Stardust Slot Game Review
From the unknowns of outer space arrives a science-fiction based slot game from established software developers Microgaming. Stardust will take you on a visit around the galaxy in an attempt to win huge cash prizes while playing one of the many bonus features on offer. Fans of Starburst by NetEnt will see some similarities with this game as you aim to match gems and stars while spinning the reels. Older gamers will also appreciate the retro, almost 1980s feel to it and it sort of feels like you’re playing the Atari console from back in the day. Much like the universe, there are plenty of hidden secrets in this slot but – luckily for you – we’re here to expose them all. So take a read of our detailed review and get ready to explore the unknown!
Upon loading the game for the first time, you won’t be blown away by the graphics as Microgaming have purposely opted for a 1980s retro-style, arcade design that will definitely appeal to the older generation. The backdrop to the reels is a view of outer space where stars and planets are visible, and the symbols aren’t too imaginative as there are the usual card symbols and then four gems – orange, yellow, green and blue. There’s simple arcade type music that plays as the soundtrack and even though everything seems pretty basic, it will appeal to a lot of gamers who prefer their slots this way.
Stardust comprises of 5 reels and 40 paylines which cannot be altered. It seems that most software developers don’t even bother giving gamers the chance to lower these ways of winning as they’ve realised it’s only going to damage their chances of getting a big cash prize. This enables you to focus on the game itself instead of being distracted by loads of paylines, but still manages to provide plenty of action.
Players can bet from as little as 0.40p and as much as £400 per spin so there’s no doubt that this game is suited for everyone. Casual gamers won’t have to dig deep in order to find the minimum required to place a bet and high-rollers will be more than happy with the maximum limit. You can adjust you’re bet using the arrows either side of the amount and there’s even an Auto Play function if you prefer to sit back, relax and watch your money roll in.
This brings us nicely onto what prizes you can win while playing Stardust. As usual, the normal playing cards will act as the lower-paid symbols but then the four gems will pay their own prizes if you manage to match 3 or more. Look out for the red gem which will give you an incredible 750x your original stake for 5 on a payline, yellow will pay you 500x for 5 on a payline, green will give you 375x, and if you get 5 blues you will win 250x.
Bonus Features
Even though the base-game doesn’t give us the most amount of cash we have ever seen on a slot, Stardust make up for it in their bonus features which is the best chance of winning big prizes. You need to be looking out for the Stardust symbol which acts as the Wild and will substitute for every other symbol accept for the scatter – enabling you to enhance your winning combinations. The Galaxy symbol acts as the Scatter and this will be the key to all your bonus features which we will now discuss.
There is a meter on the right side of the reels and each time the Scatter lands on reel 3 it will collect gems from the other reels. There is only a maximum one per reel that can be collected but these are added to your meter and once it’s full you will receive a payout of at least 10 free spins, and up to 13. When you are using these free spins, there will be a 1024 payline structure in place so you can imagine the prizes that are going to be available here. As long as there is matching symbols from the left to right, you will be entitled to a payout!
If you manage to find a 3 symbol win during any of the free games, you will trigger the Radiant Respin feature. This gives you a second chance of getting a getting a 4 or 5 matching symbol winning combination. If you only get 4 matching symbols, reel 5 will spin once more. However, the free spins cannot be retriggered from within the round.
Slot Game Info
Software | Microgaming |
Paylines | 40 Paylines |
Wild Symbol | Stardust symbol |
Scatter Symbol | Galaxy symbol |
Min / Max bet | 0.40 / 400.00 |
Bonus Round | Free Spins Bonus Feature |
Free Spins | Yes |
Jackpot Feature | No |
RTP | 95% – 96% |