Chicken Run (video game)
{{Short description|2000 video game}}
{{About|the video game| the film it's based on|Chicken Run }}
{{Use British English|date=June 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Chicken Run
| image = Chicken Run (video game).jpg
| developer = Blitz Games
| publisher = {{Plainlist|
- Eidos Interactive
- THQ{{efn|Game Boy Color version only}}
}}
| director =
| producer = Patrick Cowan
| designer =
| programmer = R. Fred Williams
| artist =
| writer =
| composer = Rob Lord
| platforms = Game Boy Color, Dreamcast, PlayStation, Microsoft Windows
| released = Game Boy Color, Dreamcast, PlayStation{{vgrelease|NA|2 November 2000 (GBC){{Cite web |date=2000-11-02 |title=THQ SHIPS CHICKEN RUN™ FOR GAME BOY COLOR [date mislabeled as "November 8, 2000"] |url=http://www.thq.com/Corporate/PressReleases/press-238.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040416013239/http://www.thq.com/Corporate/PressReleases/press-238.asp |archive-date=2004-04-16 |access-date=2023-03-18 |website=THQ}}{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=2000-11-03 |title=Chickens Run to Stores |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/04/chickens-run-to-stores |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408213023/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/04/chickens-run-to-stores |archive-date=2017-04-08 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=IGN}}|NA|13 November 2000|EU|24 November 2000}}Windows{{vgrelease|EU|15 December 2000|NA|14 January 2001}}
| modes = Single-player
| caption = European cover art of Playstation version
}}
Chicken Run is a platform-stealth video game based on the 2000 film of the same name. Developed by Blitz Games and published by Eidos Interactive and THQ, the game was released in November 2000, prior to the movie's home media release, for the PlayStation, Microsoft Windows, Dreamcast, and Game Boy Color. The game (as well as the movie) is a loose parody of the 1963 film The Great Escape. The Game Boy Color version is a 2D isometric puzzle-solving game. The game's plot centers about a band of chickens escaping from an egg farm from their evil owners and fighting for freedom.
While the characters, mainly Ginger and Rocky, are voiced by professional voice artists, Benjamin Whitrow and Lynn Ferguson reprise their respective roles as Fowler and Mac.{{Cite web |title=Chicken Run (2000) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Chicken-Run/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113130108/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Chicken-Run/ |archive-date=2023-11-13 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=Behind the Voice Actors}}
Gameplay
=Dreamcast/PC/PlayStation version=
Gameplay generally consists of the player taking control of either Ginger, Rocky, or Nick and Fetcher, and searching the Tweedys' farm for objects to be used in an escape attempt by the chickens.
This section of the game features stealth gameplay not too different from Metal Gear Solid, as the player will have to avoid guard dogs and the Tweedys themselves, in addition to searchlights, sources of light in general and noisy surfaces, since these will alert the security to the player's presence.
When the player is caught, they are sent back to the entry point of the current area, and lose either their most recently obtained item or their currently equipped item which goes back to where it was found. In addition, the player occasionally have to push objects about, or use the environment to get to a hard-to-reach item.
Each act ends with a boss level. In Act 1, the chickens have to control a mannequin of Mrs Tweedy. The Act 2 boss is a linear platforming level where Rocky has to avoid hazards to get to Ginger in the pie machine. In the Act 3 boss the chickens fly the 'Old Crate' and have to stop Mrs. Tweedy from reaching the top of the rope hanging from it.
The second two acts contain minigames representing an escape attempt, which in Act 2 involves launching chickens over the fence with a seesaw, catapult or fireworks. In Act 3, the minigames involve assembling a part of the 'Old Crate' and getting its engine running. Act 3 contains a minigame in which the player has to get the hens in Hut 2 to lay eggs to pay Nick and Fetcher though this can also be played in the first two acts but without the player getting to keep the eggs.
Success is generally measured by how many chickens the player can save, or how fast the player can finish the task and the player is awarded with bronze, silver or gold medals by Fowler for good performance.
=Game Boy Color version=
In the Game Boy Color version, the player controls Ginger, who has to lure the chickens to the exit of each level using corn while avoiding the dogs and searchlights in the chicken coop and the magic eyes and laser beams in the pie machine within the time limits. Upon completing a level, the player is awarded medals by Fowler which act as the password to access the next level should the player turn off the console before reaching it. New items are made available as the player progresses through the game.
