Stardust
Launched in December 2015 the Stardust video slot by games developer Microgaming is described by them as a game with a retro arcade feel. It definitely seems like an online slot with a science fiction theme as you appear to be playing the game in outer space. It has some similarities to a couple of NetEnt slots being Neon Staxx and Sparks and runs off the same game engine as their own Halloween themed slot Peek-a-Boo.
Stardust by Microgaming is a 5-reel slot with 40 fixed pay lines. The game includes some unique features compared to most other Microgaming slots. These include having the number of winning possibilities jump from 40 up to 1,024 when you activate the free spins bonus round. The base game uses stacked wild symbols that can become super-stacked during the free spins mode. The Stardust video slot offers a top jackpot prize of £100,000.
How to play the StarDust Video Slot
Loading up the game will initially present you with a splash screen detailing the unique features within both the base game and the free spins bonus round. Just click the continue button to load up the game reels. The backdrop is a purple coloured deep space scene and the background of the reels is transparent. The symbols are all brightly coloured and stand out well against the purple.
The symbols used include some standard card symbols which are 10, J, Q, K and A which is in keeping with the majority of Microgaming slots. You then have 4 different gemstones as symbols and the Stardust logo as the stacked wild symbol during the base game and then super stacked during the bonus round.
You also have a swirling galaxy of stars as a symbol that has a special function when it appears on reel 3 during the base game. This special feature will see the Galaxy symbol collecting up to one gem per reel. Collecting 10 or more gems in the Stardust meter will activate the free spins bonus round. The number of gemstones you accumulate will dictate how many free spins are awarded, up to 13 free spins. Also during the bonus round, reels 4 and 5 can trigger the Radiant Respins feature and re-spin to increase your winnings.
You will need to set up the game before you blast off into space. With the ‘Bet’ button located at the bottom of the screen you can adjust the coin size from 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p and 25p. You can also set how many coins you bet per line from 1 up to 10. Adjusting both of these settings allows you to play from as little as 40p up to a maximum of £100 per spin.
To begin playing Stardust you just need to select the rectangular button in the bottom right corner marked ‘Spin’. Use the ‘Auto Play’ button at the bottom of the game screen to spin the reels automatically. You can manually set the number of spins from 5 up to 100 or use the preset buttons for 10, 25, 50 or 100 automated spins.
The base game is run of the mill and devoid of any real excitement. Although you can get an occasional win of a decent size thanks to matches from the wild symbol. However, you are really playing towards the free spins feature which is where you can win big. You need the Galaxy symbol to land on the central reel and start collecting one gemstone from each other reel where they are present. You will then see the Stardust meter to the right start to fill up.
You need to collect at least 10 gems to initiate the free spins feature. Whilst your Stardust meter is filling up you will see a starting ‘win’ shown at the bottom. When the free spins are activated you will automatically receive this initial amount of cash. The excitement builds when you are close to filling your Stardust meter and the minimum cash prize is right in front of you. This gives you a real sense of playing towards something, adding depth to the game.
Between 10 and 13 free spins will be awarded in the bonus round. Super-stacked wilds come into play on reels 4 and 5 to make bigger wins possible. The free spins game is played with 1,024 ways to win instead of standard bet lines. Additionally, reels 4 and 5 can turn into the Radiant Respin feature at random and spin again. The respins do not affect your remaining free spins. Once your free spins are complete you will return to the base game with 40 pay lines.
StarDust Video Slot Tips
There is a button on the right labelled ‘Pays’. This opens up 5 information screens that detail coin payout levels for various symbol combinations and bet line mappings. It’s a good idea to review these screens before you play.
If you are new to playing slots, then you might want to try Stardust video slot out for free at one of our recommended online casinos. This will give you a feel for the game and what to expect, without costing you a penny. You can switch to real cash play at any time. You can play the Stardust slot for free at Betbright Casino.
Is StarDust the right video slot for you?
Stardust Slot has a theoretical RTP (return to player) of 96.59%. This gives the casino a house edge of 3.41%. Initially, we tested the game over 100 spins at a cost of £1.20 per spin and the game played fairly well with the longest dry spell being 11 spins without a win. The game is a medium variance game but did at times feel more like a medium to high variance game, especially with trying to fill the Stardust meter.
After playing 52 more rounds we did get the meter full. The wait was worthwhile though, as with the help of 1,024 winning combinations and the Radiant Respin feature you can win so much more. This game would suit players looking to earn some big wins while extending gameplay time and making good use of any free casino bonus.
