The Starburst slot machine is a popular online casino game developed by NetEnt. First released in 2012, it has since become one of the most recognizable and beloved slots among players worldwide. This detailed review aims to provide an exhaustive analysis of its features, gameplay, and overall experience.
Theme and Design
Starburst is set against a vibrant, starry night sky with neon lights illuminating the reels. The game’s design is reminiscent of classic fruit machines but incorporates modern 3D graphics elements. Players will find seven colorful Get started with Starburst at starburstofficial gemstone symbols – amethyst, blue topaz, citrine, diamond, emerald, sapphire, and ruby – as well as a star symbol used in its bonus feature.
Symbols
Each gemstone symbol has been carefully designed to represent high-value items found among the stars. Here is a list of the symbols:
- Amethyst : The purple amethyst crystal represents the highest-paying symbol with 150 coins for five of a kind.
- Blue Topaz : A radiant blue topaz rewards players with up to 125 coins when landing five on an active payline.
- Citrine : This vibrant gemstone pays out up to 100 coins and is often found in abundance during free spins.
- Diamond : As the highest paying symbol, diamonds award up to 500 coins for a winning combination of five.
- Emerald : The iconic green emerald offers players up to 125 coins when they land five on an active payline.
- Sapphire : A stunning blue sapphire has its place among Starburst’s symbols and pays out up to 100 coins.
- Ruby : Representing the most abundant symbol in this game, red rubies award players with up to 50 coins.
Payouts
Starburst employs a classic payout system where higher-value gems pay more for fewer winning combinations, making it easier for beginners to start winning. Here are some example payouts:
- Three identical symbols : Payout is awarded regardless of symbol type (3-7).
- Four or five identical symbols :
- Four: 10-100 coins
- Five: 30-250 coins
The value and combination frequency influence the payout distribution among players.
Wilds
Starburst does not feature traditional wild symbols that can replace other icons to create new winning combinations. The star symbol, however, plays a crucial role in its bonus features but is distinct from standard wilds found in most slots.
Scatters and Bonus Features
Unlike some popular games, Starburst uses scatters , represented by the gemstone icons that are not part of the payout matrix yet pay out for combinations with three or more on an active line. However, what makes this game truly unique is its innovative bonus system, which will be covered below.
Free Spins and Expanding Wilds
The core bonus feature in Starburst is called Expanding Wins , triggered randomly during normal gameplay by substituting a reel with up to three reels of matching symbols in each direction. When an expanding win occurs:
- A new set of stacked wilds replaces the current reel, allowing for additional free spins.
- All pays are paid out at once when a winning combination forms across one or multiple active paylines.
When the bonus is triggered by five star symbols on any position on reels 2 to 4 and four on either sides (not consecutive), Free Spins of up to fifteen rounds can be unlocked.
During free spins, wins are collected in the same manner as during regular gameplay. While the number of wilds may appear reduced compared to expanding reels, each occurrence adds a fresh reel with identical stacked symbols which significantly boosts odds for additional winning combinations across active paylines throughout gameplay.
The maximum win is 250,000 coins, making it accessible for players who are just starting out with Starburst without being too restrictive or intimidating. As one of the many appealing features in this review, we delve further into that topic below.
Max Win and Betting Range
In terms of stakes, a broad betting range accommodates various budgets – between 0.01 to 100 credits per bet, with up to ten different line combinations available on each spin at 1-10 lines per play. With six adjustable coin values ranging from 0.01 – 2.00 and the ability for five coin bets per single line (minimum of two minimum bets per game), overall stakes have plenty room between low rollers ($0.02) through big spenders up to $100/line x 10 lines.
The Starburst’s average return is a notable 96.01% RTP , according to NetEnt, outperforming other games in its class with its higher win rate compared against competitors offering similar payout schedules while remaining profitable due largely thanks high-paying icons’ distribution within an active payline or line combinations created across non-consecutive positions.
This unique feature gives players the flexibility they need without affecting game performance negatively since fewer potential winning combinations can be found than those generated by a single standard Wild/standard Scatter combination which Starburst incorporates. The lower volatility rating indicates how infrequent certain events (pay-out combinations) may occur when placing bets on this machine – especially noticeable after trying 50+ spins using minimum $1 per spin ($10 bet limit), however still, the amount can build quickly enough so that users never lose out too much without getting multiple times paid more than if spent elsewhere.
To further enhance accessibility and gameplay experience for modern mobile players seeking immersive fun across all platforms supported by top software providers offering high-quality games worldwide today.
- For those looking forward to giving their Starburst gaming experience another try before jumping into it headfirst – there are plenty ways available here including getting accustomed at what types symbols contribute toward generating wins either during expanding wilds periods free spins where everything counts more.
This game review has examined each component which offers complete understanding making easier navigation possible after playing Starburst slot machine once.