Plot
In keeping with the film's story, the game takes place on an English chicken farm and follows a group of chickens as they try to break out of confinement.
Players must help Ginger and her flock make a break for freedom, while avoiding the evil Mrs. Tweedy and her oafish husband Mr. Tweedy, who wants to turn them into chicken pies.
Reception
{{Video game reviews
| SDC = true
| GBC = true
| PC = true
| PS = true
| na = true
| GR_SDC = 63%{{Cite web |title=Chicken Run for Dreamcast |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/434290-chicken-run/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505085140/https://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/434290-chicken-run/index.html |archive-date=2019-05-05 |access-date=2020-09-27 |website=GameRankings |publisher=CBS Interactive}}
| GR_GBC = 53%{{Cite web |title=Chicken Run for Game Boy Color |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/915856-chicken-run/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521203513/https://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/915856-chicken-run/index.html |archive-date=2019-05-21 |access-date=2020-09-28 |website=GameRankings |publisher=CBS Interactive}}
| GR_PC = 60%{{Cite web |title=Chicken Run for PC |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/457648-chicken-run/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527035448/https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/457648-chicken-run/index.html |archive-date=2019-05-27 |access-date=2020-09-28 |website=GameRankings |publisher=CBS Interactive}}
| GR_PS = 69%{{Cite web |title=Chicken Run for PlayStation |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/339776-chicken-run/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205214259/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/339776-chicken-run/index.html |archive-date=2019-12-05 |access-date=2020-09-28 |website=GameRankings |publisher=CBS Interactive}}
| MC_SDC = 68/100{{Cite web |title=Chicken Run critic reviews (DC) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/chicken-run/critic-reviews/?platform=dreamcast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322220947/https://www.metacritic.com/game/dreamcast/chicken-run |archive-date=2023-03-22 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=Metacritic}}
| MC_PC = 59/100{{Cite web |title=Chicken Run critic reviews (PC) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/chicken-run/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501062918/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/chicken-run |archive-date=2019-05-01 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=Metacritic}}
| MC_PS = 75/100{{Cite web |title=Chicken Run critic reviews (PS) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/chicken-run/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318042831/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation/chicken-run |archive-date=2023-03-18 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=Metacritic}}
| Allgame_SDC = {{Rating|3.5|5}}{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Jon |title=Chicken Run (DC) – Review |url=https://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=26766&tab=review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113190213/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=26766&tab=review |archive-date=2014-11-13 |access-date=2014-12-09 |website=AllGame |publisher=All Media Network}}
| Allgame_GBC = {{Rating|1.5|5}}{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Jon |title=Chicken Run (GBC) – Review |url=https://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=25918&tab=review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113190418/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=25918&tab=review |archive-date=2014-11-13 |access-date=2014-12-09 |website=AllGame |publisher=All Media Network}}
| Allgame_PS = {{Rating|3|5}}{{Cite web |last=Woods |first=Nick |title=Chicken Run (PS) – Review |url=https://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=25912&tab=review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113190300/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=25912&tab=review |archive-date=2014-11-13 |access-date=2014-12-09 |website=AllGame |publisher=All Media Network}}
| CNG_SDC = 4/10{{Cite web |last=Steinberg |first=Scott |date=2001-01-19 |title=Chicken Run – Dreamcast Review |url=http://www.gamecenter.com/Dreamcast/Reviews/Chickenrun/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010207044516/http://www.gamecenter.com/Dreamcast/Reviews/Chickenrun/ |archive-date=2001-02-07 |access-date=2021-12-29 |website=GameCenter |publisher=CNET}}
| CGSP_PC = {{Rating|2.5|5}}{{Cite web |last=Wolpaw |first=Erik |date=2001-01-20 |title=Chicken Run |url=https://www.cdmag.com/articles/031/120/chickenrun-01.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030304145658/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/031/120/chickenrun-01.html |archive-date=2003-03-04 |access-date=2020-09-27 |website=Computer Games Strategy Plus |publisher=Strategy Plus, Inc.}}
| CGW_PC = {{Rating|3|5}}{{Cite magazine |last=Laws |first=Wen |date=May 2001 |title=Chicken Run |url=https://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_202.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322220513/https://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_202.pdf |archive-date=2023-03-22 |access-date=2024-02-24 |magazine=Computer Gaming World |publisher=Ziff Davis |page=88 |issue=202}}
