Venture into the Cosmos with Starz Megaways
Pragmatic Play’s Starz Megaways offers players a thrilling journey to the outer reaches of space, and it’s their second title to use the renowned Megaways engine. While it may seem obvious that the game draws heavy inspiration from NetEnt’s classic Starburst, it raises the question—was this a strategic move to ride the coattails of an immensely popular slot, or is it simply a case of friendly rivalry between the two? Whatever the reasoning, Starz Megaways invites players to explore a cosmic slot full of potential wins, making it worth checking out.
A Cosmic Adventure in a Retro Package
Starz Megaways immerses players in a visually striking cosmic environment. The transparent grid sits against the backdrop of a glowing sun and stars, with asteroids and meteors floating by, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The game is not just about visuals; the soundtrack offers a bass-heavy, disco tune that echoes from a distant moon, blending futuristic vibes with a retro 70s twist. If you listen closely, you may even hear a sound reminiscent of the Masters of the Universe cartoon—extra points if you spot it!
With this unique retro-futuristic approach, Starz Megaways presents a wild intergalactic experience, one that even Star Trek’s Spock and Kirk might have enjoyed, although Spock would likely approach the game with more logic than emotion.
Megaways Engine: A Familiar Yet Dynamic Structure
The structure of Starz Megaways follows the typical format seen in other Megaways slots. It features 6 reels, each of which can display between 2 and 7 symbols, with the number of ways to win fluctuating with each spin. At its best, players can unlock up to a massive 117,649 ways to win. This dynamic system ensures that each spin is filled with excitement, offering players plenty of opportunities to score big.
However, unlike many other Megaways slots, Pragmatic Play opted not to include the cascading feature. This may be a letdown for some Megaways enthusiasts, but the game still offers exciting opportunities, with wins available for symbol combinations both from left to right and right to left. The frequency of triggering the free spins feature more than makes up for the lack of cascading wins, providing players with additional chances to win.
High Volatility and Balanced RTP
As with many of Pragmatic Play’s titles, Starz Megaways comes with a high volatility rating of 5 out of 5 lightning bolts. This means that players should expect a bit of turbulence on their space adventure, with frequent swings in their bankroll. Fortunately, the game offers a solid default RTP of 96.48%, though it’s important to note that RTP may vary depending on where you play due to flexible RTP settings.
For players accustomed to the thrills of high volatility games like Great Rhino Megaways, Starz Megaways will offer a similar level of excitement, though the volatile nature may lead to periods of frustration for those on a losing streak. Keep in mind, patience is key when playing such a game, especially with swerte99 guiding you toward a steady strategy.
Symbol Values and Wild Features
To secure a win in Starz Megaways, players need at least three matching symbols on a payline, but with six matching symbols, the rewards are doubled. The lower-value symbols consist of six planet/atom icons in various colors and shapes, while the precious gems—pink, blue, red, purple, and green—are worth between 1.2 to 5 times your stake for six matching symbols.
One of the standout features of Starz Megaways is the wild symbol, represented by the red and yellow bursting star. This wild symbol appears on reels 2, 3, 4,swerte99 and 5, expanding vertically to cover the entire reel when it lands. This helps in forming more winning combinations, especially during the base game and bonus rounds. The wild is an excellent tool for boosting your chances of scoring big.
The Free Spins Feature: A Cosmic Delight
The fiery bonus symbol is another key element in Starz Megaways. When 3 or more of these symbols land on the grid, the Free Spins feature is triggered, awarding players 6, 8, 10, or 15 free spins, depending on the number of symbols that land. During these free spins, the wild symbol still expands but becomes sticky, remaining locked in place for the entire feature. swerte99 This can be especially useful in building bigger wins, particularly as the wilds remain on the reels for the entire bonus round.
While the game lacks the ability to retrigger free spins, the frequency with which the bonus feature triggers more than compensates for this drawback, offering players the potential for multiple bonus rounds in quick succession. This helps maintain interest and excitement, ensuring that players have plenty of opportunities to hit big payouts. The frequent free spins in Starz Megaways make it a game worth exploring, especially for fans of high-volatility slots like swerte99.
Starz Megaways vs. Starburst: A Clear Inspiration
It’s undeniable that Starz Megaways takes much of its inspiration from NetEnt’s Starburst, with its similar layout and bright, cosmic theme. However, Starz Megaways adds an extra layer of depth with its dynamic Megaways engine and exciting features like the expanding wilds and the sticky wilds during the free spins. It’s not a direct copy, but it’s clear that the similarities to swerte99 Starburst were intentional.
If you’re a fan of Starburst and are looking for something with a bit more complexity, Starz Megaways is the perfect option. The game’s frequent bonus rounds and the possibility of unlocking up to 117,649 ways to win provide an added layer of excitement, even for those who are familiar swerte99 with the classic Starburst experience.
Frequent Bonus Rounds Keep Things Engaging
During our testing, it became evident that Starz Megaways has one of the most generous bonus features in Pragmatic Play’s slot library. Players are more likely than not to trigger the free spins within a few spins of completing the previous bonus round. This constant flow of bonus rounds is a refreshing change, particularly for players accustomed to games with more sporadic bonus triggers.
While the payout from these free spins may not always be life-changing, the fact that the bonus rounds trigger so often helps maintain a steady bankroll. This is especially beneficial in a high-volatility game where patience can be tested. With swerte99 strategies in mind, keeping track of your free spins can help you optimize your gameplay and increase your chances of hitting a big win.
The Final Verdict: Worth a Spin for Starburst Fans
Starz Megaways may have drawn inspiration from Starburst, but it’s far from a mere copycat. With its exciting features, dynamic Megaways structure, and frequent bonus rounds, the game offers a fresh take on the space-themed slot genre. While the lack of cascading wins might disappoint some, the frequent free spins and the expanding wilds more than make up for it.
For players looking for a game with a Starburst-like vibe but with a twist, swerte99 Starz Megaways is definitely worth a spin. Just be prepared for the high volatility and keep an eye out for the frequent bonus rounds that could take you to new heights.
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