Chicken Run is a 5-reel, 25-payline video slot machine developed by Microgaming, a renowned online casino software provider. The game is based on the popular animated movie of the same name, which was released in 2000 and became a critical and commercial success worldwide. As with any other video slot machine, Chicken Run has its own set of unique features, symbols, and gameplay mechanics that make it stand out from the crowd.
Theme
The game’s theme is centered around the Chicken Run movie Chicken Run, where a group of chickens try to escape from their farmer, Mrs. Tweedy, who plans to turn them into chicken nuggets for her restaurant business. The slot machine captures the essence of this story by incorporating various characters and symbols inspired by the film. Players can experience the thrill of helping these plucky birds break free from captivity as they spin the reels.
Design
The game’s design is colorful, vibrant, and immersive, with high-quality graphics that transport players to a charming farm setting. The background image features rolling hills, green fields, and an old barn where the chickens live. In the foreground, we see the 5×3 grid of symbols, each intricately designed with detailed animations. When triggered, special effects such as animated explosions, smoke, and fireworks add to the excitement.
Symbols
Chicken Run has a diverse set of symbols inspired by both farm animals and the movie’s storyline. The regular paytable symbols include:
- High-value icons: Chicken (5-of-a-kind pays 250x), Tweedy Bird, Bock (a British cockerel) Chick, Duck
- Low-value icons: A to J standard playing cards
The special symbols in this game are an essential part of its excitement. Players will encounter wild and scatter symbols that help them create more winning combinations.
Wilds
The game features a Wild symbol inspired by the movie’s hero, Ginger (voiced by Julia Sawalha). This ginger chicken acts as a substitute for other icons on the paytable to complete potential wins. The Wild icon can appear in any position within the reels and combines with various symbols to create numerous combinations.
Scatters
Another key feature is the Scatter symbol represented by Mrs. Tweedy (voiced by Mel Gibson), who appears in 2-5 instances across the screen, depending on how lucky you are! With two or more Scattered Twedies anywhere in view will trigger the Pick’ems Bonus round, while five of them award the player with a hefty sum.
Pick’em Bonus
The Pick’ems bonus is based on the movie’s scene where Mrs. Tweedy wants to ‘pick out’ some chickens for her nugget business. This mini-game can be triggered when at least two Scattered Twedies land, allowing players to choose one of three items from a grid: hens with different egg-laying abilities, hatching eggs that release smaller rewards, or exploding farm tools.
When selecting the exploding tool icon will grant 25-100x multiplier; hens result in multipliers ranging between 5-10 times for each active combination created while they’re on reel. Eggs lead to payouts of 5, 8 or even a 20 multiple per pick with three free spins as part of this round.
Free Spins
Additional bonus features provide exciting opportunities for players:
- Wild Wing : While there are at least two Scattered Twedies displayed in view and the other is Wild Ginger chicken that serves its purpose by covering all the five reels offering 2-5 free turns depending on their count
Once you gain those chances; remember: During the re-spins sequence no more than one extra Chick icon can appear per spin or round resulting in potential six additional Wilds displayed throughout – enhancing possible prize winning combinations.
The Pickem’s bonus will be played if two Scatter Twedies turn up; however, only with Ginger being replaced by 3-5 Twedie birds anywhere within three row display you get higher payment amounts.