Slot Overview: Starburst by NetEnt
NetEnt's dazzling creation, Starburst, has always been at the forefront of slot gaming around the world. This review will aim to be a comprehensive expert investigation into Starburst, covering the fundamentals such as word on its mechanics, aesthetics, and gameplay experience.
In this review we’ll look at what the stats say, the bonus rounds and mobile compatibility before providing an unbiased assessment to aid both new and experienced players in finding out if this glitzy slot is for them. This is not just a factual review – this is the opinion of several writers who have spent hours playing – and researching – what Starburst has to offer.
Starburst isn't as popular without a reason; it comes with a blend of simple but immersive gameplay and bold colors. Being a game from NetEnt, the leading software developer in the iGaming industry, Starburst leverages on the former’s presence and expertise in offering quality and creative games.
NetEnt has been amazing in maintaining the quality of their games over the years, and Starburst is a good testament to that. The fact that it has stood the test of time says a lot and is proof that it draws in players with its simple premise, offering casual fun and the chance to win big.
This review will peel apart what makes Starburst so different, but also accept the limitations that it has when compared to modern slots that are more complex.
The purpose of this review is to give those players who might be interested in playing Starburst all the necessary information that they need to make an educated decision.
We’ll focus on real play-features of the game – like its RTP, volatility, and max win potential. What’s more, we’ll talk you through the features of this game including those iconic Starburst Wilds and how they can make your play even more special.
In the end, we’ll talk about how well the slot performs on mobile devices and see if it can stand up to other slots which have become hits in casinos today.
Starburst Details, RTP, Payout & Volatility
Before we get into the game play its important to know the key stats of a slot. Starburst has an RTP of 96.09% - that’s pretty much average as far as online slots go!
This number is the theoretical average payout percentage from all stakes ever wagered on a slot over a time, theoretically players will get this smallest amount back over time. But always bear in mind that RTP is an average over thousands of games and your own net result in a single session can vary greatly.
Volatility is another component as well to consider. Starburst is a medium volatility slot, so you will get wins fairly often (compared to high variance slots), although these will usually be low.
This is what makes Starburst particularly attractive to those who enjoy more frequent, smaller pay outs rather than long periods with no reward followed by a very big hit. Players accustomed to high-variance slots may find Starburst tame, but for beginners the game is less daunting.
The highest win is recorded for each payline. This may not sound as impressive as some contemporary slots with potential wins in the thousands of times per bet, but it is a good sum, especially given that this game has a medium variance.
The smaller max win here also supports the higher hit frequency of this game. And it’s that balance, where you eschew the big jackpot in favor of steadier returns.
Starburst tends to come with a broad bet range, ranging from 0.10 up to 100 per spin (as is the case for most currencies). This makes it accessible for everyone irrespective of how much you have set aside to play with, whether that’s a low bankroll or the most amount of money possible.
The range of betting is a good one for casual players and those that like to gamble on the higher side too.
The slot is designed with the classic 5x3 reel layout and it offers 10 paylines which pay both ways – from left to right and right to left.
This all ways pays feature essentially provides twice as many ways to win on every single spin. This double pay payout structure has a lot to do with win frequency in Starburst, which makes it more fun and rewarding.
The majority of the share market to which Starburst belongs only pays from left to right, so this is where it has a distinct Hand.
Starburst is a forgiving slot with low-med variance, bidirectional payout and a good RTP too.
And although it doesn’t have the same heart-racing rush of competing for a life-changing jackpot, it can deliver on more practical levels with regular wins and less volatility for players who favour that.
It maintains a nice balance, appealing to both beginners and veterans.
Theme, Audio & Symbols
Starburst's galactic adventure, featuring shimmering gems and bold colors, has a deceptively simplistic theme. Visuals are classic arcade with a modern flair, including shining gem symbols in different shapes and colors, classic lucky 7’s and BARs. The color scheme, with purples, blues, and yellows, looks very good and keeps things engaging.
The sound design is also a wonder. The fast cosmic music goes perfectly with the theme of the game. When a winning line appears, the music picks up, and the screen fills with flashing lights and noise, making it thrilling. Sound effects are nice and clear, lending to an overall immersive experience.
The design of the symbols is especially notable, with every gem delicately cut with high-quality details and good gloss. Even the lucky number 7 and BAR symbols have been given a futuristic makeover to match the space theme. A video capture showcases the symbols looking amazing even on a tiny screen.
Animations in Starburst are slick, and the game feels overall polished. When a winning line-up is formed, the symbols animate and pulse with life, giving an eye-catching visual appeal. The Starburst Wild symbol is an animated gem that takes an entire reel to re-spin, giving players a higher chance for a big win.
The game's straightforwardness is part of what makes it successful. Unlike many modern slots packed with features, Starburst does the opposite. This makes it moreish visually and means there’s nothing to distract players from the underlying gameplay.
