Game Overview
Chicken Road is a 5-reel online casino slot developed by game studio, WMS Gaming. Released in 2013, it has since become a popular choice among players seeking an entertaining and potentially rewarding experience. The game’s theme revolves around the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West," which follows the adventures of Monkey King Sun Wukong Chicken Road as he travels along the treacherous Chicken Road.
Theme and Design
The game’s design is inspired by the mystical landscapes and creatures depicted in traditional Chinese art. Players are transported to a fantastical world filled with lush greenery, ancient temples, and mythical beasts. The reels themselves feature intricate carvings of various symbols associated with Eastern mythology, such as dragons, phoenixes, and the Monkey King himself.
Symbols
The standard paying symbols on Chicken Road include:
- Monkey King : This high-paying symbol is based on the protagonist from "Journey to the West." Players can earn up to 50x their stake by landing five of these symbols.
- Dragon : The dragon, often depicted as a powerful and majestic creature in Eastern cultures, offers payouts ranging from 20-40 times the player’s bet for four or five consecutive appearances on active reels.
- Phoenix : This beautiful bird is revered for its beauty and spiritual significance in many Asian cultures. It awards players with up to 30x their stake when three or more appear.
- Taoist Monks : Two monks adorn the game, each representing a different aspect of Taoism: harmony (left) and balance (right). When these symbols land together on reels 2-5, they trigger specific features depending on the player’s choice.
Payouts
The paytable for Chicken Road features numerous combinations that reward players with cash credits. The highest paying combination is achieved by landing five Monkey King symbols on an active reel line, awarding a maximum of $50 per bet unit (depending on stake). Each winning combination includes both fixed payouts and dynamic multipliers, increasing the overall potential return to player.
Wilds
The game features two wild types: the Monkey Face and the **Taoist Monk’s Cloak. The Monkey Face is represented by a single symbol that can be used as any other icon except scatters and special items. It substitutes for standard symbols but does not multiply payouts.
On the other hand, the Taoist Monk’s Cloak serves two roles: it functions like the wild face and also acts as an additional scatter when combined with its counterpart on reels 3 and 5. By filling these slots simultaneously with both cloaks’ faces or a single symbol, players unlock various game-changing features.
Scatters
There are two special items that appear in Chicken Road:
- Taoist Monks : When any two Taoist Monks (either balance or harmony) land on active reels 2 and/or 3 alongside one of their respective counterparts on either reel, they trigger a Pick Feature or Free Games feature.
- Golden Coins : These scatter symbols initiate the Scatter Bonus, allowing players to pick from an assortment of coins for potential wins.
Bonus Features
Chicken Road incorporates several engaging bonus features that enhance gameplay variety:
- Taoist Monk’s Cloak (Monkey Face) : Combination with one or both Taoist Monks triggers additional Wilds that stay locked throughout a round, enabling high-value winning combinations.
- Free Games : Three to five Golden Coin scatter symbols award players up to ten free spins during which all standard payouts double and Wilds remain fixed for the entire duration of these bonus rounds.
RTP
According to official sources from WMS Gaming, Chicken Road features a Return To Player percentage (RTP) of 96%. This means that out of every $100 wagered on this game, an estimated average payout is expected at approximately $96. However please note this could change over time or may not be accurate.
Volatility
Chicken Road showcases low-medium to medium volatility levels which implies infrequent but rewarding wins during standard gameplay with relatively balanced payouts for each round played compared to high variance games that provide large, rare jackpots.
Betting Range
The slot allows a wide variety of betting options and amounts. Bet denominations in Chicken Road range from $0.01 (min) up to $10, while the coin values can be adjusted between 1 and 5 per spin enabling flexible gameplay experiences suited for different stakes.