The Starburst slot machine is a highly acclaimed online casino game developed by NetEnt. Released in 2012, it has become one of the most popular and enduring slots of all time. This review aims to provide Starburst at your fingertips on starburst-site an exhaustive analysis of the game’s various aspects, including its theme, design, symbols, payouts, wilds, scatters, bonus features, free spins, RTP, volatility, betting range, max win, gameplay, mobile play, player experience, overall analysis, and more.
Theme and Design
Starburst is a classic slot machine that embodies the essence of astronomy. The game’s theme revolves around stars, constellations, and celestial bodies. As soon as you launch the game, you’re transported to a stunning night sky with vibrant colors and swirling patterns. The reels are set against a dark blue background, illuminated by twinkling stars and glowing nebulae. The symbols include seven-color gems, star-shaped icons, and other astronomical elements that perfectly complement the theme.
The design is minimalistic yet striking, creating an immersive atmosphere that keeps players engaged for hours on end. NetEnt’s attention to detail has resulted in a visually appealing game that would put even the most experienced slot designers to shame.
Symbols
Starburst features an assortment of colorful and diverse symbols, each with its unique role in the game:
- Seven-color gems: These high-paying symbols come in different colors (red, blue, yellow, green, orange, indigo, violet) and can reward players with substantial payouts.
- Star-shaped icons: Representing the stars themselves, these icons are used to trigger various bonuses and features throughout the game.
- Other astronomical elements: Symbols such as comets, meteors, planets, and asteroids add a sense of realism to the game’s design.
Payouts
When it comes to payouts, Starburst is relatively conservative, with modest paytable values compared to other slot machines. However, this restraint allows for more frequent wins, making up for lower returns per spin.
The seven-color gem symbols offer the highest rewards:
- 7x wager on a line: The most valuable combination yields a win of 1,000 times your bet.
- Other symbol payouts range from 5-30 times your wager.
Keep in mind that Starburst’s payout structure is designed for maximum entertainment value rather than exceptional returns. Moderate wins are the norm, making it suitable for players seeking frequent, low-stakes fun.
Wilds
The Wild icon in Starburst is represented by a blue star with an explosion effect. When triggered, this explosive expansion increases your chances of hitting additional wins:
- Expanding Wild: When two or more identical symbols land next to each other (horizontally), they transform into expanding wilds that will cover the entire reel.
- Cluster Pays: New winning combinations can be formed by adding new stars when a cluster is already present.
Scatters
No scatter symbol exists in Starburst, which might seem unusual given its bonus features. However, this allows NetEnt to implement more sophisticated game mechanics without unnecessary distractions:
- In-place wins trigger the ‘Starburst Feature.’
Bonus Features and Free Spins
The main attraction of Starburst lies in its two significant bonus features, along with an innovative free spins system.
- Sticky Wilds: Whenever a star symbol (Wild) appears on either the second or outer reels, it becomes sticky. These remain static for multiple consecutive spins.
- Win Re-Spins: This occurs when three adjacent stars of any color appear in a single spin. The re-spins allow players to collect additional wins using the sticky wilds.
Free Spins:
- The ‘Starburst Feature’ is triggered by landing 3 or more Star symbols on an active payline, awarding 8-18 free spins (dependent upon initial triggers).
- Win Multipliers: A multiplier grows with each spin within this bonus round. Players can win up to 64 times their wager in free spins.
RTP and Volatility
Starburst’s RTP is set at a relatively modest rate:
- Return To Player: NetEnt estimates an average return of approximately 96.09%. This means, for every $100 invested, you should expect around $96 back as winnings.
- Volatility Level: Medium-Low – Starburst offers more frequent, smaller wins rather than infrequent but massive jackpots.
Betting Range and Max Win
The minimum bet in Starburst is 0.10€ (or its equivalent currency), allowing for various stakes across the board:
- Bet Range: €0.1 – €100
- Maximum payout per spin: 12,300 times your total bet
Players can select one of five fixed paylines or choose to play with All Ways on an active line basis.
Gameplay
Starburst features a traditional slot machine experience with no intricate storyline. Players simply spin the reels and watch as combinations form in sync with the astronomical theme:
- Autoplay mode: Available for up to 1000 consecutive spins
- Fast Play: Activates faster animations and reduced loading times
The game’s speed is smooth, ensuring an enjoyable experience even on older hardware or slower internet connections.
Mobile Play
As a responsive design slot machine, Starburst can be played seamlessly across various devices:
- Compatible browsers include Chrome (Windows), Safari (Mac), Edge (Windows)
- Mobile versions available for Android and iOS platforms via dedicated apps
The game loads promptly in most cases, though some mobile devices may experience minor delays due to the vast display.
Player Experience
Starburst offers a clean design with responsive animations. Despite limited sound options, players will appreciate its minimalist music and ambient space effects that further enhance gameplay atmosphere:
- Low-key sounds: Provides an immersive environment without overpowering game play
- Graphics rendering is smooth even at 60 FPS
Overall analysis reveals Starburst to be a charming online slot that offers numerous small rewards within short intervals. The Wild symbol feature provides thrilling moments, especially during the Starburst Feature.
This medium-low volatility and above-average RTP will keep players engaged with its simplicity and consistent wins. For those looking for classic entertainment value without significant returns or unique features, NetEnt’s timeless design will captivate you completely.