Starz Megaways (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Starz Megaways: Slot Overview 

Pragmatic Play takes players on a celestial journey with Starz Megaways, their second Megaways-powered release. This online slot is a clear nod to the cosmic theme popularized by other iconic slots, and it brings its own unique spin to the genre. Set against a spacey backdrop adorned with asteroids, planets, and shimmering stars, Starz Megaways is an aesthetically pleasing slot designed for high-energy gameplay. 

The slot features 6 reels and up to 117,649 ways to win, thanks to its Megaways engine. With a high volatility rating and an RTP of 96.48%, Starz Megaways offers frequent opportunities for excitement. Pragmatic Play has included flexible betting options ranging from €0.20 to €100 per spin, making it appealing to both casual players and high rollers. The game’s standout feature is its free spins round, where sticky expanding wilds take center stage. 

Design and Graphics 

The visuals in Starz Megaways are a captivating mix of retro-futuristic elements and high-definition graphics. The reels float in a galactic expanse, where colorful nebulas and shimmering stars form the backdrop. The design team has put a lot of effort into creating a universe that feels alive, with glowing celestial bodies subtly moving across the screen. The game grid itself is bordered by golden accents, adding an extra touch of luxury. The symbols are a mix of space-themed gems and cosmic elements. High-paying symbols include vibrant precious stones in red, purple, green, and blue hues, while lower-paying symbols consist of planets in various colors. The wild symbol, represented by a blazing sun, is especially striking and plays a pivotal role in the game’s mechanics. 

Gameplay Mechanics 

At its core, Starz Megaways follows the standard Megaways format, where each reel can hold between 2 and 7 symbols. This variability means the number of paylines changes with every spin, reaching up to an impressive 117,649 ways to win when fully expanded. Wins are formed by matching symbols from left to right on adjacent reels, and payouts are calculated dynamically based on the number of matching symbols. 

One thing missing from Starz Megaways is the cascading reels mechanic, a common feature in many Megaways slots. Instead, Pragmatic Play has chosen to keep the gameplay straightforward, focusing on traditional spin mechanics and the excitement of wilds and free spins. 

Sound and Music 

The soundtrack of Starz Megaways is a retro-inspired symphony of electronic beats, perfectly complementing its space-age theme. The music feels like something out of a classic sci-fi movie, immersing players in the interstellar adventure. Sound effects add another layer of engagement, with soft chimes signaling wins and dramatic tones accompanying the appearance of wilds and scatters. Together, the audio elements create an atmosphere that is both relaxing and energizing. 

Bonus Features 

Expanding Wilds 

The wild symbol in Starz Megaways is represented by a blazing sun. When this symbol lands on reels 2, 3, 4, or 5, it expands to cover the entire reel. This not only increases the chances of forming winning combinations but also adds an extra layer of excitement to the base game. 

Free Spins 

The highlight of Starz Megaways is its free spins feature, triggered by landing three or more star-shaped scatter symbols. The number of free spins awarded depends on how many scatters activate the feature: 

• 3 scatters: 6 free spins 

• 4 scatters: 8 free spins 

• 5 scatters: 10 free spins 

• 6 scatters: 15 free spins 

During the free spins round, expanding wilds become sticky. Once they appear, they lock in place for the duration of the bonus, significantly boosting the potential for massive payouts. While the feature cannot be retriggered, its potential is immense, especially with multiple wild reels in play. 

Betting Options and Payouts 

Pragmatic Play has ensured that Starz Megaways caters to a wide audience with its flexible betting options. Players can wager as little as €0.20 or as much as €100 per spin, making it suitable for both conservative players and high-stakes gamblers. 

The game’s RTP of 96.48% is competitive, ensuring a fair return to players over extended sessions. With a maximum win of 10,000x the stake, the potential rewards are substantial. However, achieving the maximum payout is rare, with a frequency of 1 in 1,101,327. The high volatility rating means players can expect fewer, but larger, payouts when wins occur. 

Conclusion 

Starz Megaways is a visually stunning slot that successfully combines the Megaways engine with an engaging space theme. Pragmatic Play has crafted a game that is both simple to play and rich in potential, making it ideal for fans of high-volatility slots. While the absence of cascading reels may disappoint some players, the inclusion of sticky expanding wilds and a rewarding free spins feature more than makes up for it. 

The game’s design, soundscape, and mechanics work together to create an immersive experience that keeps players coming back for more. Whether you’re drawn in by the cosmic visuals or the thrill of chasing that 10,000x max win, Starz Megaways offers an interstellar adventure worth taking. For fans of Megaways slots and space-themed games, this title is a must-try.