Starburst

Starburst is one of NetEnt’s most famous slots, and it rose to stardom soon after it was launched back in 2012. It’s a timeless classic that remains as relevant and fun today, as it was when it was first released. Starburst is among the most popular slots you’ll find online, and not seldom it’s the assigned slot for free spins promos and welcome offer free spins.

The simplicity of Starburst is part of the genius of this magnificent game, and it all plays out on 5 reels with 10 paylines (both ways win). The sweet hint of nostalgia from the old arcade halls is ever-present, but never overwhelming. There is too much going on for that, and even though there is really only one bonus function, you never feel like you’re missing out on anything while playing.

The main attraction and the sparkling jewel of this game is, without a doubt, the Starburst™ Wilds function. Even though this is a low variance game, you can still win big, if lady fortune is smiling at you. Starburst is a fast paced, sparkling fun and dazzling ride, and you’ll keep returning for more again and again.

Starburst RTP, variance & technical data

Before we delve deeper into the fun stuff, we want to present you with a brief overview of Starburst’s technical details:

• RTP: 96.1 %
• Volatility/Variance: Low
• Layout: 5×3
• Paylines: 10 (win both ways)
• Bonus features: Respin Wild, Respins, Expanding Wilds or Wild Rush
• Bets: 0.01 to 100
• Max wins (coins): 50 000

Starburst has an RTP of 96.1%, which is about as average as they come. Most slots out there have an RTP around 96%. RTP stands for “Return to Player”, which is a theoretical number indicating how much a given slot will payout in the long run. The house edge of Starburst is therefore 100% minus 96.1%, which equals 3.9%.

The low variance, or volatility, of this game, means that your bankroll will not suffer big fluctuations when you’re playing Starburst. Low volatility means that you can expect to win many smaller payouts frequently, which is a good thing if you’re looking to play out a bonus, or just want to have tons of fun without risking too much.

Starburst Review

Starburst has long since proven it’s timeless status as one of the most well-known and popular slots online. NetEnt really hit the nail on the head with this one, and it’s just something about the sparkling jewels and the lighthearted music that gets you in a good mood when playing this thing.

The low volatility limits your losses, while you still have the opportunity to win big. Combined with the above, it’s no wonder people can’t get enough of this slot. The secret sauce of success could be that this game just simply makes you feel good inside while playing, and it does so without relying on all sorts of special effects and fancy features. It’s just plain old honest fun, through and through.

The vibrant colors, fast pace and arcade nostalgia helps too, of course. You can stake as little as 10p playing this game, and the maximum bet is £100 per spin. You can win both ways, which is always exciting, and the expanding Starburst wilds will dazzle your senses like the rest of the game. This game is a true demonstration of how simplicity can trump almost anything, when done right, and NetEnt have done most everything right with this little gem.

Starburst bonus features

As mentioned, this is not the typical NetEnt game packed with tons of fancy special effects and bonus features. In truth, Starburst only has one bonus feature, which makes it stick out just the more. We shall take a look at it here.

Expanding Sticky Wilds Re-spin

Starburst is known far and wide for its expanding wild feature. The wilds can appear on any of the 3 middle reels, and they will then expand to cover the entire reel, and remain sticky for up to 3 re-spins. The expanding wild feature is not only fun, it can also give you gigantic wins.

The rest of the reels, not covered by a Starburst expanding wild, will re-spin, and you now have the chance to land yet another expanding sticky wild, which will give you an additional re-spin. The feature comes to an end when no more Starburst Wilds appear during the re-spin.

Starburst free spins

Starburst does not have a dedicated free spins feature, but the Starburst Wild feature gives you re-spins with sticky expanding wilds, which is kind of similar, at least. Most casinos offer free spin promos on Starburst quite often, and you’ll find recommended casinos for Starburst at the very bottom of this review.

Starburst jackpot (max win)

There is no progressive, or local jackpot, on Starburst, but that does not mean you cannot win big on this game. The max win is 50 000 coins, which is pretty good for a low variance slot. The key to the big win is the Starburst expanding wilds feature described in detail above. If you can manage to land 3 expanding wilds, the payouts can be massive.

Starburst mobile & tablet

Starburst is available on any mobile platform, and you can play while on the go using a smartphone or tablet of any kind. Whether you prefer Google’s Android or Apple’s iOS, it does not matter. You can play with iPhone, iPad and any other mobile unit you want. This way you never have to be bored while waiting for friends at the pub, or while riding on public transport. Let other people stare out the window, while you are busy with the next big win.

SlotCatalog verdict

There can only be one Starburst, and competitors can come up with whatever copycat they want, they will never succeed in dethroning this beauty. Starburst is way bigger than the sum of its parts, and there is something magical over it that cannot really be defined, or put into words.

The amount of positive and reinforcing feedback you get from this slot when you play, is massive to say the least. Every little win almost feels like you’ve taken down a massive jackpot. This might be part of the success, but it cannot fully explain the paradoxical enigma that is Starburst. The mystery is part of the attraction, just like the secret ingredient in Coca Cola.

Every spin is fun, even if nothing much happens, and that cannot be said about too many slots out there. The dazzling expanding Starburst Wilds takes the game to a new level - a hidden plateau where huge wins are suddenly possible on a low variance slot. There is always excitement in the air, and you’ll never get tired of this simple game, just as it will never get tired of you.

Pros

• Magical atmosphere
• Low variance
• Potentially huge wins
• Timeless appeal
• Starburst expanding wilds

Cons

• No free spin feature