When it comes to online slot games, players are often on the lookout for titles that not only provide entertainment but also the potential for substantial winnings. Two popular contenders in the world of online slots are Starburst and Bubble Bubble 3, each boasting unique themes, gameplay mechanics, and winning opportunities.
Starburst, developed by NetEnt, is renowned for its vibrant graphics and its innovative expanding wilds feature, which can lead to exciting win multipliers.
On the other hand, Bubble Bubble 3, created by the renowned RealTime Gaming, enchants players with its whimsical theme inspired by magic and sorcery, alongside a series of bonus features designed to boost payouts.
In this article, we will answer the question, “Starburst vs. Bubble Bubble 3: which slot game offers bigger wins?” by delving into the key features of both games, comparing their mechanics, volatility, and overall win potential to determine which slot game gives the better wins for players seeking fortune on the reels.
TL;DR
- Starburst offers frequent small wins with a 96.09% RTP, while Bubble Bubble 3 provides higher volatility and a 95.00% RTP.
- Bubble Bubble 3 has a higher maximum win potential at 50,000x stake compared to Starburst’s 50,000 coins.
- Starburst features simple gameplay with Expanding Wilds and Re-spins, while Bubble Bubble 3 offers multiple bonus features including Winni’s Magic Feature, Mega Magic Feature with Win-Win Feature.
- Starburst has a wider betting range ($0.10 to $100) compared to Bubble Bubble 3 ($0.50 to $50).
- Overall, Bubble Bubble 3 offers bigger potential wins, but Starburst provides more consistent, smaller payouts.
Comparing Options
Criteria | Starburst | Bubble Bubble 3 |
Developer | NetEnt | Realtime Gaming (RTG) |
Release Date | 2012 | 2021 |
Theme | Space and gemstones | Halloween and witchcraft |
RTP | 96% | 95% |
Volatility | Low | High |
Max Win Potential | 50,000 coins | 50,000x stake |
Bonus Features | Expanding Wilds, Re-spins | Winni’s Magic Feature, Mega Magic Feature with Win-Win Feature |
Betting Range | $0.10 – $100 | $0.50 to $50.00 |
Best Known For | Iconic status, simplicity | Halloween theme, big win potential |
Overall (Big Wins) | 3.25/5 | 4.5/5 |
Criteria Breakdown
Comparing Starburst and Bubble Bubble 3 relies on considering key factors. First is the developer – NetEnt is a popular and long-standing online slot game developer known for their fun casino titles that pay generously. The same goes for RealTime Gaming, whose online slot game library is chock-full of amazing titles that have unique themes to ensure any player will have something for them to play.
In this case, expert slot machine tips note that it falls to the player when it comes to their preference for a casino games developer. Both developers offer top of the line titles, and are readily available in any device for those who wish to experience a fun online casino session.
The next criteria would be the release date. Starburst is the elder statesman compared to Bubble Bubble 3. Released at 2012, Starburst has seen over a decade of gameplay from a wide breadth of players. Meanwhile, Bubble Bubble 3 is a more modern online slot game, as it was released last 2021.
When comparing the games’ RTP, Starburst has the slight edge with a 96% compared to Bubble Bubble 3’s 95%. Starburst also has low volatility to Bubble Bubble 3’s high volatility, which means that Starburst has a higher payout frequency.
However, in terms of potential winnings, Bubble Bubble 3 has the edge, as it gives players as much as 50,000 times their initial stake whenever they play and land winning spins. Compared to Starburst’s 50,000 coins, this means that the Bubble Bubble 3’s multiplier trounces Starburst’s coins.
As for its bonus features, Bubble Bubble 3 has slightly better game mechanics, since it offers more bonus features to help out players land winning combinations. This can be attributed to advancements in game design, since Starburst was released over a decade ago, its special features are dated compared to Bubble Bubble 3’s diverse gameplay mechanics.
For the betting range, it’s a toss up between the two titles since generally, their online casino operators determine what the betting range is. In most casinos, though, Starburst has the better betting floor that starts at $0.10 to Bubble Bubble 3’s $0.50.
