Starburst, developed by NetEnt, has earned its place as one of the most iconic and beloved slot games in the world of online gambling. Launched in 2012, it continues to captivate players with its simple yet rewarding gameplay, vivid graphics, and soothing soundtrack. In this review, we’ll explore everything that makes Starburst so special, from its features and bonuses to the mobile experience and its place in the history of online slots.
Starburst
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reels/Rows/Paylines | 5 reels, 3 rows, 10 fixed paylines |
| Pay Both Ways | Winning combinations are formed from leftmost or rightmost reels, doubling payout opportunities. |
| Min/Max Bet | $0.10 to $100 per spin |
| Adjustable Bet Levels | Level: 1-10; Coin Value: 0.01 to 1.00 |
| RTP Range | Default: 96.09%; Adjustable: 90.05% to 99.06% |
| Hit Frequency | 22.6% at the highest RTP setting (approximately 1 win every 4.42 spins) |
| Volatility | Low/Medium – frequent smaller wins |
| Max Win | 500x bet per spin or re-spin |
| Symbols and Payouts | BAR (5x = 25x bet); Lucky Red 7 (5x = 12x bet); Yellow Gem (5x = 6x bet), others scale lower. |
| Starburst Wild | Expands on reels 2, 3, 4, locks, and triggers up to 3 re-spins. |
| Autoplay Feature | Available in some regions (10-1,000 spins with advanced stop settings). |
| Max Payout Example | Full screen BAR symbols + Starburst Wilds = 500x total bet |
| Developer | NetEnt |
| Release Year | 2012 |
| Graphics/Theme | Space-themed, retro arcade vibe with HD graphics and glowing jewels. |
| Bonus Features | No Scatter or Bonus symbols; Starburst Wilds only. |
| Casino Welcome Offers | Free spins on Starburst are often part of welcome bonuses. |
| Compatibility | Optimized for desktop, mobile, and tablet gameplay. |
| Demo Availability | Can be played for free in demo mode. |
| Popularity | One of the most iconic slots worldwide, featured in countless casino promotions. |
| Ideal Player | Suits casual players seeking a low-risk, visually appealing gaming experience. |
What Makes Starburst Stand Out?
Starburst’s appeal lies in its simplicity. While modern slots are often packed with complicated features and high volatility, Starburst offers something different. This slot is a low-volatility game, which means players can expect frequent, smaller wins, making it ideal for players who prefer steady action without the risk of large losses. The Win Both Ways feature also adds a unique twist by allowing winning combinations to form from both the left and right sides of the reels.
For players who prefer games with high payout frequencies, Starburst delivers with a hit frequency rate of 22.6%, meaning a win occurs, on average, once every 4.42 spins. The max win of 500x the bet per spin is generous, and while it’s not as massive as some other slots, it remains appealing for casual players who want consistent payouts.
Symbols and Payouts
The Starburst slot boasts a classic selection of symbols, including vibrant jewels and the iconic BAR and lucky 7s. Here’s a breakdown of the payouts:
Symbol Payouts:
- Purple Jewel: 3, 4, or 5 = 0.5x, 1x, or 2.5x bet
- Orange Jewel: 3, 4, or 5 = 0.7x, 1.5x, or 4x bet
- Green Jewel: 3, 4, or 5 = 0.8x, 2x, or 5x bet
- Yellow Jewel: 3, 4, or 5 = 1x, 2.5x, or 6x bet
- Lucky Red 7: 3, 4, or 5 = 2.5x, 6x, or 12x bet
- BAR: 3, 4, or 5 = 5x, 20x, or 25x bet
When you fill all reel positions with BAR symbols, the maximum payout is 500x the total bet.
Win Both Ways Mechanism
One of Starburst’s key features is the Win Both Ways mechanic, which doubles the potential ways to win. Whether your winning combination lines up from left to right or right to left, you’ll still earn a payout. This essentially doubles the chances of hitting a win and increases the overall payout potential.
Starburst Features: Wilds and Re-Spins
Starburst’s single feature is the Starburst Wild. This rainbow-colored wild symbol can appear on reels 2, 3, or 4, and when it lands, it expands to cover the entire reel, triggering a re-spin. During the re-spin, the expanded wild remains locked in place, increasing the chances of landing additional winning combinations.
How the Wild Feature Works:
- Landing the Starburst Wild: It expands across the entire reel, turning it into a wild reel.
