| Updated: October 2, 2024Software studio NetEnt has an enduring tradition of creating slick-looking slots and its 2012 release Starburst serves as the perfect example. This legendary game gives off arcade vibes, combining classic symbols with detailed graphics and electrifying sound effects. It plays over 5 reels with 3 rows and offers 10 adjustable paylines alongside a couple of extra features including expanding wilds.
Paytable and Payouts
Despite its arcade feel, Starburst is a visually impressive slot which uses sparkling jewels of different colors as symbols. The game has a classic feel to it as it also incorporates bars and lucky sevens for its top payers.
Unfortunately, the payouts these icons yield are not all that impressive. The maximum you can extract from the highest paying symbol amounts to 250x the line bet for five bars. The same number of lucky sevens on a payline gives you 120x your line bet. The dazzling jewel symbols are of lower value prize-wise.
Five of a kind with the yellow jewel awards a payout of 60x the line bet. The green and red symbols can yield as many as 50x and 40x the amount staked per activated line. The blue and purple precious stones share the same winning potential. Each of these rewards you with 25x your line bet for five matches.
The developers have compensated for this disappointing paytable with winning lines that pay in both directions. It is irrelevant whether the identical symbols align from left to right or from right to left, either way, you earn something as long as you hit at least three matches.
Extra Features and Symbols of Interest
Starburst may not appear as impressive in an age where reel spinners have grown accustomed to enjoying tons of extra features. The game lacks in this department as it offers neither bonus games nor free spins.
Here you have one wild symbol represented by a colorful star, whose main purpose is that of substitution. This beautifully crafted icon subs for other symbols but it can make an appearance only on the second, third, and fourth reels, which takes away from its usefulness.
The star symbol also expands on the reels and powers a free re-spin. Your chances of winning big are significantly improved when the stars expand to cover all three reels in the middle. You can get as many as 3 re-spins.
Recap
With a fixed jackpot of 50,000 coins for the taking, Starburst is certainly deserving of any self-respecting spinner’s attention. The game enjoys the status of an absolute classic in the NetEnt canon and has aged incredibly well, retaining its massive popularity throughout the years following its release.