The Chicken Road slot machine is a farm-themed online casino game developed by NetEnt, a renowned Swedish gaming provider known for its high-quality slots. This review will delve into every aspect of the game, providing an in-depth analysis of its features and gameplay.
Theme and Design
Chicken Road takes players on a rural journey to a charming countryside setting Chicken Road where chickens roam freely around a scenic farm landscape. The game’s atmosphere is reminiscent of classic European farming villages with rolling hills, verdant fields, and quaint farmhouses. Upon launching the slot, players are immersed in a serene environment complete with soothing background sounds, accompanied by occasional chicken chirps and clucking.
The reels themselves sit against an idyllic farmhouse backdrop, where chickens roam freely around it, while wheat grows on either side of them, adding a touch of rural charm to the scene. The overall theme and design create an immersive experience that appeals to those seeking a calming yet engaging gaming session. Visually, Chicken Road is well-designed, offering crisp graphics with vibrant colors that shine through without overwhelming the senses.
Symbols
As one would expect from a farm-themed slot, the game’s symbols reflect this agricultural setting:
- Card suits 9-A represent low-paying symbols.
- Farming tools (Rake, Water Pump) appear as mid-pay symbols.
- The Chicken is the Wild symbol and Scatter at once.
- A friendly-looking Rooster represents another mid-payer.
The design of these icons complements the game’s theme perfectly. Their simplicity makes them easily recognizable on both desktop and mobile platforms. While some might find the use of standard card suits for lower pay symbols uninspired, they blend seamlessly into the overall aesthetic without detracting from it.
Payouts
NetEnt has taken care to structure payouts in a straightforward yet engaging manner:
- 9-A: These serve as low-paying icons and offer rewards when three or more appear.
- 3 of a kind reward up to x1,000 the bet amount for an Ace card suit symbol.
- Lower pay increments apply for other lower-ranking cards (9-K).
- Farming Tools: Rake, Water Pump. These mid-payers deliver increased winnings with combinations:
- Three in a row result in payouts between 5-20 times the stake.
- Rooster and Chicken (Wild/Scatter):
- Landing five of each on an active line yields up to x1500 the total bet.
Wilds
Chicken Road features two Wild symbols – the Rooster Wild substitutes for all other icons except itself, helping complete winning combinations. On the other hand, there’s also the Chicken which serves as both a Scatter and Wild symbol. The former triggers bonus features when at least three appear while in a designated space on reels 1-5.
Scatters
Similar to the Rooster Wild, landing five or more Scattered Chickens anywhere across an active line results in up to 25 free spins plus a multiplier of up to x4. The Chicken icon is both Scatter and Wild.
Bonus Features
Chicken Road offers two types of bonus rounds: Bonus Spin Feature (BSF) and Free Spins Bonus Round:
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BSF (Rake & Pump Bonus) :
- Triggers when 3 or more Rakes or Water Pumps land.
- Awarded with a set amount between x5-50 times the bet, depending on how many icons triggered it.
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Free Spins :
- Initiated by landing three or more Scattered Chickens in any space across reels 1 to 5.
- Earns up to 25 free spins plus an additional multiplier of up to x4.
- Each spin re-triggered has a multiplier applied starting from the second trigger, with no cap.
Free Spins
Chicken Road’s free spins bonus offers multipliers on each triggered round:
- Multipliers : Each consecutive trigger of 3+ Scattered Chickens increases the Free Spin multipliers:
- The first three triggers award a multiplier up to x2.
- Subsequent sets increase this by one, with no maximum limit.
This system encourages strategic gameplay since landing more scatters awards higher rewards for future spins. Players can exploit multiple rounds of free spins for increased earnings through strategic play or simply sit back and let the Chicken Road magic unfold!
RTP
The theoretical return to player (RTP) percentage is a crucial factor in assessing game quality, especially considering long-term profitability:
Chicken Road’s RTP stands at 96.05%. This falls within an acceptable range for slots. High and above average payback percentages offer a relatively better edge for the house while ensuring returns that don’t compromise on player experience.
Volatility
While volatility isn’t explicitly stated by NetEnt, Chicken Road can be assumed to possess Medium-High risk profile based on observed patterns during gameplay:
- The probability of landing multiple bonus spins is significant due to its generous wild and scatter combination possibilities.
- A medium-high volatile game will offer the potential for more substantial wins but in a less predictable manner compared to low-volatility slots.
Betting Range
To accommodate diverse player preferences, Chicken Road features adjustable stakes with minimum wagering amounts starting at $0.20 per spin on all 25 paylines and maximum of up to $50:
- All available bets can be set through the coin size menu.
- The "Autoplay" feature allows for customizable intervals from 10-1,000 spins.
Max Win
Chicken Road offers an impressive theoretical max win that’s not a fixed figure but rather the result of accumulated combinations across various line rewards:
- Bonus features : Awarded with sums ranging between x5 to x50 times the bet in BSF; up to x1500 the stake during free spins.
- Max win potential lies within the realm of 100,000+ coins based on successful combination play.
This allows players to dream big while not losing sight of achievable wins within its accessible betting range.