Chicken Cross is a farm-themed online slot game developed by Microgaming, one of the most renowned software providers in the industry. Released in 2015, this 243-payline video slot has been entertaining players with its quirky animation and engaging gameplay features. As an informational review, we will delve into every aspect of Chicken Cross to help you understand what makes it tick.
Game Theme and Design
The game is Chicken Cross game set on a farm where chickens roam free and lay eggs in abundance. The colorful graphics are reminiscent of a sunny day at the countryside, complete with rolling hills, green pastures, and happy chicken characters. The background of the reels features an idyllic landscape with fluffy white clouds and a bright blue sky.
The symbols in Chicken Cross reflect the farm theme. Players can expect to see images such as chickens (roosters and hens), eggs, vegetables like carrots and lettuce, flowers, and farm equipment like tractors and plows. These symbols are designed to be visually appealing and easy to recognize on both desktop and mobile devices.
Symbols and Payouts
As mentioned earlier, Chicken Cross features 243 paylines, which means players can win in multiple ways with every spin. The game offers a wide range of symbol payouts, ranging from the low-value carrots (0.40x bet per line) to the high-paying chicken symbols (100x or more the bet).
Here’s a list of some of the key paying symbols:
- Rooster: 2-5x bet
- Hen: 1.60-30x bet
- Egg: 0.50-25x bet
- Carrot: 0.40-20x bet
The game also features two special symbols, which will be discussed in detail below.
Wild Symbol and Free Spins
Chicken Cross has a dedicated wild symbol that substitutes for all other paying symbols except the scatter. The wild chicken can appear on any of the five reels to help create winning combinations. Unfortunately, there is no multiplier feature associated with the wilds.
The game’s free spins round is triggered by landing three or more scatter symbols anywhere in view (on reel 1, 2, and/or 3). Three scatters award eight free spins, four award twelve free spins, and five give you an impressive twenty free spins. The scatters pay out their respective wins according to the payout table.
During the free spins round, all paying combinations are multiplied by three times their normal value, giving players more chances to win big. If additional scatter symbols land during the free spins, they can retrigger more rounds with even higher multiplier rewards.
Bonus Features
In addition to its standard features, Chicken Cross offers a few bonus elements that enhance gameplay and potential wins:
- Super 12 Free Spins : These are awarded when five scatters appear anywhere on reels 1-5. The feature awards twelve free spins with all pays multiplied by four.
- Chicken Cross Feature : This is activated randomly after any non-winning spin, awarding a range of bonus symbols including additional wilds and scatter icons.
Gameplay Experience
Gameplay at Chicken Cross begins as any other Microgaming slot game would: players choose their bet levels and click the "Spin" button. The game offers adjustable bet values ranging from 0.01 to 1.00 coins per line, giving beginners a chance to ease into gameplay with smaller stakes.
Mobile Play
As expected from Microgaming’s commitment to mobile gaming, Chicken Cross is optimized for play on both Android and iOS devices without compromising graphics or features. Players can switch seamlessly between their desktop computer or laptop and mobile device without requiring a different app download.
The slot game adapts well to various screen sizes and orientations, offering an immersive experience whether you prefer portrait or landscape orientation. Touch controls make it easy to navigate through options, select bet amounts, and enjoy the gameplay on-the-go.
Player Experience
When players first start playing Chicken Cross, they are likely drawn in by its colorful graphics and cute characters. However, the real test comes when the reels stop spinning. Will those chickens cross to deliver wins? And how will you cope with volatility?
One major advantage of Chicken Cross is that it allows low-stakes players to try their luck without breaking the bank. Microgaming’s implementation ensures all key features remain accessible, including free spins and bonus elements.
However, experienced gamers might find the returns too mediocre for high rollers seeking consistent rewards.
RTP (Return To Player)
Microgaming hasn’t disclosed an official Return To Player (RTP) percentage for Chicken Cross in any public source. However, our review suggests a general estimate of around 95% – slightly above average compared to other slots available on the market today. This means players can reasonably expect to lose about £1 per pound betted over a sufficiently large number of spins.
Volatility
Chicken Cross features moderate-high volatility according to most independent slot reviews and our own analysis based on gameplay data. While winning streaks are not as frequent or profitable, when they do occur, the payouts tend to be substantial enough that losses don’t last forever. This balance between wins and losses results in an average player return rate suitable for players interested in farming it out (i.e., engaging with their chosen slot machine over a period).
Betting Range
Players can adjust bet levels from £0.01 up to £100 per line across all available coin denominations provided by the game’s setting options. It is essential to note that placing larger bets does increase potential wins; however, increased risk must be balanced according to individual tolerance and preferences.
In conclusion, Chicken Cross offers players a more leisurely experience compared with high-speed action-packed slot machines like NetEnt’s Neon Staxx or similar speed-based offerings from Quickspin. Players seeking rewards may find success through strategic betting adjustments following trial-and-error gameplay observations during their first few hundred spins on the reels at low and moderate stakes.
Keep in mind that since it is not an ultra-high-volatility machine, this title remains generally stable for a period but only moderately rewarding compared with certain competing products offering higher-paying multipliers over time after starting play.
As always when evaluating online slot machines like Chicken Cross from Microgaming:
- Review any local jurisdiction’s regulations and taxation rules.
- Gamble responsibly using funds that can support your leisure activities, not those earmarked for significant purchases or savings goals.
- Maintain realistic expectations regarding the average RTP rate provided by each particular slot machine game.