multiple winning combinations and hitting those lucrative jackpots!
Additionally, Starburst has no bonus features other than free spins – players won’t find themselves trapped in tedious mini-games or forced to choose between random rewards.
Volatility
As with any slot game from reputable software providers like NetEnt, Starburst’s volatility is relatively high. This means that wins can be infrequent but potentially significant when they do occur.
Players have reported average payouts ranging anywhere from £500-£2,000 in a few hours of gameplay. However, it’s essential to remember that individual results will vary and your experience may not always reflect these estimates.
RTP
Starburst has an official RTP (Return-to-Player) rate set at 96.1%, making it one of the more player-friendly slots available today. While this doesn’t directly translate into increased winning potential, a higher return means you’ll keep more money in your bankroll over time – which should be comforting to players aiming for those massive progressive wins.
Betting Range and Max Win
Starburst is designed with affordability and flexibility in mind; betting options span from £0.10 to £100 per spin. To accommodate both high rollers and penny-pinching players, NetEnt has implemented several customizable options within the game:
- Betting level: Players can choose between 1-5 coins
- Coin value: Options range from £0.01 (minimum bet) to £50
In terms of max win potential, Starburst’s maximum payout is set at x122 times your total stake (£120,000 on a single spin with the highest wagering option). However, landing multiple high-paying combos during Free Spins can easily reach this amount or even surpass it.
Gameplay Experience
As for gameplay itself, NetEnt has gone out of its way to create an immersive and enjoyable experience. Players are transported into an intergalactic environment filled with mystery, danger – and plenty of opportunities to win big!
NetEnt’s user-friendly interface is evident in every aspect of Starburst:
- Responsive controls: Easy to navigate on mobile devices
- Adaptable graphics: Smooth animations that run seamlessly across various platforms
Mobile Play
One major perk for mobile gamers is the seamless transition from desktop play. As with most modern slots, NetEnt’s developed an optimized mobile version specifically designed for smaller screens and varying network conditions.
This ensures players can enjoy Starburst anywhere – whether commuting to work or lounging on a beach somewhere (who knows?).
Final Thoughts
As our journey comes full circle, we’re reminded why Starburst has stood the test of time. With its enthralling design elements combined with rewarding features such as free spins and expanding wilds, this slot provides endless entertainment possibilities for seasoned players and new entrants alike.
In a crowded market flooded with so-called "next-big-thing" slots – we must give props to NetEnt’s decision-makers for their dedication in continuously delivering top-shelf games that maintain freshness through frequent updates, regular bonuses, and above-average return rates.
Our assessment? If you’re looking for explosive wins or just an invigorating gaming experience then look no further than the cosmic charm of Starburst – we guarantee hours upon hours of blissful fun and possible life-changing cash rewards will not disappoint.