Lastly, both games are known for different things – Starburst is an old reliable slot game which is known for its simple play mechanics and good payouts. Meanwhile, Bubble Bubble 3 has the advantage of more modern design and gameplay elements which equate to more exciting moment-to-moment gameplay and payout potential.
Starburst
Starburst is one of the best online slot titles from NetEnt. It’s available in many online casinos, and has maintained its popularity since its release over a decade ago.
Its game design is inspired by the 1980’s and arcades that people used to frequent. This results in Starburst displaying bold graphics and a space-themed soundtrack sure to make players feel like they are back in the arcade.
What Starburst is Best Known For
Starburst is widely recognized as one of the most popular slots to play in the world of online gambling. Developed by NetEnt, this video slot is often featured in the list of the top best online slot games to win due to its vibrant graphics and engaging slot features.
Players are drawn to its simple yet rewarding mechanics, including wild symbols and the coveted free spins bonus. The scatter symbol activates the free spins round, giving players a chance to increase their winnings without additional bets. Starburst also incorporates cluster pays, allowing for more dynamic game play and multiple ways to win.
In 2024, Starburst continues to be a staple in many online casino slots offerings, often paired with enticing welcome bonus offers like 50 bonus spins or 100 free spins. Players flock to casino sites to experience this classic slot that paved the way for modern slot features.
With its potential for big payouts and the chance of hitting a jackpot, it remains a top choice among enthusiasts of casino games. Whether you’re diving into the base game or aiming for the bonus round, Starburst offers a thrilling experience that keeps players coming back for more.
Starburst Features
Starburst is a space-themed slot game that utilizes a 5-reel, 3-row game board, on top of a fixed 10-paylines system. It also utilizes a Win Both Ways mechanic, which equates to winning combinations being created from left to right and right to left.
The game also has special symbols and features Starburst Wilds. This is a simple gameplay mechanic that can be activated whenever players land Starburst Wilds during their spin. Once this happens, Starburst Wilds expand and award re-spins with Starburst Wild Reels. This greatly increases the chances for players to get winning combinations and big payouts.
Starburst also has an Autoplay function which allows players to let the game spin automatically between 10 to 1000 spins, for a set bet. Autoplay can be stopped on any win, on a single win of your choice and if the balance increases or decreases by a specified amount.
Starburst Pros
Nostalgic space and arcade-style theme
Generous betting range
Simple game mechanics that are easy to learn
Low volatility and medium risk
Decent to good payouts
Starburst Cons
Gameplay is relatively too simple compared to modern slot games
Limited special features
No Free Spins
Starburst Criteria Evaluation
- RTP: 96.09% (3.5/5) – Slightly above average, but not exceptional
- Volatility: Low (3/5) – Offers frequent small wins but limits big win potential
- Maximum Win Potential: 50,000 coins (3/5) – Decent, but not as high as some modern slots
- Bonus Features: Limited features (2.5/5) – Expanding Wilds and Respins are engaging, but lack variety
- Betting Range: $0.10 to $100 (4.5/5) – Wide range suitable for most players
- Player Engagement: Simple, fast-paced gameplay (4/5) – Keeps players interested with quick spins and frequent wins
Starburst Community Reviews
Starburst is generally well-received by the slot game community. One player notes that if you’re looking for a sleek, easy-to-play slot with a touch of cosmic charm, Starburst is definitely worth a spin. Plus, its low volatility means it’s perfect for players who want to learn how to win at slots or are seeking regular wins while enjoying a visually stunning game.
Most players agree that Starburst is a solid choice if you’re into straightforward, low-risk gameplay. The expanding wilds and frequent small wins keep things moving, but the simplicity might not hold your attention for long. It’s great for a quick, relaxing session, but don’t expect any big thrills.
Considered to be the old reliable slot game, Starburst offers the right slot game fix especially in short, quick doses for players who want to play an online slot game that delivers on the stuff that matters.
Starburst Price
Starburst is usually a free spins slots game, but players can bet real money if they choose. Its betting range is between $0.10 to $100 per spin, making it accessible to players with various bankroll sizes. This wide range allows for both casual play and high-roller action.
Bubble Bubble 3
Bubble Bubble 3 is the third iteration of the highly popular Bubble Bubble slot game series from RealTime Gaming. This online slot title continues the Halloween-themed slot game motif, with cauldrons, pumpkins, crystal balls, magic potions, magic tomes, and other spooky imagery that reside within the reels.
