Chicken Run is a popular online casino slot game developed by Microgaming, one of the leading providers of online gaming software. The game takes its theme from the 2000 stop-motion animated film "Chicken Run," which was directed by Nick Park and Peter Lord and produced by Aardman Animations. In this review, we will delve into every aspect of the Chicken Run slot machine to give you a comprehensive understanding of what makes it tick.
Theme and Design
The game is set in the rolling hills and countryside of chicken-run.uk rural England during World War II. Players join an unlikely group of chickens as they plot their Great Escape from a sinister farmer’s farm. The design of the game transports players into the charming, whimsical world of the film. The background features lush green fields and trees, with animated characters adding to the immersive experience.
The reels are surrounded by animated cutscenes depicting key moments from the film, such as Ginger and Rocky attempting to steal eggs. Players will notice that some symbols appear more frequently than others, creating an engaging visual dynamic.
Symbols
Chicken Run uses a total of 15 unique game symbols, each one inspired by the world of poultry farming or the Great Escape itself. Here’s what you need to know:
- High-paying symbols:
- Ginger (Wild symbol) – highest paying at 1,000 coins for five-of-a-kind
- Rocky (Free Spins scatter symbol)
- Colonel (Bonus symbol)
- Medium-paying symbols:
- Hens, Roosters, and Chickens
- Low-paying symbols:
- Farmer’s farm animals (Cows, Pigs)
Payouts
The payout structure is straightforward. Wins are awarded for combinations of identical symbols across adjacent reels on any active payline, with payouts based on the symbol’s value.
Here are some example payout amounts:
- 5 x Ginger: 1,000 coins
- 5 x Rocky: 500 coins (Free Spins trigger)
- 5 x Colonel: 400 coins
Wilds and Scatters
Two special symbols stand out in Chicken Run:
- Ginger: The Wild symbol replaces any standard symbol to create winning combinations.
- Rocky : When three or more Rockys appear anywhere on the reels, they activate the Free Spins feature.
The absence of a dedicated scatter bonus makes it harder for players to trigger free spins without relying on specific wilds or symbol combinations. While this may be disappointing, it adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement to gameplay.
Bonus Features
Chicken Run has two bonus features: the Colonel Bonus and the Free Spins feature.
- The Colonel Bonus: Activated when 3+ Colonels appear anywhere on the reels. This triggers a mini-game where players must move through obstacles while collecting prizes.
- Free Spins Feature : Triggered by three or more Rockys, this awards up to 20 free spins with tripled payouts during each spin.
Free Spins
As mentioned earlier, Free Spins can be triggered when three or more Rocky symbols appear on the reels. This is a relatively rare occurrence and often requires strategic betting and game knowledge to achieve. The risk-reward ratio of activating this feature will vary based on your betting range and RTP settings (discussed below).
RTP
Chicken Run has an average Return-To-Player percentage (RTP) of around 95%. While not exceptional, it still provides fair returns for players.
Volatility
This slot machine is considered a medium-to-high volatility game. With less frequent payouts but higher rewards when they do occur, Chicken Run appeals to players looking for a thrilling experience with the potential for significant wins.
Betting Range and Max Win
Players can set their stake between $0.15 (minimum bet) and $3 per spin on this 5×3 reel slot machine with up to 9 active paylines at any given time. The maximum win is capped at a respectable $4,000.
Gameplay
To play Chicken Run:
- Choose your desired bet amount.
- Click "Spin" or press the button on mobile devices.
- Wait for reels to stop spinning and check winning combinations.
- For each spin:
- Ginger can replace standard symbols in any combination (excluding Rocky).
- Wilds create unique symbol sets.
- Multiple scatters increase payouts but do not trigger a new free spins mode without other elements (Rocky).
Mobile Play
Chicken Run is optimized for mobile devices, so you don’t have to sacrifice visual quality or functionality on your smartphone. Touchscreen controls facilitate smooth and intuitive gameplay.
Player Experience
The user-friendly interface of Chicken Run invites both newcomers to online slots as well as seasoned players to join in the fun. A balanced mix of volatility ensures neither too much nor too little strategy is required for each spin, catering to different gaming styles.
Chicken Run offers a more laid-back atmosphere compared to other games from its genre but is packed with engaging animation and charming designs. With decent rewards on offer when combining special features like scatters or wilds, gameplay remains fascinating even at the most extended playing sessions.
Overall Analysis
While some may argue that Chicken Run lacks depth in certain aspects of slot machine design (like fewer bonuses), these limitations balance out its positive qualities by focusing on engaging graphics and user-friendly controls. Players seeking fair RTP and medium-to-high variance will discover a lot to appreciate here.
To sum up, the Great Escape Line takes center stage in this captivating experience designed for players with an enthusiasm for Aardman’s lovable characters combined with competitive payouts within a well-rounded, low-stakes betting range:
- 14+ symbols (with some wilds and scatters).
- Fair RTP of approximately 95%.
- Medium to high volatility setting.
- Player can adjust bet from $0.15 up to $3 per spin.
Chicken Run should satisfy both newcomers looking for an entry-level slot machine with plenty of winning potential, as well as those seeking exciting bonus features within their regular gaming routine.