Starz Megaways

The game's design doesn't just stop at a high number of win ways; it enhances this potential with a both-ways-pays system. This single feature dramatically alters the rhythm of the game, turning potential near-misses from the right side of the screen into valuable combinations. The core attraction, however, lies in its dual-mode Wilds. In the base game, they expand to create full-reel opportunities, but it is during the Free Spins feature that their true power is unleashed, transforming into sticky, full-reel fixtures that are key to reaching the slot's 10,000x potential. This layering of mechanics makes the Starz Megaways game a compelling title for those seeking depth beyond a standard reel setup.

What Defines the Starz Megaways Gameplay?

The gameplay of the Starz Megaways slot is built on a foundation of three critical mechanics that work in concert: the Megaways engine, a both-ways-pays system, and expanding wild symbols. This combination ensures that the base game remains engaging while building anticipation for the main bonus feature. The variable number of symbols on each of the six reels, a hallmark of the Megaways system, creates a constantly changing game board where the number of active win ways can reach a maximum of 117,649.

The Megaways Engine Meets Both-Ways-Pays

The core of the slot Starz Megaways is its licensed Megaways engine from Big Time Gaming, which allows for two to seven symbols to land on each reel per spin. This dynamic setup is what creates the massive number of potential winning combinations. What sets this game apart is the addition of a both-ways-pays mechanic. Unlike most slots that only register wins from left to right, this game awards payouts for combinations of three or more matching symbols on adjacent reels starting from either the leftmost or the rightmost reel. This effectively doubles the potential for forming winning lines on any given spin and adds a layer of excitement as the final reels come to a stop.

How Do Expanding Wilds Work in the Base Game?

In the base game, the Wild symbol is the catalyst for creating larger wins. Represented by a multi-colored starburst icon, this symbol can appear on reels 2, 3, 4, and 5. Whenever a Wild symbol lands, it automatically expands vertically to fill the entire reel with Wilds. This transformation can turn a standard spin into a multi-line payout, especially when combined with the both-ways-pays system. A single expanding wild can connect symbols on both sides of the reels, creating combinations that would otherwise not be possible and serving as a preview of the power they hold in the Free Spins round.

Unlocking the Starz Megaways Free Spins Feature

The main event in the Starz Megaways slot is the Free Spins feature, where the game's mechanics converge to offer the highest win potential. Activation of this round shifts the gameplay from transient wins to building a powerful, persistent reel setup. The entire process, from triggering the feature to its execution, is designed to build suspense and reward patience. It’s here that the path to the 10,000x maximum win becomes clearest.

The Bonus Symbol Respin Trigger

To initiate the Free Spins round, you need to land three or more Bonus symbols, depicted as a fiery sun, anywhere on the reels. The game provides a helpful assistance mechanic here; when 3 or more Bonus symbols hit, they lock in place, and the remaining reels perform a respin. This gives you a chance to land additional Bonus symbols, thereby increasing the number of free spins awarded. The number of spins is directly tied to the quantity of symbols landed: 3 Bonus symbols award 6 free spins, 4 award 8, 5 award 10, and 6 award a maximum of 15 free spins. However, the feature cannot be retriggered once it begins.

Expanded Sticky Wilds: The Key to Big Wins

Once the Free Spins feature is active, the rules for Wild symbols are significantly enhanced. Just like in the base game, any Wild landing on reels 2 through 5 will expand to cover the entire reel. The game-changing element is that these expanded Wild reels become sticky, locking in place for the entire duration of the free spins round. Landing one or more expanding wilds early in the feature can lead to a sequence of substantial wins, as they substitute for all other symbols on multiple Megaways paylines, spin after spin. This mechanic is the central pillar of the Starz Megaways free play experience and the primary source of its high payout potential.

Visuals and Cosmic Atmosphere

Starz Megaways is a visually polished slot that firmly belongs in the Sci-fi slots category. The background depicts a deep space vista with swirling, colorful nebulae and a large, sun-scorched planet dominating the right side of the screen. The symbols themselves are a mix of glowing planets and brightly colored gems, reminiscent of other popular titles in the genre. The five lower-value symbols are planets with atomic rings, while the five higher-value symbols are precious stones, designed with sharp facets that catch the light. The overall aesthetic is clean and modern, with smooth animations and a fittingly atmospheric electronic soundtrack that enhances the feeling of a journey through space. This makes it a great example of a modern jewels-themed slot.