Graphics-wise, Bubble Bubble 3 utilizes modern technology to make each symbol pop out with highly animated sprites and a quirky yet catchy Halloween background music.
Its gameplay mechanics also provide great moment-to-moment entertainment, thanks in large part to its various bonus features such as Winni’s Magic Feature and Mega Magic Feature with Win-Win Features.
These elements make up a highly immersive online slot game experience where players get all the pomp and circumstance of the game’s vibrant symbols highlighting winning combinations with each spin.
What Bubble Bubble 3 is Best Known For
Bubble Bubble 3 improves on the previous titles with a more modern slot game design, graphically and gameplay-wise. Its symbols continues to have alluring witches that grace the game board as special symbols that activate certain special features.
Its special features are diverse and creative, which give each spin a dynamic experience all around. Bonus rounds are more exciting due to the highly animated symbols and game board that captures the player’s attention throughout.
On the winnings side, Bubble Bubble 3 is also a great online slot game option with a 95% RTP. Even if it has a high volatility, it offers players potentially huge payouts thanks to its maximum payout that can go up to 50,000 times the player’s initial stake.
Bubble Bubble 3 Features
Bubble Bubble 3 uses a 5-reel, 3-row game board on top of a fixed 50 paylines system. It has 4 different Wild symbols such as Willow and Wanda Wild Witches, Wild Winni, and WILD Symbol, as well as a Crystal Ball Scatter. These have different corresponding gameplay mechanics that help players land winning combinations and huge payouts.
For its special features, Bubble Bubble 3, the game uses Winni’s Magic Feature and Mega Magic Feature with Win-Win Feature.
Winni’s Magic has two specific spells she can cast: Winni’s Hextastic Symbols and Winni’s Magic Scatter. For Winni’s Hextastic Symbols, Winni may transform lower paying symbols on the reels into higher paying symbols, before pays are awarded.
Meanwhile, Winni’s Magic Scatter lets Winni zap a symbol on reel 3 when 2 scatters occur Left to Right, after paying the initial scatter and line prizes. The zapped symbol transforms to a scatter, awarding an extra win and triggering a Mega Magic Feature.
Meanwhile, the Mega Magic Feature is activated when 3 or more scatters appear Leftmost to Right. Touch a triggering Crystal Ball to reveal the feature.
Players are given three types of Mega Magic spells: Winni Returns, Wilder Witches, the Win-Win Feature, and Crystal Ball Re-Spins.
The Winni Returns Feature awards 20 free games. Up to 9 Wild Winni are zapped onto the reels after any scatter win is paid. When Wilder Witches is selected, 9 free games are awarded, and any Witch appearing will cast a spell. Reels struck by the spell are turned into the same Witch that cast the spell, before pays are awarded.
Meanwhile, Win-Win is active during the Wilder Witches Feature. Win-Win awards a bonus if the overall win from the Wilder Witches Feature (excluding any trigger win) is 10 times the triggering Bet or less.
Lastly, when Crystal Ball Re-Spins is chosen, 3 re-spins are awarded, with triggering Crystal Balls held in position. Any Witches in the trigger combination are changed to Crystal Ball symbols (3 per reel) before re-spins commence.
Bubble Bubble 3 Pros
Amazing game board and symbols design elements that lend well to its Halloween theme
Great return rate due to its 95% RTP
Huge potential winnings with its maximum win potential equates to 50,000x per bet
Feature-rich gameplay, thanks to its multiple special features
Bubble Bubble 3 Cons
High volatility might turn off players due to higher risk
Betting range is a bit higher compared to other slot titles
Theme may not appeal to all players year-round
Complex features may be overwhelming for some novice players
Bubble Bubble Criteria Evaluation
- RTP: 95% (4/5) – Excellent return rate, well above average
- Volatility: Medium to High (4/5) – Offers potential for big wins, but with less frequent payouts
- Maximum Win Potential: 50,000x stake (5/5) – Exceptional max win, offering life-changing potential
- Bonus Features: Multiple features (4.5/5) – Diverse and engaging bonus rounds
- Betting Range: $0.50 to $50 (4/5) – Wide range, but higher minimum bet
- Player Engagement: Themed, feature-rich gameplay (4/5) – Keeps players interested with varied bonuses and immersive theme
Bubble Bubble 3 Community Reviews
Most players who have experienced playing Bubble Bubble 3 have positive reviews. One player noted that given that she likes the Halloween theme as well as witches and ghosts, she has been obsessed with this slot offering a chance to win 5,000x the wager, as well as free spins.
