Starburst Slot
| Software | NetEnt |
|---|---|
| Type of Slot | Video slot |
| Theme | Featured , gems , number 7 , stars |
| RTP | 96.10% |
| Volatility | Low |
| Reels | 5 |
| Paylines | 10 |
| Scatter Symbols | No |
| Bonus Rounds | Yes |
| Free Spins Bonus Rounds | No |
| Wild Symbols | Yes |
| Maximum wager (per line) | 10 |
| Maximum Jackpot | 2500 |
| Progressive Jackpot | No |
| Practice Play Version Available? | No |
| Autoplay | Yes |
Starburst is a very popular NetEnt slot; some don’t appreciate it. Why?
Well, it has been said that overall, the game is very simple, and the hype over its release wasn’t justified. It’s not your typical NetEnt slot, not all singing and all dancing as we’ve come to expect, but then, is that such a bad thing? Well, it’s down to personal preference, of course. And some will love the simplicity, and some will not.
Starburst is one of NetEnt’s most iconic slot games, released back in 2012. Despite being over a decade old, it continues to be incredibly popular due to its simple yet captivating gameplay. With its vibrant, space-themed visuals and smooth animations, Starburst delivers a classic slot experience with a modern twist.
About Starburst
Starburst is played on 5 reels with 10 paylines. Gems, bars, and number sevens feature in the game with nothing ‘starry’ on display, as you would assume, and they would be splattered everywhere. You can win pretty big while playing this slot; it’s a two-way slot, meaning you can grab a fair amount of winnings.
Key Features
- RTP: Starburst has a solid 96.09% Return to Player (RTP), making it attractive for players looking for decent returns over time.
- Volatility: This is a low-volatility slot, which means it tends to pay out smaller but more frequent wins, ideal for casual players or those who prefer steadier gameplay without high-risk stakes
- Layout: The game features a standard 5×3 reel setup with 10 paylines, but what makes Starburst unique is that it pays both ways, increasing the potential for landing winning combinations
- Max Win: The maximum win is 500x your stake, which, while not the largest jackpot by today’s standards, still makes it appealing for a game of its volatility
Special Features
- Expanding Wilds: Starburst’s most famous feature is its Expanding Wilds, which appear on reels 2, 3, and 4. When these wilds land, they expand to cover the entire reel and trigger a free re-spin, potentially leading to multiple wins in a row
Starburst is undoubtedly NetEnt’s shining star. It remains as relevant today as it was after its release in 2012, often being the slot assigned to many online casinos welcome bonuses, free spins, and promotions.
NetEnt chose to run with a timeless classic, Starburst, a simple slot with outstanding gameplay. In terms of design, Starburst combines a classic slot with modern graphics with a nod to the nostalgic past of the pub fruit machine.
The slot will suit pretty much all players. Although not packed with features, you don’t feel you’re missing out, as the game is exceptionally innovative, fast-paced, and unique, delivering the ultimate gaming experience.
NetEnt not only hit the nail on the head in terms of design the soundtrack adds plenty of atmosphere when spinning the reels. Although the slot has low volatility, plenty of opportunities exist to win big.
RTP and Volatility
Starburst is low variance, but don’t let this put you off. It packs a punch where the bigger wins are concerned. Although the wins will come much more frequently, they won’t be as big as the highly volatile slots.
RTP is an average of 96%. The advantage here is that you will create more wins without risking large amounts.
Starburst Gameplay and Features
Stakes range between 10p up to £100 per spin. The win-both-ways option is a bonus, and the expanding wilds pack a punch as you play the game. Although simplistic in design and features, NetEnt made all the right decisions with Starburst.
If you are familiar with NetEnt slots, you would expect to see a host of bonus features. This is not the case with Starburst, in truth, there’s only one feature, however, it provides plenty of excitement on every spin.
Starburst is famous for its expanding wild features. When a wild symbol lands on one of the three middle reels, it expands to create a fully wild reel and remains sticky for 3 respins, known as the Wild Bonus Feature. Each additional wild awards an extra respin. The more respins you win the more lucrative the feature becomes.
Although Starburst does not provide free spins, the Starburst Wild Bonus feature more than makes up for this. Along with the expanding wilds, the respins, like free spins, can be extremely rewarding.
What do we think of Starburst?
On first impression, Starburst is a tad underwhelming in design and features. However, after playing the game, I was surprised at how immersive the overall gaming experience was. Don’t let the low volatility put you off; it does pay decent prizes.
Even in 2024, Starburst remains a go-to slot for many online casinos, often featured in welcome bonus offers or free spins promotions. Its low volatility and simple, engaging gameplay continue to attract both new and experienced players. No significant changes have been made to the game itself in 2024, but its presence in many online casino promotions ensures it stays relevant. Many players enjoy Starburst as a “comfort game,” something they return to when looking for a straightforward yet enjoyable slot experience.
Starburst stands the test of time by offering dazzling visuals, exciting gameplay, and a solid RTP that keeps players coming back year after year. If you’re new to online slots or simply looking for something tried and true, Starburst is still a top choice.
Bejeweled Game Comparison
Starburst is often compared to Bejeweled because both games have that gem-filled, colourful vibe that’s super easy on the eyes. In Bejeweled, the goal is to match shiny jewels in a grid, and in Starburst, it’s all about lining up those bright gem symbols on the reels to win. Both give off that satisfying feeling when the gems align and you get that burst of excitement.
The graphics in Starburst are just as vivid and dazzling, with jewels like rubies, sapphires, and emeralds flashing on the screen. It’s simple but keeps you hooked, much like Bejeweled does. Plus, the way Starburst’s Expanding Wilds trigger re-spins feels like a special bonus, almost like pulling off a big combo in Bejeweled. Both games give that same satisfying thrill, but Starburst ups the stakes by adding the potential for cash wins.
Additional Starburst Slots
After almost a decade of stealing the limelight, Starburst became a series of slots after NetEnt decided to add two new additions to the Starburst Enigma in 2021. Starburst fans were waiting with bated breath for the release of these two new versions of NetEnt’s most popular game.
Slingo Starburst
If you are not familiar with Slingo, let’s take a second to explain what it’s all about. Slingo is a single or multi-player game combining elements from both slots and a 75-ball bingo game.
Slingo Starburst was a new game released by NetEnt in 2021. Each game of Slingo Starburst lasts ten spins; the grid is marked off like a bingo card after each matching number is drawn. During the game, you can also draw extra spins and wilds.
If a player draws three slingos on a spin they are taken to the original Starburst slot grid where the number of slingos drawn determines your bet spin. This means the more slingos you have, the higher up the pay symbol table you climb and the more lucrative your win will be.
Starburst XXXTreme
Also released in 2021 was Starburst XXXTreme, which is a different gaming experience from the original Starburst slot but with few familiarities. It is a highly volatile slot with a higher RTP of 96.26%. The top prize is a staggering 200,000x the bet, which comes with the help of multiplier wilds between 2x and 150x.
One of the most significant differences is how you form a win. Gone are the pay both ways. You can only form a win from left to right.
Another addition is the XXXTreme spins; these cost between 10 and 95x with one or two wilds guaranteed. If you are a risk-taker who enjoys high roller slots, the Starburst Xtreme version is more suitable; however, if you are a more casual player, the original Starburst slot would be preferable.
Many casinos in our list of new slot sites features Starburst.