- Re-spin: The remaining reels will re-spin while the wild reel stays locked.
- Stacking Wilds: If another Starburst Wild lands, the process repeats, allowing up to 3 re-spins in a row.
This feature significantly increases the chances of landing big wins, as the wild symbols help form winning combinations on the other reels.
Starburst Mobile Version
One of the reasons Starburst remains a favorite among players is its mobile compatibility. Thanks to HTML5 technology, Starburst is fully optimized for mobile devices, offering the same high-quality experience on smartphones and tablets as on desktop computers. The game features a 5×3 grid, making it perfect for smaller screens, and the layout remains clear and intuitive.
Starburst Mobile Experience
- Available for both Android and iOS devices
- Optimized for a smooth gaming experience, ensuring no lag or delay
- Simple 5×3 reel structure that works perfectly on smaller screens
- High-quality graphics and engaging sound effects
The mobile version of Starburst is just as visually appealing and user-friendly as the desktop version, making it a great option for playing on the go.
Why You Should Try Starburst
1. Low Volatility
Starburst is a perfect choice for players who prefer smaller, more frequent wins. The game’s low volatility ensures that bankrolls are less likely to suffer major losses, making it ideal for those looking for consistent action.
2. High RTP
With an RTP of 96.09%, Starburst offers a payout rate that’s slightly above the average for online slots. This means players can expect a fair return on their wagers over time.
3. Win Both Ways
The unique Win Both Ways feature doubles your chances of landing winning combinations, which makes for a much more dynamic and exciting gameplay experience.
4. Simple, Yet Rewarding Gameplay
With its easy-to-understand mechanics and generous wild feature, Starburst provides an engaging experience that’s accessible for both beginners and seasoned players alike.
5. Accessible Across Devices
Whether you’re playing on desktop, tablet, or mobile, Starburst’s optimized design ensures a seamless experience across all platforms.
6. A Trusted Brand
Developed by NetEnt, one of the most reputable names in the online casino industry, Starburst comes with the assurance of fair play and top-notch security.
Playing Starburst: Demo or Real Money?
If you’re new to Starburst or simply want to try the game without risking any real money, you can easily play the demo version. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the game mechanics, paylines, and features without any financial commitment.
Alternatively, if you’re ready to play for real money, you can wager anywhere from $0.10 to $100 per spin, making it suitable for both casual players and high rollers.
How to Play Starburst for Free:
- Choose a reputable online casino that offers a demo version of Starburst.
- Select Starburst from the games list.
- Choose the demo mode, and you can start spinning without using real money.
How to Play Starburst for Real Money:
- Register at an online casino that offers Starburst.
- Deposit funds into your account.
- Select your bet size, ranging from $0.10 to $100.
- Spin the reels and enjoy the game for real money!
Casino Bonuses for Starburst
To get the most out of your Starburst experience, take advantage of the various casino bonuses available. Here are some great offers you can use to boost your bankroll and enjoy the game even more:
- Melbet: Bonus Code: VIVABONO. Up to $1750 Bonus + 290 Free Spins for online casino slots.
- 1xSlots: Bonus Code: VIVABONO. First deposit bonus up to $450 + 100 free spins.
- Welcome Package: Up to $2150 + 550 Free Spins over the first four deposits.
These bonuses can provide you with additional spins and larger playing budgets, giving you more chances to win on Starburst.
Conclusion
Starburst has rightfully earned its status as one of the most iconic online slots of all time. Its blend of simple gameplay, exciting features, and appealing visuals ensures it remains a fan favorite for players worldwide. Whether you prefer to play for free in demo mode or spin for real money, Starburst offers a timeless gaming experience that keeps players coming back for more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the RTP of Starburst?
The RTP of Starburst is 96.09%, which is slightly above average for online slots.
2. How do I trigger the Starburst Wild feature?
The Starburst Wild feature is triggered when a Starburst Wild symbol lands on reels 2, 3, or 4. It expands and triggers a re-spin.
3. Can I play Starburst on mobile?
Yes, Starburst is fully optimized for mobile play on both Android and iOS devices.
4. What is the maximum win on Starburst?
The maximum win on Starburst is 500x your bet per spin or re-spin.
5. How do I play Starburst for free?
You can play Starburst for free in demo mode at many online casinos. Just choose the demo option to start playing without using real money.