The online casino scene has seen its fair share of zombie-themed slots over the years, but few have managed to combine these undead creatures with a more lighthearted and humorous approach like NetEnt’s "Chicken vs Zombies". This 5-reel slot machine is not just another addition to the genre; it brings a fresh spin on the traditional gameplay while maintaining an engaging atmosphere.
Theme and Design
At its core, "Chicken vs Zombies" https://chickengamegambling.ca/chicken-vs-zombies revolves around two opposing forces: chickens trying to survive amidst hordes of undead zombies. The game’s artwork transports players into a world of farmhouses, country roads, and fields overrun by the reanimated dead. A predominantly light color scheme gives way to darker tones during more intense scenes, immersing players in the chaos.
Symbols range from high-paying chicken characters like "Cluck Norris", "Hatcher McSnatcherson", and their undead counterparts to lower-value playing card icons and a zombie-filled Scatters symbol that serves as both an important element for bonuses and a potent activator of Free Spins. Each character has its unique animations, contributing to the overall cartoonish vibe.
Symbols
The paytable is structured around these chicken characters in decreasing order: Hatcher McSnatcherson (600x bet), Cluck Norris (400x bet), Zed Chickadee (200x bet), Zombie Chicken (100x bet). Lower-value symbols include 10, J, Q, K, A. In contrast to typical slot design, the game does not shy away from depicting chickens in various stages of distress or as antagonists.
Payouts
All standard symbol payouts are relatively low compared to more lucrative high-paying combinations involving scatters and wilds. Nonetheless, with a range of 10 coins per spin up to 1000 coins per bet (which equates roughly to €5 to €500 in minimum/maximum stakes), potential wins can become substantial.
Wilds
In "Chicken vs Zombies", the Zombie Chicken icon serves as both Wild and Scatters symbol. Whenever it appears on any reel, it substitutes for all other symbols except scatters. Its wild nature significantly increases winning possibilities during the base game and even more so in bonus modes due to increased frequency of its appearance.
Scatters
When at least three Scatters are collected anywhere within adjacent reels 2 through 5, a Zombie Chicken Bonus is triggered. During this round, any Wilds present expand to cover entire reel columns while rewarding significant payouts for any combination created with expanded Wilds and scatters included. Additionally, each bonus includes up to eight Free Spins depending on initial Scatter count.
Bonus Features
One notable feature in "Chicken vs Zombies" is the ability of all five reels to fill entirely with Zombie Chickens during Free Spins. This results in guaranteed wins from every spin until no more Wilds or Scatters appear, creating a thrilling experience reminiscent of classic casino games like Hot Fruits Deluxe.
The second significant bonus – "Cluck Norris" feature – randomly activates the power of Cluck Norris on any win up to 5 times per game cycle. Activating his ‘power’ can increase wins by doubling them when combined with other winning combinations containing a Chicken Wild and/or Scatter symbols involved in creating those wins.
Free Spins
Free Spins are an integral part of "Chicken vs Zombies". Upon triggering three or more Scatters, up to eight rounds ensue; additional spins become available based on initial Scatter count. Given that Free Spins themselves come with a 2x multiplier applied when activated by the Zombie Chicken Bonus mode described above and further increased by Cluck Norris if he has an active win involved during such activations – results from these bonuses can reach substantial payouts.
RTP, Volatility, Betting Range
NetEnt’s return-to-player (RTP) percentage for "Chicken vs Zombies" is set at 96.5%, positioning it above the average of most slots but below their highest payout slots like Hall of Gods with an RTP of over 97%. On volatility levels, this game leans more towards high-medium volatility; higher risks generate a chance for substantial rewards during bonus modes and when utilizing Wilds effectively.
In terms of betting range, players can place wagers from €0.10 up to €100 per spin in Euro denomination, while conversion to other currencies will vary based on the specific online casino chosen by a player. This relatively wide stake flexibility caters well to various types of gamblers and playing styles alike – including those looking for lower minimum bets or possibly targeting larger stakes for longer sessions.
Max Win
NetEnt has capped the maximum payout per spin at 200 times total bet, meaning if you were betting €1 in a specific round and managed an all-five-of-a-kind combination (including Zombie Chicken as both Wilds & Scatter), it would award a sum of 4000x your stake for that particular game. However, given its volatile nature coupled with numerous opportunities during bonuses to increase chances at big wins through combinations involving various combinations such as Scatters + expanded Zombies/Wild Chickens – potential exists beyond maximum single spin limits.
Gameplay
In gameplay terms ‘Chicken vs Zombies’ runs relatively smooth on any device. Although not the fastest or lightest game due in part to extensive animations, it is stable enough across multiple devices when tested with varying screen sizes from smaller tablets through mid-range smartphones up into high-end gaming monitors and larger screens capable of running slot machines. The immersive gameplay experience contributes significantly towards a comprehensive gamified theme.
Mobile Play
As developed by NetEnt for cross-platform compatibility – the mobile version ensures that users are able to enjoy Chicken vs Zombies anywhere they have internet connectivity without any compromises on performance features. This means even devices with lower processor power such as some budget Android and iOS variants should be capable of handling gameplay.
Player Experience
One primary aspect that contributes significantly towards engaging players is its well-planned ‘zombie invasion’ sequence when activating Cluck Norris feature for several spins back-to-back: creating suspense while awaiting next potential win, generating excitement upon winning. Its bonus round rewards have substantial values when maximized through multiple strategies and high-reward payouts.
Overall Analysis
"Chicken vs Zombies", available in numerous online casinos worldwide including desktop platforms such as bet-at-home, PokerStars Casino UK, William Hill and mobile-optimized at PartyCasino, offers users engaging experience both during normal play and its well-integrated bonus modes. With high-payout potential through scatters plus doubled payout Wilds for every participating win combination in expanded Zombie/Cluck form – along with the game’s lighthearted cartoon-style animations enhancing immersion.
However, while maximum paylines may not exceed 25 per spin (for a five reel, three row slot machine), NetEnt incorporated several mechanics like Scatters, Wild Chickens and two significant bonus modes that generate substantial potential rewards.
