Information
Pragmatic Play pokies are renowned for delivering high-quality in-game experiences that appeal to pokie players of all levels. Set within a standard six-reel set up, Starz Megaways offers a base level of 324 ways to win, which increases markedly to ultimately deliver 117,649 ways to win when the grid is totally maxed out. The only bonus features on offer here are free spins and wilds, but the wilds expand and will consistently become sticky during the free spins rounds. Let’s take a closer look at what Starz Megaways has to offer.
Theme, graphics & soundtrack
Starz Megaways immediately transports players into deep space, with a sweeping skyscape dotted with shimmering stars and an intensely glowing sun. Meteors and asteroids will frequently drift past the reels and it is these small details that create the immersive atmosphere this development team is known for.
The soundtrack is an upbeat, almost disco-inspired number, which nods to the 1970s whilst managing to perfectly complement the futuristic theme. One thing is for certain - this is quite a long way from falling into the trap of ‘just another classic pokie’.
The game’s symbols have been well-designed and rendered in a bright, bold colour palette that ensures they stand out amongst the stars on the semi-transparent reels. From glowing planets to glistening jewels and starburst wilds, no detail has been overlooked in this latest excellent addition to the Pragmatic Play catalogue.
Starz Megaways RTP & volatility
Starz Megaways is a high volatility online pokie with an expected RTP (return to player) of 96.48 per cent. As with all high volatility pokies, the journey to the stars won’t always be easy; however, the game’s healthy RTP is above average and will be welcomed by most players.
How to play Starz Megaways
1. Clicking the ‘i’ icon in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen will reveal more information about the game, the bonus features on offer, and the paytable. Players can also customise their in-game settings.
2. Players can easily adjust their in-play bet using the - and + toggle buttons located in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. Your selected bet will be displayed below the reels.
3. When you are happy with your stake, it is time to start spinning by clicking the circular arrow button. Starz Megaways also benefits from an autoplay feature that allows players to sit back and watch the game unfold for a set number of spins, which can be adjusted in the game’s menu.
Bet sizes & paytable wins
Starz Megaways has a minimum bet of 0.2 and a maximum bet of 100. This impressive variation means this is a versatile pokie that can adapt to a range of different playing styles. Starz Megaways benefits from a selection of unique symbols, each of which carries its own value. The atoms and planets rendered in a variety of colours sit at the lower end of the paytable, with the precious gems making up the higher value section of the paytable. Players matching six of the same precious gem symbols across active pay reels will unlock prizes worth between 1.2x and 5x the in-play stake. Notably, six of a kind matches will be paid twice: once for running left to right, and again for running right to left.
Starz Megaways bonus features
Starburst wild
Taking the form of an exploding star, the game’s wild symbol can substitute for all other symbols aside from the bonus sun. Wilds will only appear on reels two, three, four and five but can help players to unlock even more winning combinations. Whenever the wild lands on an active reel in the base game, it will expand vertically to fill the entire reel with symbols of an equal size.
Free spins sun
Taking the form of a glowing sun, the game’s bonus symbol has the ability to unlock the free spins round:
- 3 x bonus sun = 6 free spins
- 4 x bonus sun = 8 free spins
- 5 x bonus sun = 10 free spins
- 6 x bonus sun = 15 free spins
When three or more bonus sun symbols appear on the reels during the base game, they will remain fixed in place while a free respin is triggered. This allows players to hit more bonus suns and unlock even more free spins. During the free spins round, all wilds that land on the screen will expand vertically; additionally, all expanded wilds will remain sticky and stay in place until the end of the free spins round.
Our verdict
Despite not having the most generous paytable and being relatively light on bonus features, Starz Megaways delivers a solid in-game experience that is certain to appeal to many pokie players. The visually engaging theme adds to the excitement, while the seamless graphics keep things feeling fresh.
If you enjoyed Starz Megaways and are keen to explore other pokies with a similar theme, we recommend playing Net Entertainment’s Starburst pokie online.