Cosmic Gems • Both Ways Wins • Expanding Wilds
Wins pay from left-to-right AND right-to-left on the same spin. Each payline evaluates both directions, with only the highest win from both ways counted per line.
Multicolored Starburst Wild appears on reels 2, 3, and 4. When landed, it expands to cover the entire reel and triggers a re-spin with the wild locked in place.
Each new wild during re-spins expands and remains locked, triggering another re-spin. Up to 3 wilds can appear for a maximum of 3 consecutive re-spins.
Golden metallic BAR with glossy three-dimensional finish
Red-orange gradient 7 in blue crystalline frame
Brilliant-cut diamond in golden yellow with sparkles
Hexagonal cube gem in lime green translucent finish
Six-sided flat gem in fiery orange-red amber tones
Cubic gem in cyan-blue with ice-crystal appearance
Four-pointed diamond in amethyst violet with internal glow
5 vertical spinning reels with 3 rows creating 15 total symbol positions. 10 fixed paylines always active with patterns including straight lines, V-shapes, W-shapes, M-shapes, and zigzag configurations.
Total Bet = Bet Level × 10 paylines × Coin Value. Bet level ranges 1-200 coins per line. Coin value adjustable from 0.01 to 10.00. Minimum bet: 0.10, Maximum bet: 20,000.00 per spin.
Win in Coins = Paytable Multiplier × Bet Level. Win in Currency = Win in Coins × Coin Value. Example: 5 BAR at level 1 with coin 10.00 = 250 × 1 × 10.00 = 2,500.00.
Theoretical Return to Player
Starburst revolutionized slot mechanics with its both-ways-wins system in 2012 and remains NetEnt's flagship title. Unlike traditional left-to-right slots, every payline evaluates wins in both directions simultaneously, effectively doubling win opportunities. The catch: only the highest win from both directions counts per line, preventing double-payment exploitation.
The expanding wild mechanic focuses on center reels (2, 3, 4) exclusively, creating strategic anticipation. When a Starburst Wild lands, it doesn't just substitute—it expands to consume the entire reel and locks in place while other reels re-spin at the original bet. This differs from free spins features; you're technically paying for each re-spin, but with a guaranteed expanded wild already in position.
The maximum scenario involves three consecutive wilds landing on reels 2, 3, and 4 across three re-spins, creating a massive wild block covering 9 of 15 positions. With both-ways wins active, this setup generates multiple simultaneous winning combinations across all 10 paylines. The 50,000 coin maximum win requires maximum bet level (200) with five-of-a-kind BAR symbols on multiple paylines during a triple-wild scenario.
Medium volatility with 96.09% RTP means relatively frequent small-to-medium wins rather than rare massive payouts. The lack of scatter symbols or traditional free spins keeps gameplay straightforward—no complex bonus rounds to trigger. Win frequency increases during wild re-spins since the expanded wild substitutes across three entire rows, but each re-spin still requires a new bet.
The cosmic gem theme uses distinct geometric shapes (hexagons, cubes, diamonds) color-coded for accessibility. Unlike many modern slots cluttered with features, Starburst focuses on one core mechanic executed flawlessly: expanding wilds with re-spins in a both-ways-wins format. This simplicity contributed to its status as an industry benchmark and preferred demo game for new players.
Fixed paylines eliminate bet line selection, simplifying the interface. The control panel uses bright lime green for active functions and gold-bordered displays for bet information. Autoplay supports advanced loss limits and win thresholds, crucial for responsible bankroll management during extended sessions. Quick spin toggle available for experienced players wanting faster reel resolution.