Chicken Run is a farm-themed online slots game developed by Microgaming, one of the most renowned software providers in the industry. Released in 2016, this 5-reel, 9-payline slot has been making waves among players with its engaging gameplay and attractive features.
Theme and Design
The Chicken Run theme revolves around a farm where chickens have escaped from their coop to steal food from the farmer’s Chicken Run review kitchen. The game is set against a backdrop of rolling hills and farmland, complete with rustic barns and tractors. The graphics are colorful and lively, with cute animations of chickens scurrying about and clucking sounds adding to the charm.
The reels are surrounded by a wooden frame, reminiscent of traditional farm gates. The symbols on the reels include various chicken breeds, such as Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and Plymouth Rocks, each with its unique design and animation. Other high-paying symbols include a farmer’s hat, a basket of eggs, and a key.
The game’s design is typical of Microgaming slots, with clean lines, intuitive navigation, and easy-to-read text.
Symbols
The standard paying symbols in Chicken Run are the chicken breeds, each with its own payout structure. The Leghorn pays out 2x for three matches, while the Plymouth Rock awards a maximum of 200x for five matching symbols. Other standard paying symbols include:
- Farmer’s Hat: Pays up to 150x
- Basket of Eggs: Pays up to 100x
- Key: Pays up to 75x
The game also features several high-paying special symbols, including the Scatter and Wild.
Payouts
As mentioned earlier, the payouts for standard paying symbols vary from a maximum of 2x to 200x. However, it’s essential to note that these values are based on a bet level of one coin per line.
Here are some sample payout amounts:
- Leghorn: 20 coins (10p) x 3 matches = 60 coins
- Plymouth Rock: 50 coins (25p) x 5 matches = 2000 coins
Payouts increase significantly for higher-paying symbols, such as the Wild and Scatter. More on these features later.
Wilds
The game’s Wild symbol is a chicken egg, which replaces all standard paying symbols to create winning combinations. The Wild also pays out up to 750x for five matching eggs.
Scatters
The Scatter symbol in Chicken Run is represented by an image of the farmer’s wife. Three or more Scatters on adjacent reels trigger free spins and other bonuses.
Bonus Features
One of the most exciting features in Chicken Run is the Pick a Peckin’ feature, triggered when three or more Scatters land on adjacent reels. Players choose one egg from three options to win cash prizes:
- Egg 1: Up to 40x total bet
- Egg 2: Up to 120x total bet
- Egg 3: Up to 300x total bet
Free Spins
As mentioned earlier, the Scatter triggers free spins. Players can earn up to 100 free spins by collecting three or more Scatters on adjacent reels.
During the Free Spin feature:
- All wins are multiplied by 1x.
- The game features a minimum of one random Wild added to each reel with every spin.
- An Egg Bonus can be awarded during the Feature, offering cash prizes up to 3 times the total bet.
RTP and Volatility
Chicken Run’s Return-to-Player (RTP) is set at an above-average 95.23%, making it a relatively profitable game for players.
The game’s volatility level is medium-high, indicating that players can expect decent payouts over time but also face higher risk when attempting to maximize their winnings.
Betting Range
Chicken Run offers a flexible betting range of £0.01 per line up to £6.00 per spin, catering to both low- and high-stakes players.
The maximum win is 12,000 coins or equivalent to £72, based on the maximum bet level.
Gameplay
To play Chicken Run, follow these steps:
- Choose your stake: Select a coin value between £0.01 and £6.00.
- Set the number of paylines: Players can choose from 9 fixed paylines or adjust them to suit their betting strategy.
- Press Spin: Click on the large spin button to start the game.
Mobile Play
Chicken Run is optimized for play on both Android and iOS devices, making it easily accessible on a variety of mobile platforms:
- iPhone (4S or later)
- iPad (2nd gen or later)
- Samsung Galaxy S3 or later
- Windows Mobile compatible
The game’s graphics are crisp and clear on smaller screens, while the intuitive controls ensure seamless navigation.
Player Experience
Chicken Run offers an engaging experience for players of all skill levels. Its colorful design and animations make it an appealing choice for casual gamers, while its features-rich gameplay ensures there is something for everyone:
- Free Spins: Offer a welcome respite from traditional slot play.
- Bonus Features: Add excitement with the Pick a Peckin’ feature.
- Medium-High Volatility: Attracts players seeking decent payouts over time.
Overall Analysis
Chicken Run slots offers an entertaining and rewarding experience, perfect for casual gamers or those seeking to mix up their usual slots routine. Its above-average RTP and medium-high volatility ensure fair payouts, while the flexible betting range caters to a wide audience.
While not particularly original in its design, Chicken Run’s engaging gameplay, colorful graphics, and exciting features make it an attractive choice among Microgaming titles.
In Conclusion
Chicken Run is more than just another farm-themed slot; it offers a rich experience packed with engaging features and medium-high volatility. While the RTP may be higher for some players due to its flexibility in betting options and multiple win-boosting symbols, overall Chicken Run’s payout rate remains well above average at 95.23%.
