Looking to your competition for inspiration is all fine, but that means you’ll have to live up to the standards they’ve set. In 2020, All41Studios, in collaboration with Microgaming, announced the release of Space Enigma, a game that bore a striking resemblance to NetEnt’s crown jewel, Starburst. NetEnt was understandably not thrilled, as it was evident that Space Enigma borrowed heavily from the highly successful Starburst, both in design and mechanics. However, what followed was a surprise.
After a few months of redesign, the game was relaunched as Solar Wilds, a slot that promised to retain the same visually appealing space theme and mechanics but with a new math model and improved payouts. Players were promised a fresh spin on the mechanics they loved, and now it’s time to find out if Solar Wilds delivers on that promise.
In this comprehensive review, we will take an in-depth look at Solar Wilds, its gameplay, features, and what it brings to the table. Whether you’re considering giving it a try or simply curious about what it offers, this review will help you make an informed decision. So, let’s dive into the world of Solar Wilds and see if it’s worth your time.
Solar Wilds Technical Features
Solar Wilds features a standard layout consisting of three rows and five reels, which is a configuration familiar to most slot players. The game uses 10 pay lines, which are active in both directions: from left to right and right to left. This setup not only gives players multiple opportunities to hit winning combinations, but it also increases the overall excitement of each spin.
The control panel for the game is located on the right-hand side of the screen. Here, you’ll find options to adjust your bet, activate auto spin, change game settings, and access the game’s menu, which includes the paytable and additional game information. The interface is user-friendly and intuitive, allowing you to easily navigate through the game’s features without any confusion.
RTP and Volatility
When compared to the game it’s inspired by, Solar Wilds offers a higher Return to Player (RTP) rate, which is a key factor for any slot enthusiast looking to maximize their chances of winning. Solar Wilds comes with an RTP of 96.27%, which is higher than the industry average of 96%. This means players have a better chance of winning over the long term, as a higher RTP translates to more frequent payouts.
As for volatility, Solar Wilds falls into the medium range, providing a balanced mix of frequent smaller wins and the potential for bigger payouts. This makes the game ideal for both casual players who enjoy low-risk gaming and high-rollers who are chasing large rewards. The game allows for bets ranging from EUR 0.10 to EUR 100, and the maximum win you can achieve is a generous 1000x your bet.
The Solar Wilds Theme and Playing Experience
As the name suggests, Solar Wilds takes players on a thrilling journey through space. The game’s symbols are designed to resemble planets, each with unique characteristics such as rings, lava, rocks, and other celestial elements. This gives the game an authentic and immersive space theme that draws players in right from the first spin.
When the reels begin to spin, the design of the planets, combined with the sound of a cosmic soundtrack, makes you feel like you’re traveling at the speed of light across distant galaxies. The visuals are stunning, with colorful symbols representing various planets, and the game’s background features a vast starry sky. While the theme itself is not entirely original, it’s executed beautifully, and the attention to detail adds to the overall experience.
The playing experience is smooth, and the game flows seamlessly as the reels spin. The music plays a crucial role in setting the mood and adding to the excitement of the gameplay. Overall, the theme and visuals are strong points of Solar Wilds, although some players may find the space theme to be somewhat predictable and reminiscent of other space-themed slots on the market.
Symbols Value and Betting in Solar Wilds
The symbols in Solar Wilds are all designed to resemble planets, with each one having its own distinct look. Some planets are surrounded by rings, while others have molten lava flowing across their surface, adding a dynamic quality to the symbols. The variety in design makes the game visually engaging, and it’s clear that a lot of effort has gone into creating the symbols to match the theme.
As for the values of the symbols, they are categorized into two tiers. The blue and turquoise planets represent the low-value symbols, while the pink, red, and yellow planets are the high-value symbols. This tiered system gives players the opportunity to land higher-paying symbols for bigger wins, and the game’s mechanics allow for frequent payouts when higher-value symbols land on the reels.
Bonuses
Unlike many modern slot games, Solar Wilds doesn’t include traditional bonus rounds or free spins. However, it makes up for this with its expanding wilds feature. This mechanic is an excellent alternative to classic bonus features, offering players the chance to trigger respins whenever the wild symbol expands.
The wild symbol, when activated, can expand to cover entire reels, and it can span up to three reels at once. This greatly increases the chances of hitting winning combinations, especially when the wild appears on multiple paylines. The expanding wilds feature can also trigger a respin, which allows for even more opportunities to land a winning combination. This mechanic makes Solar Wilds feel dynamic and unpredictable, adding a layer of excitement to each spin.
Takeaway
Whether or not you view Solar Wilds as a mere imitation of NetEnt’s Starburst, there’s no denying that it has gained a dedicated fan base. While the gameplay and visuals might feel somewhat familiar to players who are used to space-themed slots, Solar Wilds still provides a solid gaming experience that can be enjoyable for many.
At the end of the day, players shouldn’t concern themselves too much with which developer created the game. What matters most is whether the game is enjoyable and rewarding. In that regard, Solar Wilds delivers with its engaging space theme, exciting expanding wilds feature, and solid RTP of 96.27%.
If you’re thinking about giving Solar Wilds a try, we encourage you to give it a go. With a reasonable max bet of EUR 100, a decent payout potential, and an RTP above the industry average, it offers a satisfying slot experience for both casual players and high-rollers alike. The game is fun, easy to play, and the expanding wilds feature provides ample opportunities for big wins, making it a slot worth exploring.
While it might not break new ground in terms of theme or gameplay mechanics, Solar Wilds offers a lot of fun and the chance to win big. So, if you’re looking for a space-themed slot with a decent RTP and plenty of excitement, Solar Wilds could be the game for you.
