Introduction
Chicken Run is a beloved animated film from Aardman Animations that tells the story of a group of chickens attempting to escape their evil farmer, Mr. Tweedy. The film’s blend of humor, adventure, and heart has made it a classic among animation fans worldwide. In this review, we will delve into the world of online casino slot machines Chicken Run based on Chicken Run, specifically focusing on "Chicken Run" by an unnamed software provider.
Theme
As expected from a slot machine inspired by a popular film, the theme is prominently featured throughout the game. The design and symbols all pay homage to the movie’s colorful and whimsical characters, such as Ginger, Rocky, and Mrs. Tweedy. The background of the reels displays the farm where most of the story takes place, complete with rolling hills, chicken coops, and a large "Get Off My Farm" sign.
The theme is well-executed, capturing the lighthearted and comedic tone of the film without feeling overly reliant on references or plot points. Players who enjoy slots based on popular movies will feel right at home here, while those unfamiliar with Chicken Run may still appreciate the charming graphics and animations.
Design
From a visual standpoint, "Chicken Run" is an aesthetically pleasing slot machine that effectively incorporates elements from the film into its design. The game’s resolution appears crisp, even in smaller windows or mobile devices, ensuring seamless gameplay regardless of screen size. The 5×4 reel setup provides ample room for the wide variety of symbols we’ll discuss shortly.
Symbols
The standard set of base game symbols includes a mix of high-paying characters and lower-value items used to create combinations. These are:
- High-Value Characters:
- Ginger (Wild symbol): Representing the leader of the chickens, Ginger appears in both male and female variations.
- Rocky: A lovable but awkward rooster who adds comedic relief to the game.
- Mrs. Tweedy: The farmer’s wife is a key character in the film, here represented by her determined expression.
- Mid-Value Symbols:
- Chicken Eggs
- Poultry Food
- Farm Tools (such as pitchforks and shovels)
- Low-Value Symbols:
- 9-Ace
Each of these symbols has its own unique graphics and animations when part of a winning combination.
Payouts
As with most slots, the payouts are determined by combinations of matching symbols in specific configurations. The game’s payout table is comprehensive but follows standard slot machine logic:
- Highest paying symbol (Wild – Ginger) awards 1,000 coins for five-of-a-kind.
- Mid-value characters pay from 50 to 150 coins depending on their appearance and the number of matches.
Low-value symbols offer payouts between one and twenty-five coins. Combos involving multiple lower-paying items are worth significantly less, ranging from three cents (one chicken egg) up to ten credits for five tool combinations.
Wilds
Ginger acts as both a Wild symbol and the highest paying character in the game. This dual role allows Ginger to substitute for other symbols when necessary, increasing the chances of forming winning combos.
In addition to substituting for base-game symbols, Ginger has its own unique bonus feature (more on that later). While serving as an icon for wilds might limit their ability to generate truly random combinations, this approach is common in slots and doesn’t detract from gameplay overall.
Scatters
No scatters are present in the game. This omission may make it slightly less exciting compared to other slot machines featuring bonus scatter symbols that can trigger free spins or other rewards.
Bonus Features
Two distinct features enhance "Chicken Run"’s value: Chicken Lay, and Mr. Tweedy’s farmyard.
1. Chicken Lay : Each time Ginger appears on the reels in a winning combination, it triggers this feature. A set number of chicken eggs will then be collected from the game area below the reels as multipliers for that spin or the next one. 2. Mr. Tweedy’s Farmyard : Upon landing three farm tool symbols (pitchforks and shovels) anywhere in view on consecutive reel positions, a special "Farmyard" mini-game is initiated.
Bonus Features: Mr. Tweedy’s Farmyard
Upon triggering this mini-game by collecting three pitchfork/shovel combinations, players are taken to an area filled with various farm-themed items such as eggs, roosters, and even the evil farmer himself (Mr. Tweedy). In this mode:
- Eggs appear regularly on screen; each represents 1×2 multiplier awarded upon its collection.
- Collected multipliers can then be applied once Ginger forms a combination on either subsequent spin or as part of another game round.
The "Chicken Run" slot provides more excitement and potential than at first glance. While lacking an obvious free spins feature, both Chicken Lay and Mr. Tweedy’s Farmyard compensate by offering rewarding multiplier collection opportunities throughout gameplay sessions.