Other players are keen on the game’s betting floor of $0.50, which can be a bit steep compared to other slot titles, but the prospect of landing winning combinations more than make up for the entry.
Another player has noted that Bubble Bubble 3 did justice as the third of the series. The improved visual ascetic the game and its moment-to-moment gameplay is highly enjoyable, and this third iteration seems to profit more frequently than its counterparts.
Bubble Bubble 3 Price
As mentioned earlier, Bubble Bubble 3’s betting range is between $0.50 to $50. Given its high volatility, it can initially scare away players, but its potential of giving players huge wins often overcomes its relatively high betting floor.
And given its highly entertaining gameplay, players who ease into Bubble Bubble 3 are rewarded with great payouts more times than not.
Final Thoughts
After laying down both of the games’ features and other elements, both titles have their strengths and weaknesses.
Starburst is a relatively older slot title that provides a simple yet rewarding experience on top of a more inviting betting range. It has a nice mix of outer space and classic slot machine themes that blend well together, on top of the spins that are easy to understand when players won a combination.
Its special features are limited, with only re-spins to help players land even more potential wins, but for newer players who want to get their feet wet with online slot games, Starburst is an excellent option for them to experience how online slot games work.
Meanwhile, Bubble Bubble 3 is a modern online slot game that gives players more bang for their buck. Its game board and symbols are greatly improved from previous titles, and the Halloween theme lends well to the gameplay for a highly immersive experience.
It also boasts a good number of special features that greatly improves the player’s chances of landing winning paylines whenever they manage to activate any one or multiple features during spins.
Ultimately, the best slot game for you is the one that aligns with your gaming goals and provides the most enjoyment. Whether you’re reaching for the stars with Starburst or brewing up big wins with Bubble Bubble 3, remember to always gamble responsibly and within your means.
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Starburst vs Bubble Bubble 3 FAQs
Which game has the higher RTP, Starburst or Bubble Bubble 3?
Starburst has the higher RTP at 96.09%, compared to Bubble Bubble 3's 95%. This means that, theoretically, Starburst returns more to players over the long term. However, it's important to remember that RTP is calculated over millions of spins, and individual sessions can vary greatly.
Can I win more by playing Starburst or Bubble Bubble 3?
While both games offer the potential for big wins, Bubble Bubble 3 has a higher maximum win potential at 50,000x your stake. Starburst's maximum win is 50,000 coins, which is typically lower. However, Starburst offers more frequent, smaller wins due to its low volatility, while Bubble Bubble 3's medium to high volatility means potentially larger but less frequent wins.
Which game is better for beginners?
Starburst is generally considered more beginner-friendly due to its simple gameplay, low volatility, and frequent small wins. Its straightforward features and lower minimum bet make it easier for newcomers to understand and enjoy. Bubble Bubble 3, with its multiple bonus features and higher volatility, might be more suitable for players who already have some slot experience and are comfortable with more complex gameplay.
Are Starburst and Bubble Bubble 3 available on mobile devices?
Yes, both Starburst and Bubble Bubble are available on mobile devices. They're optimized for smartphones and tablets, offering the same exciting gameplay on smaller screens. You can enjoy these slots on both iOS and Android devices through most online casinos that offer them. The mobile versions maintain the same features, graphics, and win potential as their desktop counterparts.
How often do Starburst and Bubble Bubble 3 pay out?
The payout frequency differs between these two games due to their volatility. Starburst, being a low volatility slot, pays out more frequently but with smaller amounts. You can expect regular wins to keep your balance ticking over. Bubble Bubble, with its medium to high volatility, pays out less frequently but with the potential for larger wins. You might experience longer dry spells with Bubble Bubble, but the wins can be more substantial when they hit.