“With a slot of this high volatility, treat your balance like fuel for a long space journey. Don't burn it all on the launchpad. Lower your bet size to weather the empty space between big win constellations.”

— Vlad Hvalov's Expert Tip

Analyzing Starz Megaways RTP and Volatility

Understanding the mathematical model is crucial before playing. The Starz Megaways RTP is listed as 96.48%, which is a solid figure that sits comfortably above the industry average. This percentage represents the theoretical long-term payout of the game.

The Starz Megaways Volatility is rated as high. This means the game is designed to pay out less frequently on average, but the chance of hitting large wins in a shorter period is higher. Players may experience longer periods without significant payouts, but the bonus features, particularly the Free Spins round with sticky expanding wilds, are engineered to deliver substantial returns that compensate for the dry spells. This risk-reward profile is tailored for players who have the patience to wait for the game's powerful features to align.

Comparative Analysis: Starz Megaways vs. Other Cosmic Titles

To fully appreciate what Starz Megaways offers, it's useful to compare it with other prominent titles in the online slot universe. Its design and mechanics place it in direct conversation with some of the most popular games available.

A Megaways Showdown: Starz Megaways vs. Gates of Olympus

While both are high-volatility hits from Pragmatic Play, their core mechanics are fundamentally different. Starz Megaways uses the structured reel format of the Megaways engine combined with both-ways-pays and expanding wilds. In contrast, the Pragmatic Play Gates of Olympus 1000 slot operates on a Pay Anywhere system, where wins are formed by landing 8 or more matching symbols anywhere on the grid. Gates of Olympus also features tumbling reels and random multipliers, creating a more chaotic and unpredictable cascade of wins. Starz Megaways offers a more structured build-up of potential, focused on locking in wild reels for its climax.

The Obvious Parallel: Starz Megaways vs. Starburst

The most direct comparison is with NetEnt's legendary Starburst. Both slots share a cosmic theme, vibrant gem symbols, and a central expanding wild feature. However, that's where the similarities end. Starburst is a low-volatility slot known for its simplicity and frequent, smaller wins. Its core feature is an expanding wild that triggers a respin. The Starz Megaways slot takes that core concept and injects it with high-volatility Megaways mechanics, a much higher max win potential of 10,000x, and a dedicated free spins round where the expanding wilds become sticky. It can be seen as a spiritual successor or a supercharged alternative for players who love the original's aesthetic but crave more complex gameplay and higher stakes. Players looking for a more direct sequel experience might check out the NetEnt Starburst Galaxy game.

“Choosing between Starz Megaways and a classic like Starburst is like choosing between a fighter jet and a spaceship. Both fly, but one is built for quick dogfights and immediate action, while the other is engineered for epic, high-stakes interstellar voyages with greater potential rewards.”

— Vlad Hvalov's Expert Tip

Starz Sleuthing: Uncovering Game Details

Beyond the main features, a few interesting details about Starz Megaways are worth noting. These elements provide deeper insight into its design and place in the market.

First, the combination of the Megaways engine with a Both-Ways-Pays system is uncommon. Most Megaways titles stick to the standard left-to-right payout structure. By including both, Pragmatic Play significantly increased the functional value of the 117,649 ways to win. Second, the game explicitly notes on its loading screen that the Megaways mechanic is licensed from Big Time Gaming, a reminder of the collaborative innovation that drives the slot industry. Finally, the Bonus Symbol Respin is a subtle but impactful touch. It's a “second chance” mechanic that heightens the excitement of the trigger and improves the odds of starting the lucrative bonus round with more than the minimum number of spins.

Our Verdict on the Starz Megaways Slot

Starz Megaways is an excellent execution of a popular concept, elevated by powerful and layered mechanics. Pragmatic Play successfully blended the aesthetic of a classic space-gem slot with the high-octane potential of the Megaways engine, sticky wilds, and a both-ways-pays system. The high volatility demands a patient approach, but the reward potential during the Free Spins feature is substantial and makes the wait worthwhile.

While the inspiration from Starburst is clear, this game is far from a mere copy. It stands on its own as a complex and engaging title for players who appreciate high-risk, high-reward gameplay. The mechanics are well-balanced, with the base game's expanding wilds providing enough action to keep things interesting while you hunt for the game-changing bonus round. We recommend the Starz Megaways slot demo for anyone looking for a modern, feature-rich take on a timeless cosmic theme.