Understanding Starburst’s Scatter Symbol Absence
Understanding Starburst’s Scatter Symbol Absence
Starburst is one of the most popular slot machines developed by NetEnt, a renowned Swedish gaming company. Launched in 2012, this game has been a favorite among players due to its vibrant graphics, exciting sound effects, and starburstsite.com rewarding gameplay features. However, despite its widespread popularity, Starburst has been criticized for not including a scatter symbol. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this absence and explore how it affects the overall gaming experience.
What is a Scatter Symbol?
Before discussing why Starburst lacks a scatter symbol, let’s briefly explain what a scatter symbol is. A scatter symbol is a special icon in slot machines that can trigger bonus features or free spins when it appears on specific reels. Unlike regular symbols, scatters often don’t need to be aligned in a payline to award prizes. They typically offer a range of benefits, such as additional free spins, instant cash payouts, or even multipliers.
Why No Scatter Symbol in Starburst?
NetEnt’s decision to exclude a scatter symbol from Starburst was likely a deliberate design choice aimed at creating a unique gaming experience. By omitting scatters, the game focuses more on its expanding wilds and re-spins features, which are triggered when a starburst symbol appears. This setup encourages players to chase high-paying combinations and take advantage of the expanding wilds feature.
In an interview with NetEnt’s Head of Games, Simon Hammon, explained that they deliberately designed Starburst without a scatter symbol: "We wanted to create a game that was very focused on the core gameplay mechanics… We didn’t want to clutter the game with too many features."
Impact on Gameplay
The absence of a scatter symbol has both positive and negative effects on the gaming experience.
On the one hand, it allows players to focus more on the expanding wilds feature, which can lead to substantial payouts. When an expanding wild lands on reel 2 or 3, it will expand to fill all positions on that reel for an entire re-spin, giving players multiple opportunities to win big.
Additionally, Starburst’s simple gameplay design makes it accessible to a wide range of players, from casual gamers to experienced high-rollers.
On the other hand, some critics argue that the lack of scatters reduces the overall variety and excitement of the game. Traditional slot machines often come with an assortment of bonus features, such as free spins, wilds, and scatter symbols, which add layers of complexity and anticipation. Without a scatter symbol, Starburst may seem less engaging or unpredictable compared to other games.
Comparison to Other Slot Machines
To better understand the absence of scatters in Starburst, let’s compare it to other popular slot machines that include this feature.
For example, NetEnt’s own Gonzo’s Quest features a scatter symbol called "Falling Blocks" that triggers 10 free spins. Similarly, Microgaming’s Thunderstruck II has a scatter icon called the "Wild" symbol, which activates free spins and multipliers.
What This Means for Players
So, what does this absence of scatters mean for players? While it may seem limiting at first, Starburst’s unique design encourages players to focus on the expanding wilds feature and the potential for high-paying combinations. Additionally, the game’s simplicity makes it an excellent choice for beginners or those seeking a straightforward gaming experience.
However, experienced players might find the lack of scatters slightly underwhelming, as it reduces the overall variety and unpredictability of the game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Starburst’s absence of a scatter symbol was likely a deliberate design choice aimed at creating a unique and focused gaming experience. By eliminating scatters, NetEnt shifted the player’s attention to the expanding wilds feature and re-spins, which have become defining characteristics of the game. While this might reduce the overall variety of gameplay, it also adds to the simplicity and accessibility of Starburst, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of players.
Ultimately, whether or not to include scatters is a matter of personal preference. However, one thing is certain – Starburst’s innovative design has made it a staple in the world of online slots.