Introduction
Chicken Run is a 5-reel, 4-row online casino slot game developed by Microgaming, one of the leading software providers in the iGaming industry. Released in 2018, this slot game has gained popularity among players for its unique theme and exciting gameplay features. In this review, we will delve into every aspect of Chicken Run, from its design and symbols to payouts, bonus features, and overall player experience.
Theme
The game’s theme is centered around the movie "Chicken Run," a 2000 computer-animated comedy film by Aardman Animations. The slot game follows the same storyline as the Chicken Run movie, where a group of chickens hatch an escape plan from their evil farmer owner, Mrs. Tweedy. The game’s design reflects this theme, with farm-themed symbols such as hens, roosters, eggs, and even a giant chicken.
Design
The game’s interface is clean and user-friendly, making it accessible to players who are new to online slots. The reels are surrounded by colorful farm decorations, adding to the overall theme of the game. The symbols are well-designed, with each one showcasing its own unique animation when winning combinations occur. The background music is lively and upbeat, adding to the excitement of playing the game.
Symbols
The standard symbols in Chicken Run include:
- High-paying symbols: Hen (5x), Rooster (4x), Egg (3x)
- Low-paying symbols: Lettered cards from 9-A
These symbols pay out according to the following payout table: Hen: 10, 50, 200 Rooster: 5, 20, 100 Egg: 2.50, 10, 40
Payouts
The payouts in Chicken Run are relatively average compared to other Microgaming slots. The highest-paying symbol is the Hen, which can pay out up to 1,000 times the bet per line when five of them appear on an active payline.
Wild Symbols
There is no specific wild symbol in Chicken Run; however, any high-paying symbol can act as a substitute for all other symbols (except Scatters) if they are part of a winning combination. This feature increases the chances of forming winning combinations and enhances gameplay overall.
Scatter Symbol
The Scatter symbol is represented by Mrs. Tweedy’s face, which triggers the "Tweedy’s Free Spins" bonus round when three or more appear on the reels anywhere in view.
Bonus Features
Chicken Run features a few exciting bonus rounds that can be triggered through specific combinations of symbols:
- Tweedy’s Free Spins : Triggered by 3-5 Mrs. Tweedy Scatters, players receive up to 30 free spins with an increased multiplier (up to 6x).
- Great Escape Bonus Game : Activated when two or more Chickens appear on the reels in any position.
- Players pick which chicken they want to rescue, and each one reveals a cash prize ranging from £10-£200.
- Free Spins Re-Spins : The Scattered Mrs. Tweedy can re-trigger additional free spins within the "Tweedy’s Free Spins" bonus round.
Free Spins
As mentioned earlier, three or more Scatter symbols trigger up to 30 free spins with an increased multiplier (up to 6x). During this feature, any winning combinations are multiplied by a random factor ranging from x1-10. The maximum payout during the "Tweedy’s Free Spins" round is £50,000.
RTP and Volatility
The game has an RTP of approximately 96%, placing it above average among slots developed by Microgaming. Chicken Run also features medium volatility, offering a balance between high-frequency wins and larger-than-average payouts.
Betting Range and Max Win
Players can bet anywhere from £0.25 to £50 per spin in the base game or up to £100 during the "Tweedy’s Free Spins" round (multiplied by 2). The maximum win is £200,000 or 10x total stake.
Gameplay Experience
Playing Chicken Run is a delightful experience thanks to its engaging theme and gameplay features. The auto-spin function allows players to choose from a set number of spins or bet level for manual play. During the game, the animated background keeps changing based on wins or losses, creating an immersive atmosphere that simulates farm life.
Mobile Play
Chicken Run is accessible across all mobile devices (Android/iOS) and can be played in HTML5 format without requiring any additional downloads.
Player Experience
The overall player experience of Chicken Run is positive due to the following:
- Unique theme based on a well-known film.
- Attractive design with colorful farm decorations.
- Easy-to-use interface making it accessible for beginners.
- Balanced gameplay offering medium volatility.
- Generous free spins bonus round with up to 30 rounds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chicken Run is an enjoyable online casino slot game that appeals to fans of the original movie. Its engaging theme and features make it an attractive option for players who crave variety in their gaming experience. Although some may find its volatility too high or payouts less generous than expected, others will enjoy the balance between wins and losses provided by this medium-volatility slot.
Analysis
In-depth analysis reveals:
- Balanced gameplay with moderate volatility.
- Higher RTP compared to other Microgaming slots.
- Free spins bonus round offers more significant payouts when activated correctly.
- Attractive design makes it visually appealing across various devices.
- No clear weaknesses in terms of game mechanics or features.
Overall, Chicken Run provides an entertaining gaming experience for casual players and experienced gamblers alike. The unique theme and balanced gameplay make it worth trying out at any online casino offering Microgaming games.
Final Verdict
Chicken Run offers a fun-filled slot machine that is sure to bring excitement into your iGaming sessions. Its engaging theme, attractive design, generous free spins bonus round (up to 30 rounds), and average volatility will leave players eager for more.