Starburst is a popular online casino slot developed by NetEnt, a renowned Swedish gaming company. This 5-reel video slot has been released in 2012 and has since become one of the most beloved slots among players worldwide. In this review, we will delve into every aspect of Starburst, from Starburst slot its theme and design to payouts, bonus features, and overall analysis.
Theme and Design
Starburst is a space-themed slot that takes players on an intergalactic journey through stars, planets, and galaxies. The background of the game is a deep purple hue with twinkling stars scattered across it. The reels are framed in a sleek silver border, adding to the futuristic feel of the game. The symbols used in Starburst include colorful gems, sparkling diamonds, gold coins, and planetary icons. Each symbol has its own unique design, reflecting the theme’s emphasis on celestial bodies.
The user interface is intuitive, with clear buttons and menus for navigation. Players can adjust their bets using the "+/-" button or click on "Bet Level" to choose from a range of betting options. The spin button is placed prominently at the center of the screen, making it easy to initiate gameplay.
Symbols
Starburst features 5 types of symbols: low-paying and high-paying icons. The low-paying symbols are represented by the classic card suits (clubs, hearts, diamonds, and spades), while the high-paying symbols include various gemstones and a gold coin icon. These gems have distinct designs and colors, making them easily recognizable.
The wild symbol in Starburst is an expanding star that substitutes for all regular icons to create winning combinations. When a win occurs using this wild, it will expand to fill the entire reel, significantly boosting payouts.
Payouts
Starburst has relatively low payout rates compared to other slots on the market. The highest paying icon is the gold coin, which offers 250x the bet for five-of-a-kind wins. However, the base game does not offer substantial rewards, making it essential to trigger bonus features and free spins.
Wilds
The wild symbol in Starburst has a unique feature known as "expand-and-replace" functionality. When a win occurs using this wild, it expands to fill the entire reel, significantly boosting payouts. Additionally, if two or more expanded wild symbols appear on adjacent reels, they will retrigger free spins.
Scatters
The scatter symbol in Starburst is represented by the Starburst logo icon. Landing three or more scatters anywhere on the reels triggers 10 free spins. During this feature, players can win unlimited multiplier rewards up to a maximum of x16 times their total bet.
Bonus Features
Starburst has several bonus features that are triggered randomly during base gameplay:
- Wilds and Expands : Wild symbols have a chance to expand and fill the entire reel, creating substantial payouts.
- Free Spins : Three or more scatter icons trigger 10 free spins with potential for unlimited multipliers.
- Multipliers : When two or more expanded wild symbols appear on adjacent reels during free spins, they retrigger an additional 10 free spins with increased multiplier rewards.
RTP and Volatility
The Return to Player (RTP) rate of Starburst is set at around 96.09%, which falls within the standard range for most slots. NetEnt has reported that Starburst’s volatility level is medium, making it suitable for players who want a balance between frequency of wins and payout size.
Betting Range
Starburst offers an adjustable betting range to cater to diverse player preferences:
- Minimum bet: 0.01 units (varies by casino)
- Maximum bet: varies from $5-10 or more
- Max win potential: up to x25,000 the total stake
Players can adjust their stakes using the "+/-" button and choose between different betting levels.
Max Win
The maximum payout achievable in Starburst is set at 250x for five-of-a-kind wins on a single payline. With the max bet placed, players can potentially win up to x25,000 times their total stake during free spins with wild multipliers activated.
Gameplay
Gameplay in Starburst is straightforward and engaging:
- Players spin the reels by clicking the "Spin" button.
- The game uses an auto-play function for convenient continuous gameplay.
- An extensive help menu provides detailed information on rules, paytables, and bonus features.
Mobile Play
Starburst has been optimized for mobile play across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and phablets. Players can access the slot through their browser or by downloading it from casinos that support mobile gaming. The mobile version maintains an identical gameplay experience to its desktop counterpart.
Player Experience
The player experience with Starburst is consistently high among regular players:
- Users praise the game’s stunning graphics, which add a touch of magic to their online gaming sessions.
- Reviews highlight the engaging bonus features and the excitement that comes from potentially triggering unlimited multiplier rewards.
- Complaints focus on the limited payout potential during base gameplay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Starburst remains one of NetEnt’s most beloved slots for its visually stunning design, intuitive gameplay mechanics, and exciting bonus features. Players appreciate the medium volatility level and the possibility to trigger free spins with unlimited multipliers. With an RTP rate above 96% and a wide betting range, this slot offers something for every player, from casual gamers to serious high rollers. NetEnt’s attention to detail in crafting engaging gameplay experiences is evident throughout Starburst.
Analysis
While some players may be deterred by the relatively low payout rates during base play, they are well-compensated when bonus features and free spins activate. As an analysis of various slots has shown, the return on investment for regular gamblers who regularly play this game can reach 20-30%.
Despite Starburst’s release in 2012, it remains a prominent figure among online slot machines, maintaining its place as one of NetEnt’s flagship games due to continued innovation.