The Chicken Run slot machine is a farm-themed online slots game developed by Microgaming. Released in 2017, it has been entertaining players with its quirky and colorful design ever since. This review will delve into every aspect of this slot machine, Chicken Run game from its theme to its gameplay mechanics.
Theme and Design
As the name suggests, Chicken Run is set on a farm where chickens are running away from their greedy owner, Mrs. Tweedy. The game’s background features an animated farmhouse with Mrs. Tweedy chasing after the escaping hens. The design is light-hearted and humorous, making it appealing to players of all ages.
The reels themselves are surrounded by animated characters like Rocky the rooster, Ginger the chicken, and more. Each character has its unique animations when landing on a winning combination or triggering specific features in the game. Microgaming’s attention to detail is evident throughout, with visually pleasing graphics that create an immersive atmosphere.
Symbols
The Chicken Run slot machine boasts 243 ways to win across its five reels. The symbols used are inspired by farm animals and objects found on farms. These include:
- Chickens (3 different denominations: low-paying ginger chicken, medium-paying blue hen, high-paying red rooster)
- Eggs
- Farm Fences
- Mrs. Tweedy’s Hen Coop
Each symbol has its own payout amounts, ranging from 2x the bet for a single egg to 20x the bet for five of the highest-denomination chickens.
Payouts and Punters
When it comes to payouts, Chicken Run follows a straightforward formula: each symbol pays out according to the paytable. While no particularly high-paying symbols are present, the sheer number of combinations (243) means that smaller wins can still accumulate quickly.
In terms of betting range, players have six options available:
- 0.01 credits per spin
- 0.02 credits per spin
- 0.05 credits per spin
- 1 credit per spin
- 2 credits per spin
- Max bet (set at 10 credits)
Players should take note that lower betting amounts reduce the maximum win potential.
Wilds
The wild symbol in Chicken Run is represented by a picture of Rocky, the rooster. Wild symbols can replace any other symbol to create winning combinations except for Scatters and Bonus features.
Rocky also has an animated walkway feature when substituted into a combination; this adds additional animations but does not affect payouts.
Scatters
The Scatter symbol in Chicken Run is Mrs. Tweedy’s Hen Coop, which appears on reels 1 and 5 only (but can appear anywhere for triggering the "Free Spins"). Three Scatters will trigger up to 12 Free Spins.
Bonus Features
In addition to free spins, there are several other bonus features within Chicken Run:
- Free Spins : When three Scatter symbols land, players receive a random number of free games ranging from eight to twelve. In these free games, additional prizes for Ginger, Blue Hen, and Red Rooster can appear.
- Chicken Run Feature : Players can activate this by landing two Chicken Footprints on the same spin; however, no bonus rewards are awarded here.
- Flying Wilds Free Spins
Volatility & RTP
Regarding volatility, Microgaming rates Chicken Run as a "medium" game. The expected Return to Player (RTP) rate is set at 96.5%.
For reference: slots games with low volatility offer frequent small wins but have lower jackpots; those labeled ‘high’ risk and reward larger winnings less often.
Gameplay
Chicken Run features 243 ways to win, as mentioned earlier. Players can choose their bet amounts within the available options listed above. Each spin’s outcome depends on landing winning combinations of symbols across its five reels (rewards paid according to paytable). While Microgaming does offer a "Max Bet" option for this title.
Mobile Play
As is common practice among online gaming developers today, Chicken Run can be played directly through most web browsers or downloaded as part of the mobile app provided by various casinos offering it.
Game performance on Android devices and iPhones has been consistent based on my experiences; however please note that individual device hardware & software configurations may vary so actual results could differ slightly depending upon your phone/tablet’s capabilities.
Player Experience
In terms of user experience, Chicken Run is surprisingly accessible to a wide variety range audiences due mainly its lighthearted style. Players won’t find an abundance high-paying combinations nor extremely complex rules. This slot appeals more towards those looking for easy-to-understand gameplay with multiple betting options available within one session.
Overall Analysis
To summarize the analysis above: Chicken Run offers players a playful farm-themed experience designed by Microgaming – developers who always deliver visually appealing, user-friendly games that satisfy diverse player needs whether it’s simplicity or entertainment value.
In conclusion while not offering particularly generous bonus prizes compared with some other popular slots out there currently on offer from this developer (& numerous others).