The Chicken Run game is a slot machine developed by Yggdrasil Gaming, based on the classic British comedy film of the same name. The game features five reels and twenty paylines, with an agricultural theme that will delight fans of the movie.
The Design
Upon launching the game, players are greeted by a colorful farmyard setting, complete with chickens pecking at the ground and other farm animals in the background. The symbols on the reels include various farm-themed icons such as egg-laying hens, roosters, pigs, cows, and even a giant chicken that serves as the wild symbol.
The game’s Chicken Run casino design is cartoonish and vibrant, making it easy to navigate for players of all skill levels. The overall aesthetic is reminiscent of classic slot machines, with clean lines, bright colors, and engaging animations. However, some might find the graphics slightly dated compared to more modern slots.
The Symbols
The symbols on the reels are divided into two categories: high-paying and low-paying icons. High-paying icons include:
- Rooster (5x)
- Pig (4x)
- Cow (3x)
- Egg-laying Hen (2x)
Low-paying icons, on the other hand, include:
- Acorn
- Hay Bale
- Feathers
In addition to these symbols, there are two special symbols: Wild and Scatter. The wild symbol is represented by a giant chicken, which can substitute for any of the high-paying icons listed above. When three or more scatters appear on an active payline, they trigger the Free Spins feature.
Payouts
The payouts in Chicken Run are calculated based on the player’s stake and the number of matching symbols appearing on a payline. The payout table is divided into several sections:
- Low-paying icons (Acorn, Hay Bale, Feathers): 0.1x to 0.5x bet per line
- High-paying icons (Rooster, Pig, Cow, Egg-laying Hen): 1x to 4x bet per line
- Wild: 2x to 10x bet per line
Wilds and Scatters
The wild symbol is a key feature in Chicken Run. It can substitute for any of the high-paying icons listed above, creating winning combinations where otherwise there would be none.
Scatter symbols are represented by three different eggs on an active payline. When three or more scatters appear, they trigger the Free Spins feature:
- Three scatters: 7 free spins
- Four scatters: 10 free spins
- Five scatters: 15 free spins
Bonus Features
In addition to the Free Spins feature mentioned above, Chicken Run also offers a unique bonus round called "The Great Escape". This feature is triggered randomly during non-winning spins:
- A group of chickens escape from their coop and make their way towards a truck in the background.
- Players are presented with three doors: Green (Low payout), Blue (Medium payout), Red (High payout).
- Choosing one door reveals a random multiplier, which applies to all wins earned during The Great Escape.
Free Spins
The Free Spins feature is triggered when three or more scatter symbols appear on an active payline. During this feature:
- 7 free spins are awarded for three scatters
- 10 free spins are awarded for four scatters
- 15 free spins are awarded for five scatters
Free spins can be retriggered with additional scatter appearances.
RTP and Volatility
The Return to Player (RTP) in Chicken Run is set at approximately 95.25%. This means that, over time, the game will return £95.25 of winnings for every £100 wagered.
Volatility-wise, Chicken Run can be classified as a medium-to-high variance slot machine:
- Small wins are relatively frequent
- Large payouts occur less often but with higher multipliers
Betting Range and Max Win
Players can bet anywhere from 0.20 to 50 coins per spin, giving them control over the level of risk they take on.
The maximum win in Chicken Run is capped at 10,000x the total stake placed during a single free spins session.
Gameplay and Mobile Play
Players can navigate through various screens using standard gaming controls:
- Spin: Place bet and start gameplay
- Auto Spin: Automate betting up to 1,000 times
- Settings: Access volume and graphics settings
The game is designed with mobile play in mind. Players can access Chicken Run on the go via most devices running iOS or Android operating systems.
Player Experience
Overall, the gameplay experience offered by Chicken Run slot machine is enjoyable for players familiar with classic fruit machines. The game’s simplicity and easy-to-understand mechanics make it accessible to new players as well:
- Graphics are colorful but may feel dated compared to newer titles
- Gameplay can be engaging but feels limited in some respects
Overall Analysis
Chicken Run is a solid offering from Yggdrasil Gaming that fans of classic slot machines will appreciate. With a medium-to-high volatility profile and a return to player rate slightly above the average for online slots, players looking for an exciting experience may want to give it a try.
However, those who prefer more modern game mechanics or are looking for high-payout potential might find Chicken Run somewhat underwhelming:
- Graphics could be improved
- Payouts can feel sparse in some rounds
Still, with its engaging theme and entertaining gameplay elements like The Great Escape bonus feature, Chicken Run provides a satisfying experience that is sure to appeal to both casual players and fans of slot machines.
