Chicken Run is a 5-reel, 15-payline video slot game developed by NetEnt, inspired by the popular animated film of the same name. The game takes players on an exciting adventure through a farm filled with clucking hens and bumbling Chicken Run farmer types. In this review, we’ll delve into every aspect of Chicken Run, from its theme and design to its payouts, bonus features, and overall player experience.
Theme and Design
The slot’s theme is based on the classic animation film Chicken Run (2000), directed by Peter Lord and Nick Park. The game’s colorful graphics are reminiscent of a cartoon movie, complete with whimsical animations and lively sound effects. Players find themselves in a farm setting, surrounded by chickens, pigs, and other farm animals.
The game’s design is vibrant and eye-catching, with each character carefully designed to resemble their on-screen counterparts from the film. The reels spin against a backdrop of rolling hills, creating an immersive atmosphere that will transport players to the world of Nottage Farm. Even the slot’s sound effects are fittingly tuned for a farm-themed experience.
Symbols
Chicken Run features a wide range of symbols inspired by both the original characters and the farm setting:
- High-paying Symbols : The high-paying symbols are all character-specific, each with its unique appearance.
- Ginger – pays up to 100x bet
- Bockleson – pays up to 50x bet
- Bunce – pays up to 25x bet
- Medium-paying Symbols : Farm-themed icons take center stage:
- Chicken Coop – pays up to 10x bet
- Feed Bin – pays up to 8x bet
- Tractor Tire – pays up to 6x bet
- Low-paying Symbols : Standard playing card values (9, 10, J, Q, K) pay out lower amounts.
Payouts
Winning combinations are calculated by multiplying the payout for each symbol with its frequency of occurrence and any applicable multipliers. Chicken Run features a relatively balanced win distribution across all symbols.
The slot’s payout rate can be gauged from the RTP (Return to Player), which is set at 96.02%. This indicates that, on average, players will receive 96.02% back in winnings for every €100 placed into bets, while the remaining 3.98% goes towards operating costs.
Wilds
The Wild symbol in Chicken Run represents a free-roaming chicken and replaces any other standard symbols to create winning combinations. However, it does not substitute high-paying or bonus scatter icons.
A special ‘Sticky’ variation of the Wild appears during certain Bonus Features (discussed below), adhering to its designated position on the reel for multiple spins.
Scatters
The Chicken Run scatter icon depicts a henhouse and triggers the game’s primary Bonus Feature, Free Spins. At least 3 Scatter symbols anywhere on the reels will initiate this feature.
Each time the scatter appears, it contributes towards a multi-level jackpot prize pool.
Bonus Features
Chicken Run offers two bonus features that activate under specific conditions:
- Free Spins : Upon landing at least 3 Scatter hens, players receive a series of free spins based on their spin count.
- 15 Free Spins: Awarded for 3 Scatters
- 20 Free Spins: Awarded for 4 Scatters
- 30 Free Spins: Awarded for 5 Scatters
During this feature, Sticky Wilds can be triggered to lock in place across a reel for multiple spins. If no more Sticky Wilds land during the remaining spins of that particular round, it is reset and doesn’t persist.
- Pick-a-Spin : This bonus triggers when specific combinations are achieved or by playing with high stakes bets activated.
- Choose one of four potential outcomes:
- Free Spins
- Coin prizes
- Wild Sticky symbols for upcoming spins
- Choose one of four potential outcomes:
Free Spins
As discussed earlier, the Chicken Run scatter icon initiates a series of free spins. These rounds come in three different formats depending on how many Scatter icons are collected:
- 15 Free Spins : Awarded upon 3 Scatters.
- 20 Free Spins : Triggered by collecting 4 Scatters
- 30 Free Spins : Given for landing 5 Scatters
During this feature, Sticky Wilds have the potential to become locked on one of the reels, persisting across multiple free spins.
Volatility and RTP
The slot’s volatility is medium-to-high. Players who enjoy thrilling gaming sessions will appreciate Chicken Run’s potentially big wins in combination with rewarding but relatively rare Bonus Features.
Betting Range
The betting range spans from a minimum €0.15 to a maximum of €150 per spin, providing flexibility for various player preferences and bankrolls. The wide stakes options facilitate both low-stakes casual play and higher-stakes professional gameplay experiences.
Max Win Potential
Chicken Run’s top reward potential is set at 2,250x the base game bet or up to €337,500 (€150 max stake). While not extremely high compared to other slot games on the market, it offers a suitable ceiling for enthusiastic players willing to gamble larger amounts and capitalize on winning combinations.
Gameplay
Players interact with Chicken Run through an intuitive control panel:
- Spin : Initiates standard gameplay
- AutoPlay : Enabling multiple consecutive spins or betting settings
- Max Bet : Places the highest stake option available
An informative Help section in the game’s menu offers detailed information about its various features, rules, and regulations.
Mobile Play
Chicken Run is developed using HTML5 technology to ensure seamless compatibility across both mobile devices (tablets and smartphones) and desktop browsers. Players can access their preferred games on any device with an internet connection without sacrificing graphics or functionality.
The game has been optimized for smaller screens while maintaining a fluid user experience, minimizing navigation difficulties associated with touch-screen interfaces.
Player Experience
Chicken Run’s user-friendly design, combined with the inclusion of rewarding Bonus Features and sufficient win potential, presents itself as a pleasant gaming option. Players appreciate the nostalgic animation film theme applied throughout its aesthetic features, immersive sound effects, and the medium-to-high volatility playstyle – suitable for both beginners seeking thrills without breaking their bankrolls and seasoned gamblers aiming to capitalize on big wins.
Overall Analysis
Chicken Run’s charm lies within its delightful blend of engaging graphics, a well-balanced payout distribution across symbols, rewarding Bonus Features, and the option for flexible betting amounts. For players looking forward to an immersive gaming experience with real opportunities at winning significant rewards without straying too far from the norm, Chicken Run represents a solid slot choice.
Its balanced game dynamics offer suitable win potential without necessitating high-stakes bets or complex combinations of symbols, while its design showcases authentic elements taken directly from the original animated movie.