Starburst is a widely recognized online casino slot developed by NetEnt, one of the most renowned game development companies. Since its introduction to the market in 2012, it has undergone significant changes and updates while maintaining an engaging gameplay experience for players worldwide. This review will delve into every aspect of this iconic game, analyzing its evolution from design to player satisfaction.
Theme and Design
Starburst is set against a vibrant cosmic backdrop featuring stars, planets, and other celestial elements. The overall color scheme revolves around play shades of blue, with neon accents adding an air of futurism and mysticism to the interface. Players can witness these elements come alive through animations as they trigger special features. A combination of elegance and vibrancy defines this visually striking slot’s visual presentation.
Symbols
Starburst incorporates a limited set of symbols that contribute significantly to its gameplay dynamics:
- 5 colored gemstones: green, yellow, blue, red, and purple
- Wild symbol (Bar or Bar above)
- Star Scatter
Each gemstone has the potential to appear on any reel in every spin. The rare appearances of these colorful stones do not only add excitement but also represent significant wins when grouped together appropriately.
Payouts
Wins are calculated using a combination multiplier approach, applying the same win amount for each unique winning symbol or scatter occurring across reels 2-4 (starting from left to right). This implies that hitting one Red Star Scatter can grant you a generous reward of up to x12 on your total bet in some cases.
Wilds
Starburst features wild symbols which have two forms – Bar and Bar above. Although both share similar properties, they function slightly differently:
- A Wild symbol (Bar) substitutes for all non-scatter icons.
- The Bar above Wild can appear only on reels 2-4; if present it expands to cover the entire reel as part of a respin feature.
Wilds increase winning chances and offer flexibility by allowing players more combinations, including bonus wins when substituting in scatter combinations.
Scatters
Starburst introduces Star Scatter symbols that trigger the Re-spin function:
- Players must land at least one Star Scatter on reels 2-4 to activate a re-spin.
- Each additional star present will multiply wins for each subsequent round up to x6.
- The game allows players three chances at landing stars until no new ones appear during re-spins.
Scatters open doors to bonus rounds, introducing dynamic opportunities for increased rewards that depend directly on the player’s ability to secure these key elements.
Bonus Features and Free Spins
The central feature in Starburst revolves around re-spin activation:
- Activated via a Star Scatter.
- Offers up to three possible re-spins with variable wins based on additional star appearance(s).
- Players must collect more stars by landing them during these special turns, as each brings enhanced payouts.
Although not a traditional ‘Bonus Round’ in the classic sense, this feature encourages anticipation and excitement for players eager to discover hidden treasures within their virtual reel spins.
RTP (Return-to-Player) & Volatility
Starburst is well balanced with its moderate volatility offering satisfying results without significant peaks of winning or losing. While an exact Return-To-Player percentage figure isn’t openly shared, many reputable sources place it in the vicinity of 96% for medium and high bets – relatively competitive compared to similar offerings.
Betting Range & Max Win
The slot’s betting options range from a minimum £0.10 up to £100 (or equivalent currencies). This flexibility allows players of all levels and preferences access, catering well to individual budget requirements while enabling maximum win potential.
- A single max win can be as high as 50 times the player’s total bet in one winning combination.
- There is a possibility for additional multipliers applying up to x12.