The presentation looks smooth, polished, and steers away from feeling confused or overwhelming, as some modern slots can. All is rounded off by the complete immersive package of sights, sounds, and business with which Starburst has been constructed. The theme is well implemented, and a lot of care has been taken on every detail.
It might not be the most elaborate slot in terms of appearances, but Starburst is a timeless classic. It keeps things simple and straightforward, yet remains immensely fun to play.
Bonus Features
Of course the main feature of Starburst is the Starburst Wilds. This multi-coloured, vivid star can spin in on the second, third and fourth reels. Upon landing, it expands to fill the entire reel turning it wild before triggering a respin.
This is where the Starburst magic happens and can result in several respins with potential for big wins. The Starburst Wild is munbutchery in its purest form. After the Wild grows, it will become sticky and stay on the reels for a respin.
If another Starburst Wilds appear during a re-spin, it expands and holds in place together with any previously expanded Starburst Wilds for another re- spin. The feature can continue and all three middle reels will be wild, so you have the chance of a great win. I discovered that the respins did activate quite frequently during my testing, inject a bit of excitement to every spin.
I certainly had a blast as soon as the Starburst Wild was activated and lit up the screen for some really good potential wins. The all ways pays system also enhances the Starburst Wild feature which is a good one to kick. Since the paylines go both ways, one full reel wild in the center of the screen can form paying combos from either side: left to right or right to left.
This means each respin has the potential to pay out twice! Unlike most of the modern online slots, it does not have a typical free spin round or an intricate bonus game. Bonus Features The main, and pretty much only bonus feature here is called Starburst Wilds.
If it’s simplistic to the point that you don’t care for it, then so be it — that paves the way for what makes Arkanoid simple and accessible.- nugget_PACKENTIAL_ENTRIES_FORCE_PERCENT_GAME_FACTOR / arccos(percent))));:* Some might perceive this as a negative quality, but really contributes to making this game simplistic and readily accessible (which I believe is its main strength).
It doesn't have the intricate bonus games found elsewhere on slot machines, but is arguably more exciting and quicker to play. No bonus buy feature, which is not available in this game allows you to buy entry into a bonus round instead of needing to land the symbols on the reels.
Starburst is 100% controlled by the natural flow of the game as this Starburst Wild feature is activated at random. That makes players have to wait and hope Im Hot! comes into play. Although bonus purchases are prevalent in today’s slots, they’re missing here and that adds to the old-school style of Starburst.
It's impossible to overstate how the Starburst Wild feature affects gameplay. That’s the heart and soul of the game, offering the biggest potential for excitement and lucrative score-making. Although there are no other complicated bonus features in the game, the Starburst Wild is so well-executed and is triggered frequently enough that playing Starburst is a pretty constant source of active and interesting gameplay!
The excitement of that Starburst Wild landing is why so many people come back and play again, and don’t we do the same.
Mobile Experience
In a mobile-first world, a consistent experience in mobile gaming is key. Starburst is completely mobile optimized, maintaining stunning visuals and a full range of functionality similar to the desktop version.
NetEnt is also heavily mobile-friendly and all of their games are easy to play on mobile devices, including iOS and Android.
Starburst mobile slot features
Touch is a must in Starburst pokies game for mobile.
If you download the Starburst app and start playing, the buttons are big and easy to tap. The interface is clean and unencumbered.
The game works flawlessly across varying device sizes and resolutions. Whether you're playing on an S4 or 5s or at a Nexus 7 screen size or even larger, it's crisp and clear.
The load times on mobile are impressively fast. The game comes up fast, even on slower Internet connections and lets you jump right in without annoying load times.
This is key for mobile players, who may have only short periods of time to concentrate.
I tested Starburst on both Android and iOS, and performance was solid across the board. We had no issues while playing the game, there was no lagging or bugs either during the base game or in the times of high activity with multiple Starburst Wilds.
Touch controls were responsive too, which is always a plus when you’re trying to quickly change bet sizes and tap spin buttons.
One of the downside is that on smaller screens its hard at times to fully admire the work done by symbol designers. NetEnt, however, has made a great job of adapting the visuals for mobile.
It doesn’t seem distractingly blurred even on smaller screens. All told the mobile edition of Starburst stays true to its big brother and is very well implemented.
Starburst on mobile is a great example of an old slot being converted for use on hand held phones. It is simple but engaging, and colored with bright appealing graphics that transfer perfectly to the handheld screen.
It’s a pleasure to play on-the-move. Starburst is at your fingertips no matter where you are or need to go, on the street, train, or tube—or simply in a coffee shop.
Pros & Cons
The allure of Starburst lies in its simplicity, radiant graphics, and the exciting Starburst Wild feature. It's easy to pick up, visually appealing, and offers regular payouts.
With medium volatility, it's a forgiving game suitable for both beginners and experienced players. Expanding Starburst Wilds and the "all ways pays" mechanic provide ample opportunities for wins.
However, Starburst's simplicity can be a disadvantage for players seeking more intricate gameplay. The lack of a traditional free spins bonus or second screen bonus might disappoint some.
