The Chicken Run slot machine is a 5-reel, 4-row online casino game based on the popular stop-motion animated movie of the same name. The game was developed by Barcrest Games and released in 2013 as part of the Gala Bingo platform.
Theme and Design
As its title suggests, the Chicken Run slot machine is centered around a group of plucky chickens trying to escape from an evil farmer. The game’s theme is reminiscent of classic Chicken Run cartoons from the early 20th century, with colorful hand-drawn graphics and animations that bring the characters to life.
The background of the game is set in a farm yard, complete with rolling hills and trees. The reels themselves are presented as large wooden doors adorned with intricate carvings, adding to the whimsical feel of the game.
Each character from the movie has been recreated for the slot machine, including Ginger (the main chicken), Rocky (Ginger’s love interest), Mrs. Tweedy (the farm wife who tries to capture the chickens) and more. These characters appear throughout the game as symbols on the reels, adding a delightful touch of charm.
Symbols
The Chicken Run slot features a range of standard reel symbols that are common in many online slots:
- High-value symbols include Ginger, Rocky, Mrs. Tweedy, and other movie characters
- Lower-value symbols feature various farm-themed items such as eggs, milk bottles, pitchforks, and more
- The game also includes two special symbol types:
- Wild Symbol: A golden egg, which can replace any standard reel symbol to complete winning combinations
- Scatter Symbol: A film strip, which activates the Free Spins feature when three or more appear in a row
Payouts
As with most online slots, Chicken Run offers a range of potential payouts depending on the symbols that land. The highest paying combination is five Ginger Wild Symbols (5 x 10) appearing on an active line.
Payout multipliers vary from x1 for three-of-a-kind combinations up to x1000 for a set of five identical high-value symbols landing consecutively in a row.
Payout Examples
Some examples of payouts include:
- Three eggs: x2
- Four milk bottles: x5
- Five Mrs. Tweedy: x20
However, the top prize is awarded when any four Wild Symbols appear in one winning combination (4×10 = 40).
The maximum win on Chicken Run slot machine can reach up to £60,000 at a fixed jackpot size.
Wilds and Scatters
As mentioned earlier, two special symbol types make their appearance:
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Golden Egg: Can replace any standard reel symbol
- Also serves as the game’s Wild Symbol
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Film Strip: A Scatter Symbol that activates Free Spins when 3 or more appear in a row (from left to right)
Bonus Features and Gameplay Variations
The Chicken Run slot offers two unique bonus features:
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Bonus Pick Feature :
- Three film strip Scatter symbols activate this feature
- The player picks from the farm animals on-screen, revealing cash prizes ranging from x2 up to x50 multiplied by the total bet amount for that particular pick
- 5 free games awarded after picking and collecting all cash values
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Free Games :
- Three or more film strip Scatters trigger ten free spins with doubled payouts (no upper limit)
- Wild Symbols become stacked during Free Spins
- Reels 1-4 are expanded to five rows in the Bonus Pick Feature; reels 5 has a three-of-a-kind combo
RTP and Volatility
Chicken Run operates at an average Return-to-Player rate of approximately 95% as measured by independent auditors for Gala Bingo.
Barcrest Games classifies Chicken Run as being of Medium volatility.
Betting Range and Max Win
The minimum bet amount is £0.40, while the maximum is £60 (on any active paylines).
However, due to an additional option added later that offers a fixed jackpot win at x500, players can participate for £1,000 if needed.
Gameplay
Chicken Run’s gameplay follows typical slot machine conventions:
- Players can adjust their bets and lines using the controls
- Pressing Spin starts each round; autoplay function also available
- Automatic wins result when three-or-more consecutive identical symbols appear on active paylines in a row
The Chicken Run experience offers some excitement through various features but doesn’t break new ground or offer much depth beyond expectations of an animated movie slot machine based game.
Mobile Play and Player Experience
Chicken Run Slot Machine is compatible with mobile devices (smartphones, tablets). The optimized platform provides players with a smooth gaming experience that does not require specific compatibility upgrades. However it runs as smoothly on lower-end devices given some minor tweaks made during design for both older desktop versions alongside enhanced visuals.
The user interface can accommodate the relatively wide 3-row mobile screens effectively with suitable spacing between buttons to avoid excessive tapping or accidental input due to decreased real estate.
An interesting aspect is that Chicken Run offers both portrait and landscape orientations allowing users to interact comfortably according to their preference, even when in a landscape mode which presents better performance in regards to smaller screen sizes given more room for symbol displays above the control panels thus increasing visibility and reducing zoom level demands
Overall player experience ratings indicate a highly engaging slot machine with some flaws mostly stemming from lack of advanced progressive jackpots, free spin enhancements or higher volatility levels. But these shortcomings should not prevent any beginner or experienced casino game fans interested in animated-themed games.
Overall Analysis
Chicken Run offers players the charm and fun they expect from classic cartoons while presenting engaging slot machine gameplay with numerous features including stacked Wilds, two separate free spin scenarios (regular and pick-and-win bonus) for some degree of diversity in results but can’t be considered overly complex due to lack in more intricate rules or an enhanced pay table structure compared other games reviewed by the industry.
RTP is relatively balanced at 95% average return while volatility sits moderately on the spectrum of high-mid range. Betting range stretches from £0.40 up to a substantial maximum, giving users options beyond casual players with its higher amount possibilities for large winnings potential.