This XXXtreme version of NetEnt’s legendary Starburst slot machine is a major update. While keeping the same popular cosmic concept, the sequel takes the already extreme volatility and potential wins to new heights.
This high-volatility slot machine has nine pay lines and a familiar 5-reel, 3-row design. With an average RTP of 96.26-96.45%, returning players and newcomers alike will have plenty of opportunities to win big!
To help you decide if Starburst XXXtreme is a game you want to dive into, we’ll give you a rundown of all the game’s essential elements.
Starburst XXXtreme Slot Review
Regardless of your experience level, Starburst XXXtreme promises to be an unforgettable social gaming experience. Here’s everything you need to know about the Starburst XXXtreme Slot Machine
Theme and Visual Experience
Starburst XXXtreme remains true to its roots, maintaining the beloved space-themed aesthetics of its predecessor. Here, you will find the same cosmic background and gemstone symbols that made the original a fan favorite. The visual upgrade is subtle, and the game retains NetEnt’s signature polished look with crisp graphics and smooth animations.
The symbols include the classic array of colorful gems, with the premium Bar and Seven symbols making a return. During features, the background transforms into a hyperdrive-like effect, adding to the intensity of the experience.
The ambient soundtrack and stellar effects create an immersive atmosphere that perfectly complements the gameplay, with satisfying sound effects accompanying each win and feature trigger.
Game Features and Mechanics
Unlike many modern slots that separate base game and bonus features, Starburst XXXtreme keeps all its excitement in the main game. The star attraction is the Starburst Wilds system, which appears exclusively on reels 2, 3, and 4. When these wilds land, they expand to cover entire reels and trigger respins with the expanded wilds locked in place.
The addition of multipliers ranging from x2 to x150, which can combine across numerous wilds for potentially enormous wins, is what separates this version from the original. With combinations of multipliers and wilds players can expect truly massive payouts.
The paytable features familiar symbols, with the Bar and Seven symbols offering the highest payouts at 50x and 20x stake, respectively, for five of a kind. While these values might seem modest, remember that they can be amplified significantly by the wild multipliers. The removal of the pay-both-ways mechanic from the original means wins only count from left to right, but the increased win potential balances this through multipliers.
Random Wilds and Extra Features
The Random Wilds feature adds to the excitement, which can trigger spontaneously randomly after every pin. This feature adds between one and three Starburst Wilds to the middle reels, each carrying its own multipliers. When multiple wilds appear, their multipliers are added, creating the potential for massive combined multipliers. The combination of expanding wilds, respins, and multipliers creates an engaging base game that keeps players on the edge of their seats.
XXXtreme Spins Feature
The game’s namesake feature, XXXtreme Spins, offers players a high-risk, high-reward option. Players can choose between two guaranteed wild options: one guaranteed wild at 10 times the base stake or two guaranteed wilds at 95 times the stake. While these options are expensive, they significantly increase the chances of hitting substantial wins through the wild multiplier combinations. The RTP slightly increases when using XXXtreme Spins, rising to 96.40% with one guaranteed wild and 96.46% with two guaranteed wilds, though the high cost means careful bankroll management is essential.
Gameplay Experience
The game feels familiar and fresh, though some notable changes might surprise returning players. The removal of the pay-both-ways mechanics and reduction to 9 pay lines might seem like downgrades.
Still, these adjustments are more than compensated for by the massive multiplier potential and expanded feature set. The game can deliver up to an astounding 200,000x stake, though such wins are understandably rare given the high volatility.
The autoplay function offers extensive customization options, allowing players to set loss limits, single win limits, and various other stopping conditions. The interface is clean and intuitive, with all important information readily accessible, including the current bet size, balance, and win amount. Players can also activate turbo spin mode for faster gameplay if desired.
Overall Experience: 4.5/5
Starburst XXXtreme successfully modernizes the classic formula for today’s high-volatility slot market. While it might not appeal to fans who enjoyed the gentle pace of the original, it offers an exciting experience for players seeking massive win potential. The game proves that NetEnt can adapt its classics for the modern era without losing the core appeal that made it popular.
The high volatility and expensive XXXtreme Spins feature mean this isn’t a game for casual players or those seeking steady, frequent wins. However, for players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay and don’t mind longer stretches between wins, Starburst XXXtreme delivers an engaging experience with the potential for truly astronomical payouts.