Its 500x total stake maximum win is relatively low compared to other slot games. This can be a turn off for those seeking significant rewards.
Starburst stands out among NetEnt slots for its simplicity and accessibility. While NetEnt offers more complex slots like Gonzo's Quest or Dead or Alive 2, Starburst appeals to players wanting simplicity.
Its sleek and inviting design makes it a perfect choice for new players. It provides a smooth transition into the realm of online slot games.
Starburst shares similarities with games like Sweet Bonanza, particularly in its use of bright colors and fun gameplay. However, Sweet Bonanza is more volatile and offers different bonuses.
Sweet Bonanza offers free spins and tumbling reels, which Starburst lacks. Starburst consistently delivers steady results.
The absence of growing multipliers or jackpots can lead to repetitiveness. The Starburst Wild feature, although impressive, might not be enough to retain players' attention for extended periods.
The straightforwardness, while initially cool, can become boring for those who enjoy strategy. Players might look for other more challenging and compelling games.
Ultimately, Starburst's appeal depends on personal preference. If you seek an easy-to-play slot with frequent payouts and lower risks, Starburst is a great choice.
However, if you prefer challenging games, higher variance, and the potential for substantial rewards, Starburst may not be exceptional. It has it's place, but isn't for everyone.
Our Verdict
Starburst is a timeless classic for a reason. It's easy to learn, fun to play, and full of color and wins. This slot has been a favorite for experienced and beginning players alike.
It might not have the depth of modern games, but it's accessible and fun. The Starburst Wilds is the main attraction, giving it fun and glamour.
It’s optimal for novices relatively new to slots. Simple rules and comfortable gameplay make it easy to study.
Moderately high volatility adjusts the model for players of average level. The visual and audio aspects are colourful and lively, so a casual gamer should feel right at home.
Seasoned players might enjoy Starburst for its ease-of-play. It lacks janky bonus rounds.
It may not be as exciting as hunting a giant jackpot, but great for small wins and reduced risk. It’s an excellent choice for relaxation without confusing features.
High-volatility chasers might find “Starburst” a bit wanting. Because the game is of medium variance and comes with a rather low max win, it may not appeal to those chasing progressive jackpots.
Such players might want to check out more volatile slots with greater potential payouts. Overall Starburst is a balanced slot which can entertain all types of player.
Its lasting popularity speaks for the quality and design. It may not be the most advanced slot game, but it’s a solid option players keep returning to.
For players looking for a straightforward, visually stimulating and lucrative slot game, Starburst is definitely worth one's interests. The brilliance of Starburst is that it’s simple.
It's not an easy game to master, but it is a hell of a lot of fun for players of all ability levels. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a high-roller or a newbie, Starburst is definitely one to look at.
Its fantastic traditional style and thrilling gameplay have brought it the hearts of slot gamers across the globe. NetEnt's Starburst is definitely one of the jewels in the internet slots collection.
With its wonderful graphics and the exciting Starburst Wilds it’s not hard to see why this game continues to be one of the players’ favourites. If what you’re after is a slot that has simplicity and excitement in one, then it’s worth testing your luck with Starburst.
This slot has become a classic in the world of online slots and it keeps getting its deserved popularity throughout the years.
Play Responsibly
Finally, gambling must always be done responsibly and within one's own financial means. Online slots, such as Starburst, are meant to be played for fun, not money.
It is important to have limits, both in time and money spent gambling, and to stick closely to those limits. Never chase losses and always be aware of the risks.
Gambling can be addictive, and you need to know the warning signs of problem gambling and how to help others who may have a problem.
Online gambling is illegal for minors (aged 18 or the legal age in your jurisdiction). Underage gambling is illegal and can result in serious penalties.
Do not gamble if you are under the minimum legal age.
If you or someone you know has a problem related to gambling, assistance and referrals are available. Resources such as the National Council on Problem Gambling (www. ncpgambling. org) and Gamblers Anonymous (www. gamblersanonymous. org) provide support, counseling, and resources.
These resources are for those with a problem as well as their family members. Keep in mind that help is available, and it’s never too late to ask for it.
You can find information about the odds of winning scratch-card games and online slots. The RTP of Starburst isn't too bad at 96.09%, although you must bear in mind this is average, and it can vary.
You should only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose and never use borrowed funds to play. It’s a matter of not gambling to get money, but instead having money for the purpose of being able to gamble.
At most online casinos, there are self-exclusion programs. These programs permit you to voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling at a specific casino or group of casinos.
It is often a useful device to help people who are having trouble with their gambling activity. By acting to control your gambling, you are being responsible and ensuring that it is a fun and enjoyable experience.
Finally, remember to gamble responsibly. Recognize the risks, set limits, and get support if you need it.
We want to ensure that gambling is never associated with financial problems, stress, or isolation. By adhering to these tips, you can feel confident of experiencing the thrill of online slots such as Starburst, while reducing the risks attached to betting.