The world of online casinos has undergone a significant transformation over the years, with the introduction of new games and variants that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Among these innovations are slot machines inspired by popular casino table games, such as roulette. In this review, we will delve into one of these slots: Stake Chicken.
Stake Chicken is developed by the well-known online gaming studio, Evolution Gaming, in collaboration with NetEnt. This game combines the excitement of a classic chicken-themed slot machine with the unpredictability Stake Chicken of a roulette-style wheel. The result is an immersive and engaging experience that has garnered attention from players worldwide.
Theme and Design
Stake Chicken’s theme revolves around a farm setting where players are encouraged to stake their money on various animals, including chickens. The game features colorful graphics, accompanied by whimsical sound effects and animations that bring the gameplay to life. Upon initiating play, users are presented with a 5×3 grid of symbols, each representing an animal or a specific outcome in the Stake Chicken wheel. The game’s design is intuitive, making it accessible to both experienced players and newcomers.
Symbols
The Stake Chicken slot machine boasts a variety of symbols that contribute to its gameplay mechanics:
- Animal Symbols: Represented by different farm animals, including chickens, cows, pigs, horses, and sheep.
- Number Cards: Numbered from 0-9, these serve as potential winning outcomes in the Stake Chicken wheel.
- Special Characters: Includes a wild symbol (represented by a ‘WILD’ icon) and scatter symbols.
Payouts
The payouts for each animal symbol are based on their respective value:
Symbol Payout Ratio Sheep x5.00 Chicken x2.50 Pig x1.75 Horse x1.25
These payout ratios apply to single-line wins and can be multiplied in combination with other winning lines.
Wilds
The wild symbol, represented by a ‘WILD’ icon, serves as a substitute for any number card or animal symbol. When paired with other winning combinations, it enhances the potential winnings.
Scatters
Stake Chicken features two types of scatter symbols: the golden egg and the regular chicken egg.
- Golden Egg: Landing three Golden Eggs on the reels activates the Free Spins bonus feature.
- Chicken Egg: Awards a modest payout when multiple instances appear together on adjacent reels, but does not activate any special features.
Bonus Features
The game’s most distinctive element is its Stake Chicken wheel. When triggered by landing five chicken symbols in a single spin or through the purchase of the ‘Stake Chicken’ feature (available for 10 coins), players have the chance to win up to x100 their stake on every line!
Free Spins
During the Free Spins bonus, activated by three Golden Eggs scattered across reels 1-3, players can enjoy multiple free spins with increased stakes.
- Initial Spin: The first spin after triggering the feature is awarded a random multiplier of between 2x and 10x.
- Stake Chicken Multiplier: Any winnings earned during Free Spins will be multiplied by 1 to 20 times (randomly chosen), resulting in significantly higher payouts.
RTP
The Return to Player percentage for Stake Chicken has not been disclosed publicly, which is standard practice among many developers. However, NetEnt’s typical RTP ranges from 92% to 97%, so this slot should perform accordingly.
Volatility
Given its dynamic gameplay and features such as the ‘Stake Chicken’ wheel and variable multipliers in Free Spins, Stake Chicken can be classified as a moderately volatile game. While rare high-paying combinations do occur, more frequent smaller wins are expected as compensation for lower-value symbols and outcomes.
Betting Range
Players may stake between 10c to €100 (or currency equivalent) per line, offering versatility that appeals to various types of gamblers, including both budget-conscious players and those willing to make substantial wagers.
Max Win
While not explicitly stated in the game’s documentation, Stake Chicken is considered a high-paying slot with potential payouts exceeding 10x the player’s initial bet. In extreme cases, winnings could reach up to €100,000 (or currency equivalent) due to multiple combinations of stakes and outcomes during Free Spins.
Gameplay
Stake Chicken offers smooth gameplay, accompanied by an easy-to-navigate user interface that facilitates exploration of its various features:
- Autoplay: The game supports manual spinning as well as customizable Autoplay settings for between 10 to 1,000 automatic turns.
- RTP Display: The built-in RTP counter allows players to track their expected returns in real-time.
Mobile Play
This slot is designed with mobile devices in mind and offers seamless gameplay across a variety of platforms:
- Responsive Design : Stake Chicken’s design adapts well on tablets and smartphones, maintaining its charm even when viewed in portrait or landscape orientation.
- Touch-Enabled Controls: Navigation and spinning controls are accessible via touch interfaces for mobile users.
Player Experience
Based on user reviews and gameplay data collected from reputable online casinos offering Stake Chicken, the game has received positive feedback regarding:
- Innovative Gameplay : The ‘Stake Chicken’ wheel introduces a new twist to slot machines.
- Potential Wins: Many players have reported substantial wins during Free Spins rounds.
While opinions may vary regarding individual preferences and winning outcomes, Stake Chicken’s engaging gameplay mechanics ensure an immersive experience that appeals to those looking for something different in the world of slots.