The world of online casino slots is filled with a diverse array of games, each offering unique themes, features, and gameplay mechanics. Among these, some stand out for their attention-grabbing designs, engaging bonus rounds, or generous payouts. One such game that warrants closer examination is the "Chicken Run" slot machine from WMS (Williams Interactive). This article provides an in-depth review of this popular slot, exploring its theme, design, symbols, payouts, and various Chicken Run features.
Theme and Design
The "Chicken Run" slot machine is based on a 2000 animated movie by Aardman Animations and DreamWorks Animation. The film tells the story of a group of chickens who hatch an elaborate plan to escape their sinister farmer, Mr. Tweedy. Players are transported to this charming farm setting, complete with colorful scenery, quirky characters, and endearing sound effects.
The game’s design is similarly immersive, featuring vibrant graphics and animations that accurately capture the spirit of the movie. The reels are set against a backdrop of rolling hills, while various chickens scurry about in the foreground. Throughout gameplay, players will encounter various symbols inspired by the film’s cast, including Ginger (the fearless leader), Rocky (a dim-witted but lovable rooster), and Mrs. Tweedy (the farmer’s scheming wife).
Symbols
The "Chicken Run" slot machine features a range of standard playing card symbols, which are depicted in a playful way to match the game’s theme. Players will encounter values from 9-A, each with its own animated chicken character. Higher-paying symbols include:
- Ginger (Ginger Hen) – Wild: Substitutes for all other symbols except Scatters and Bonus symbols.
- Rocky (Rooster) – Scatter: Triggers Free Spins when three or more appear on the reels.
Additionally, several Chickens Run-specific symbols are featured in the game:
- Chicken Footprints
- Golden Egg
These higher-paying symbols offer prizes ranging from 10 to 1000 coins for matching combinations of three or more on enabled paylines.
Payouts
The "Chicken Run" slot machine offers a maximum theoretical payout of x200,000 (20,000x the total bet). While not particularly high compared to other WMS slots, this still represents an attractive opportunity for players looking to win big. The RTP (Return to Player) is 96%, which falls within industry standards.
Wilds
The Ginger Hen (Ginger) symbol functions as a Wild, replacing all standard playing card symbols and some Chickens Run-specific icons. However, it does not replace the Rocky Rooster Scatter or Bonus symbols.
Scatters
Three or more Rocky Rooster Scatter symbols on enabled paylines trigger Free Spins. The number of scatters landed determines the number of free spins awarded:
- 3 Scatters: 10 Free Spins
- 4 Scatters: 15 Free Spins
- 5 Scatters: 20 Free Spins
During Free Spins, all wins are tripled.
Bonus Features
The "Chicken Run" slot machine offers a unique Bonus feature called the "Rocky Rooster Bonus". When three or more Rocky Scatter symbols appear on enabled paylines, players can trigger this bonus round. In it:
- 3 Scatters: 5x multiplier for all wins
- 4 Scatters: 10x multiplier for all wins
- 5 Scatters: 20x multiplier for all wins
A random selection of reels is also transformed into a "Feature Reel" during the bonus round, offering up to a maximum win of x1000 (10 coins) on each spin.
Free Spins
As mentioned earlier, Free Spins can be triggered by three or more Rocky Scatter symbols. During this feature:
- All wins are tripled
- Re-spin function is available after every single winning combination