The Chicken Run slot machine is a farm-themed online casino game developed by Microgaming, one of the leading software providers in the industry. The game is inspired by the 2000 British stop-motion animated comedy film of the same name, which follows the story of a group of chickens hatching a plan to escape from their sinister farmer. In this review, we’ll delve into every aspect of the Chicken Run slot machine, exploring its theme, design, symbols, payouts, wilds, scatters, bonus features, free spins, RTP, volatility, betting range, max win, gameplay, mobile play, and overall player experience.
Chicken Run Theme and Design
The game’s theme revolves around a group of plucky chickens trying to escape from the clutches of their cruel farmer. The design is colorful and vibrant, with cartoon-like graphics that bring the farmyard setting to life. The background is filled with rolling hills, trees, and a large barn where the hatching plot unfolds. The reels are framed by wooden beams, adding a rustic touch to the overall aesthetic.
Symbols
The Chicken Run slot features 11 symbols in total:
- Wild Chickens : Represented as different breeds of chickens, these icons substitute for all other regular symbols.
- Foxy Farmer : The game’s main antagonist is depicted as a sly and cunning fox.
- Barn Icon : This symbol represents the barn where the hatching plot takes place.
- Egg Carton : A nest full of eggs serves as the highest-paying base-game icon.
- Hatchling Chickens : Three types of baby chicks, each representing a different breed.
- High-Value Poultry : High-value symbols include roosters, hens, and chickens in mid-flight.
Payouts
The Chicken Run slot features an impressive 243 ways to win on the 5×3 grid. The game’s payout structure is based on combinations of identical symbols landing from left to right across adjacent reels:
- Egg Carton : 10-50x for three-of-a-kind, and up to a whopping 5000x for five-of-a-kind.
- Hatchling Chickens : 2.5-15x for three-of-a-kind.
- High-Value Poultry : Up to 100x for three-of-a-kind.
Wilds
The game’s Wild symbol is represented as multiple breeds of chickens, including the elusive Blue Wyandotte and Leghorn chicken. These icons substitute for all other regular symbols in the base game, helping players create more winning combinations. During Free Spins mode, wilds multiply wins by 3x.
Scatters
The Foxy Farmer symbol is the Scatter icon of the Chicken Run slot machine. When three or more Scatters land anywhere on the reels, they activate the Egg Carton Bonus feature.
Bonus Features
There are two main bonus features in this game:
- Egg Carton Bonus : Triggers when 3-5 Scattered Foxy Farmer icons appear on the reels. In this feature:
- A random egg carton icon is awarded as a scatter symbol.
- All wins created by this scatter symbol are multiplied by up to x10, depending on its position in the Egg Carton Bonus reel set.
- Free Spins : Activated when three or more scattered Foxy Farmer icons land anywhere on the reels. The number of free spins ranges from 12 to a maximum of 48.
Free Spins
The Free Spins mode is activated when three or more Scattered Foxy Farmer symbols appear anywhere on the reels, awarding between 12 and 48 rounds:
- Wilds Multiply Wins : During Free Spins, wilds multiply wins by up to 3x.
- Egg Carton Bonus Reels Set : In this feature, a special reel set replaces the original paytable. Players receive guaranteed x10 multipliers for all Egg Carton scatters.
RTP and Volatility
The Chicken Run slot has an average Return to Player (RTP) of 96.1%. The game’s volatility is considered medium-high, making it more suited to experienced players who can withstand the increased risk:
- Medium-High Volatility : More frequent but lower-paying wins.
- High-Risk Rewards : Occasional significant payouts may be triggered by bonus features or strategic gameplay.
Betting Range
The minimum and maximum bets in Chicken Run are $0.30 and $6, respectively, making the game accessible to players of various budgets:
- Bet Per Spin (Min-Max) : 30¢ – $600
Max Win
Players can win up to a maximum of x25,000 their initial bet when landing five-of-a-kind on any payline.
Gameplay and Controls
The gameplay experience in Chicken Run is smooth and engaging:
- 5×3 Reel Grid : Players enjoy 243 ways to win.
- Adjustable Bet Size : Easy-to-use controls for customizing wagers and automating spins with Turbo mode.
- Autoplay Option : Set up automated sequences of between five to 1,000 consecutive game rounds.
Mobile Play
The Chicken Run slot is fully optimized for mobile play on both iOS and Android devices:
- Responsive Design : Compatible with a wide range of screen sizes, from smaller smartphones to larger tablets.
Player Experience
Overall, the player experience in Chicken Run is delightful and engaging. The farm-themed slots machine’s vibrant colors, cartoonish design elements, and entertaining bonus features offer something for every kind of player:
- Colorful Visuals : Enhanced animations bring characters like Foxy Farmer and Cluck Norris to life.
- Engaging Gameplay : Strategic decisions on bet size, spin count, or even which game mode to engage will impact overall win potential.
Overall Analysis
In conclusion, the Chicken Run slot machine is a must-try for fans of farm-themed slots games. With its impressive RTP, medium-high volatility level and rewarding bonus features – particularly Egg Carton Bonus – players stand a good chance of winning significantly. As always with Microgaming’s creations:
- Gameplay Variety : High-quality visuals are combined with enticing gameplay mechanics to produce an immersive gaming experience.
This slot has made a lasting impression on the casino market since its release and will undoubtedly remain popular in online casinos for years to come.