7 Jul 2025
When it comes to online slot games, few have achieved the success of NetEnt’s Starburst. Released in 2012, it has since brought excitement to players of modern casinos all around the world. It offers great visuals and straightforward gameplay, but does it deserve its reputation among slot games, or is it overrated?
NetEnt’s Starburst is one of the most popular slot games in the worldfor good reason. But what makes this slot deserving of its title, and why do many players think the game is overrated? Find out as we dive into the following points:
- Starburst: Game Overview
- Gameplay and Bonus Features
- Theme and Visuals
- Mobile Compatibility
- Player Reception
The House will Always have the Edge. Players should Never try to recover losses by gambling more. The outcome of the games is always entirely based on luck.
Starburst: Game Overview
Starburst is set in a huge vast area in outer space, where stars and other celestial bodies may be seen. The game is played on 5 reels with 3 rows each. There are 10 paylines that pay both ways — a feature that was unique at the time of its launch.
Each spin of the reels brings various gems and other classic slot symbols. These are accompanied by some special symbols which may trigger the game’s bonus features.
Gameplay and Bonus Features
As you enter this slot game, the welcome screen introduces you to Starburst’s main features: its special wilds and the win-both-ways paylines. The reels of this popular casino game are transparent, with the backdrop a serene view of space, which causes the game’s symbols to stand out.
Starburst Bonus Features
- Wild Substitution with Expanding Wilds
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- The special Star Wilds may only appear on the three middle reels.
- When these appear, they can expand to fill their reels. This may trigger additional symbol combinations, though outcomes are random.
- Wild Re-Spins
- A free re-spin is awarded whenever a Wild appears on the reels.
- The triggering Wild will be held in place during the spin, giving you a chance to land more Wilds for more re-spins.
- Up to a maximum of three consecutive re-spins may occur.
Theme and Visuals
Among the first things players will appreciate in the Starburst online slot game is its stunning visual design. The graphics here are crisp and colourful, which bring players an immersive space-themed experience that is futuristic and yet, nostalgic at the same time.
The visuals of the game are accompanied by its ambient soundtrack and fitting sound effects, which enhance your overall gaming experience.
Mobile Compatibility
In this day and age, mobile compatibility is a must for slot games. Starburst does not disappoint in this category. The game is fully optimised for mobile gameplay for playing in trusted casino websites, retaining the sharp graphics and smooth gameplay.
Whether you’re using an Android or iOS device, you can enjoy Starburst anywhere without sacrificing game quality.
Player Reception
Starburst’s popularity speaks volumes about its appeal. Various players appreciate the game’s clean design and smooth gameplay. It includes randomly triggered features that some players find engaging.
From AskGamblers.com:
Quoted user review from AskGamblers.com
“One of the most innovative and stunning video slots ever released by NetEnt Software.” - User Review from AskGamblers.com
YouTube Video Review of Starburst from Spin Mates AU
Video review available on Spin Mates AU’s YouTube channel (for educational reference only).
Will You Be Spinning the Reels?
Our research team has found that the appeal of Starburst is clear, especially if you prefer straightforward gameplay and a visually pleasing experience. This NetEnt slot game is a great example of a space-themed slot done right.
However, if you’re looking for more complex features, you may want to try its variations, such as Starburst Galaxy or Slingo Starburst. These versions are available from UKGC-licensed operators such as Genting Casino.
The House will Always have the Edge. Players should Never try to recover losses by gambling more. The outcome of the games is always entirely based on luck.
