The Chicken Run slot machine game is a 5-reel, 20-payline video slot developed by Microgaming, one of the leading online casino software providers. Released in 2019, this slot takes inspiration from the classic British comedy film of the same name and its subsequent sequels.
Theme and Design
As expected from Microgaming’s signature style, the game boasts visually appealing graphics that transport players to a colorful farm setting. The background features rolling hills and a sunny sky with fluffy white clouds, while the reels are adorned with Chicken Run vibrant symbols inspired by the movie. Players will notice iconic characters such as Ginger (the fearless chicken), Fowler (a menacing egg-thief), and others making cameo appearances on the paytable.
The design is characterized by bright colors and lively animations that complement the slot’s country-themed soundtrack. Microgaming has included an impressive array of special effects, including animated intro sequences, realistic sound effects for reels spinning, and rewarding bonus rounds with crisp graphics and atmospheric music.
Symbols
As mentioned earlier, the Chicken Run slot features a diverse range of symbols inspired by both the film and farming folklore. There are four main categories of icons: standard farm animals (chickens, ducks, geese), high-value characters from the movie, unique egg-laying birds, and four card suits.
The game’s wild symbol is represented by Ginger herself, who can appear on any reel to substitute for regular symbols and complete winning combinations. The scatter icon is a stylized image of a farmer’s gate; it has no fixed value but triggers free spins when three or more land simultaneously across the reels.
Payouts
Chicken Run offers decent payouts relative to its volatility level (explained below). While maximum wins are capped at 1,000 times the initial bet, Microgaming has created generous winning combinations for regular symbols and high-value characters. Here’s a brief overview of standard symbol payout ranges:
Wilds
Ginger is not only a wild symbol; she also offers the "Fowl Play" bonus feature. When two Ginger Wild symbols land on adjacent reels in any payline, this activates a random pick from one of three possible options:
The more Wilds that appear during gameplay, the higher the chances of triggering Fowl Play and activating these special perks.
Scatters
To trigger Chicken Run’s Free Spins feature, players need to land at least three scatter symbols on any active payline. Each scatter is a farmer’s gate icon:
The multiplier applies to all wins earned during the respective Free Spins round.
Bonus Features
One of Chicken Run’s unique features is its "Egg-cellent Escape" bonus game. If three or more Ginger Wilds appear on reels, players are rewarded with a chance to escape from Fowler’s clutches:
Another notable aspect is "Chicken Hunt": A random pick feature that can be activated during Free Spins or base game. In this scenario, Ginger chases Fowler’s hen-house with increased multiplier wins ranging from x2 to x10 for up-to-three consecutive spins.
Free Spins
As mentioned earlier, the Chicken Run slot offers 8-16 Free Spins per trigger (dependent on scatter count), along with a higher winning potential. During this feature:
RTP and Volatility
The slot machine boasts an RTP of 96.08% (Medium-High volatility), which is within the acceptable range for most players seeking moderate wins without too much risk.
Microgaming’s developers aimed to create a more balanced gaming experience with "Chicken Run", where medium-sized bets yield higher rewards in comparison to lower-value symbols’ payouts.
Betting Range and Max Win
As expected from Microgaming, this slot machine offers flexible betting options:
Considering the game’s medium-high volatility and payout structure, Chicken Run offers significant maximum win potential of up to x1,000 times initial bets for a single free spin.
Gameplay
While visually appealing and well-structured, the slot machine does exhibit some repetition in gameplay. This can be attributed to its reliance on the Wild symbol as the primary source of winning combinations. Nonetheless:
Mobile Play
As all Microgaming-developed slots, Chicken Run supports mobile devices across various platforms (iOS/Android). Adaptability to different screen sizes is seamless due in part to the developer’s expertise and high-quality graphics.
When played on-the-go, features remain identical – though slight variations may affect audio or visual quality depending on hardware capabilities.