In the world of online slots, it’s not often that a game stands out from the flock, but Aquria’s "Chicken Run" is one such title that has managed to peck its way into our hearts. Based on the popular animated movie of the same name, this slot takes players on an unforgettable adventure through the English countryside in search of fortune and freedom.
Theme
The game’s theme is rooted firmly in the charming world of Aardman Chicken Run Animations’ "Chicken Run." Players are transported to a lush green landscape teeming with life, where they join a flock of endearing chickens as they embark on their daring escapade. The background visuals showcase rolling hills, fields filled with wildflowers, and even a hint of fog creeping in over the horizon – it’s an immersive and idyllic setting that perfectly captures the whimsical spirit of the original film.
Design
Visually speaking, "Chicken Run" is an absolute treat to behold. Each symbol has been carefully crafted to reflect its real-world counterpart, while also incorporating a touch of cartoonish flair reminiscent of classic animated films. The game’s layout is a bit unconventional for some players’ tastes, with five reels arranged vertically but set in three rows rather than the standard horizontal format.
The vertical design might be an acquired taste, but it does have one significant benefit: there are more ways to form winning combinations due to the expanded reel count and grid structure. The addition of two special symbols – the Eggplant Wild and a Free Spin Scatter egg – further adds to the overall charm of this visually stunning game.
Symbols
The paytable is home to an eclectic mix of animal friends, all vying for your attention with their amusing designs. We have:
- 5 x low-paying bird characters: sparrow, pigeon, robin, woodpecker, and parrot
- Aardman’s infamous Ginger the Chicken – one of the highest paying symbols in the game
The wild Eggplant symbol takes on a life of its own here, becoming both a replacement for any missing piece during regular gameplay as well as having an unexpected role when interacting with other special features later discussed.
Payouts
While nothing revolutionary is happening regarding payout amounts per individual combination compared to competing slots within the same genre – maximum wins range from 400x up through various animal combinations, we do notice how winning patterns get frequently rewarded even outside top-paying scenarios. Medium-to-high risk takers should enjoy more frequent small successes but also know there won’t necessarily come an excessive amount at stake with maxing out each turn.
Wilds
Eggplant symbol assumes multiple roles:
- Aids by filling in any blanks left on the reel line, acting as a true classic "wild."
- Not directly stated within documentation available yet observed during actual gameplay becomes involved when either hitting bonus trigger conditions under active free spin sequences described further below. A second egg – marked Free Spins Scatter Egg plays its part elsewhere within mechanics section given below.
Scatters
Two sets serve respective purposes here:
- Wild Scatters : Not explicitly named or detailed by software developers but noticed taking place upon landing combination that meets required minimum counts to enter their effect (see description of feature under "Bonus Features" for exact trigger sequence).
- Free Spins Scatter Egg – Essential role played in providing entry point into the Bonus Round which we’ll delve deeper into below.
Bonus Features
Each slot features a mechanism or two which, if triggered properly through either pre-established rulesets set forth by designers during development phase these unlock secondary possibilities beyond main event spinning activity itself. We have three special cases:
- Eggplant Bonus : Landing a minimum number of combinations comprising the Eggplant will activate an instant award payout
- Free Spins Round – Entry achieved via Free Spin Scatter Eggs found throughout; this triggers 7 rounds at a default wager rate, with retrigger option present for any additional Scatters detected after initial trigger (with increasing free spins count from initial amount if so occurs).
During bonus mode some differences emerge in gameplay. Symbols are randomly replaced by either Ginger The Chicken wilds and other more lucrative items according to game balance set internally.
Free Spins
While "Chicken Run" offers seven rounds upon activation, an additional five may be granted for any further appearances of the triggering scatter egg beyond initial free spin round.
Additionally each participant has chance recover 100% all accumulated money awarded from entering said round again but this only happens following end-of-session (when player leaves game or closes tab).