The online casino industry has witnessed a surge in popularity of themed slots games over the past decade, with various genres being explored to keep players engaged. One such theme that has gained attention chicken games is that of farm animals, with many developers opting for it as their canvas. Among these titles is "Chicken Games," developed by Pragmatic Play, a well-known iGaming developer based in Malta. In this review, we delve into the intricacies of Chicken Games to help players understand what to expect from this slot.
Game Overview
Before diving into the details of this game, it’s essential to have an understanding of its core features and mechanics. The "Chicken Games" slots game is a 5-reel, 4-row setup that utilizes a standard grid layout common in most online slots games. However, what sets Chicken Games apart from others within this niche market are its vibrant colors and the engaging theme.
On launch, players are transported to an idyllic farm where chickens roam free, creating an immersive environment. The background of the reels appears as a rural setting with clouds moving by, further enhancing the realistic ambiance. While some may view it as childish or simplistic at first glance, Pragmatic Play has infused this theme into every aspect, from symbols to animations, showcasing their ability to blend entertainment and game play effectively.
Theme
The primary focus of Chicken Games is centered around farm animals, specifically chickens. Each symbol, including the playing cards J-AKQ, are custom-designed with chicken-inspired elements that match the game’s idyllic setting. While most slots games incorporate various mythical or fantastical creatures for their theme, Pragmatic Play opted for something more grounded and relatable.
In-game animations show the farm animals interacting in a fun way while displaying winnings or triggering bonus features. These subtle gestures do not distract from gameplay but instead complement it with visual humor, enhancing player engagement. This blend of interactive elements and background settings makes Chicken Games feel lively and engaging throughout each round of play.
Design
When considering design aspects, slots games often have multiple layers that cater to different tastes among players. "Chicken Games" employs a combination of bright colors for the symbols, with the chicken theme being evident in every aspect. The low-value icons include custom-designed playing cards 9-AKQ and also four types of chickens, each with its own unique look.
The high-value symbols feature three main farm animal friends: Cluck Norris, Hatcher McSnuggle, and Penny the Penguin (note that this last icon may raise some questions regarding consistency in theme since penguins do not live on farms). The game’s color palette is predominantly shades of brown, green, yellow, blue, white, and black. These combinations evoke a natural environment and match well with farm animals.
Symbols
The 12 symbols within the game are divided between low-value playing cards (9-AKQ) and three custom-designed high-value characters plus four types of chickens, which serve as the wilds or free spin triggers depending on their position in gameplay. Each character provides a clear hint towards its role through animations.
Payouts
Winning combinations across Chicken Games rely heavily on paying combinations starting from the leftmost reel to the rightmost one. Players can win based on standard paylines with three, four, and five matching symbols triggering payouts according to their respective symbol values or multipliers attached when specific bonus features are triggered. In addition to base game wins, bonus rounds offer significant opportunities for winning substantial cash amounts.
Wilds
The Wild Chickens serve as placeholders in winning combinations within the standard reels. They appear on every reel except the first and act similarly to any other wild symbol by replacing low-value playing cards. However, when landing four free spin icons across Reels 2-5 or five Scatters (bonus symbols), two of these will change into Wild Chickens if none are already present in those positions.
Scatters
Four types of chickens represent the Scatter, and they must appear on reels from left to right within specific patterns for triggering either a Free Spins bonus round or Cash prize wins. A player cannot trigger multiple free spins during their ongoing session, indicating this game is structured around one big win opportunity per play cycle.
Bonus Features
Pragmatic Play included various features designed to boost winnings in "Chicken Games." First off are the wild chickens, as discussed above. Secondly, four types of farm animals also serve as scatters when appearing across reels from leftmost side or center for triggering free spins with increasing multipliers attached to winning combinations during these rounds.
On top of this bonus structure is Cluck Norris’s Henhouse Free Spins round initiated through landing three of the same high-value icon on reels 2-5. Five matching Hatcher McSnuggle symbols initiate a Chicken Games spin round offering players more ways for triggering free spins or getting paid out significantly during active play.
Penny the Penguin bonus can be unlocked in one specific order (3-Penguin-Henhouse-Free-Spins). Players receive up to 50 Free Spins with increasing multipliers when at least four Free Spins symbols land across any of those positions, contributing towards greater potential payouts throughout each round played within this game session.
Free Spins
Pragmatic Play included various ways for earning free spins that cater to the wide variety in player experience and preferences. With up to 50 rounds available (the maximum award amount from four sets), free spin bonuses offer higher multipliers applied to wins made across any of those Free Spins triggering combinations during standard game sessions, as mentioned before.
RTP
Return To Player rate measures how well a slots game provides its average player earnings back over extended time frames compared against actual stakes inputted at the machine or device running it. Chicken Games offers an RTP level set between 96-98% when playing with max credits and lower on minimum bets, suggesting fair chances of winning according to its Return-To-Player value estimate.
Volatility
"Chicken Games," much like other Pragmatic Play titles, does not specify volatility rating directly; however, the slot experience generally caters towards a mid-to-high level. This aligns with their aim for providing large sums while rewarding players moderately for more consistent play patterns rather than pushing them into aggressive betting styles.
Betting Range
Players have access to adjusting stakes using up to 125 betways and available minimum to maximum staked per spin amounts of £0.20 or equivalent currency units, in-game currency being the standard denomination unit here used by Pragmatic Play slots games for all titles worldwide.