| EGM_GBC = 5.5/10{{Cite magazine |last=Einhorn |first=Ethan |date=February 2001 |title=Chicken Run (GBC) |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/e/e5/EGM_US_139.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010211034029/http://www.zdnet.com/egm/stories/main/0%2C11589%2C2668383%2C00.html |archive-date=2001-02-11 |access-date=2024-04-24 |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |publisher=Ziff Davis |page=144 |issue=139}}
| EGM_PS = 4/10{{Cite magazine |last=Kujawa |first=Kraig |date=February 2001 |title=Chicken Run (PS) |url=https://www.zdnet.com/egm/stories/main/0,11589,2668366,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010211032717/http://www.zdnet.com/egm/stories/main/0%2C11589%2C2668366%2C00.html |archive-date=2001-02-11 |access-date=2014-04-14 |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |publisher=Ziff Davis |page=140 |issue=139}}
| EPD_PS = 7.5/10{{Cite web |last=Brooks |first=Mark |date=2001-01-31 |title=Chicken Run (PSX) |url=https://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=5141&full=1#mr_toppy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030706152021/http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=5141&full=1#mr_toppy |archive-date=2003-07-06 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=The Electric Playground |publisher=Greedy Production Ltd.}}
| EuroG_PS = 6/10{{Cite web |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |date=2000-12-19 |title=Chicken Run Review (PSOne) |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/content/r_chicken_psx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010329224505/http://www.eurogamer.net/content/r_chicken_psx |archive-date=2001-03-29 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network}}
| GI_SDC = 6/10{{Cite magazine |last=Helgeson |first=Matt |date=January 2001 |title=Chicken Run (DC) |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=FuncoLand |page=124 |issue=93}}
| GI_GBC = 4/10{{Cite magazine |last=Helgeson |first=Matt |date=January 2001 |title=Chicken Run (GBC) |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=FuncoLand |page=138 |issue=93}}
| GSpot_SDC = 5.2/10{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Miguel |date=2000-11-30 |title=Chicken Run Review (DC) |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/chicken-run-review/1900-2659776/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042317/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/chicken-run-review/1900-2659776/ |archive-date=2017-12-01 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=GameSpot}}
| GSpot_PC = 5.1/10{{Cite web |last=Osborne |first=Scott |date=2001-01-16 |title=Chicken Run Review (PC) |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/chicken-run-review/1900-2674949/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041518/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/chicken-run-review/1900-2674949/ |archive-date=2017-12-01 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=GameSpot}}
| GSpot_PS = 5.3/10{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Miguel |date=2000-11-30 |title=Chicken Run Review (PS) |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/chicken-run-review/1900-2659779/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043609/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/chicken-run-review/1900-2659779/ |archive-date=2017-12-01 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=GameSpot}}
| IGN_SDC = 7.2/10{{Cite web |last=Nix |first=Marc |date=2000-11-23 |title=Chicken Run (DC) |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/23/chicken-run-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113130110/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/23/chicken-run-3 |archive-date=2023-11-13 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=IGN}}
| IGN_GBC = 6/10{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=2000-11-11 |title=Chicken Run (GBC) |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/11/chicken-run-5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113130110/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/11/chicken-run-5 |archive-date=2023-11-13 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=IGN}}
| IGN_PC = 7.1/10{{Cite web |last=Steinberg |first=Scott |date=2001-01-17 |title=Chicken Run (PC) |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/01/17/chicken-run-9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113130108/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/01/17/chicken-run-9 |archive-date=2023-11-13 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=IGN}}
| IGN_PS = 7/10{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=David |date=2000-11-28 |title=Chicken Run (PS) |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/28/chicken-run-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113130109/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/28/chicken-run-2 |archive-date=2023-11-13 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=IGN}}
| NGen_SDC = {{Rating|3|5}}{{Cite magazine |last=Rice |first=Kevin |date=March 2001 |title=Chicken Run (DC) |url=https://archive.org/details/NextGen75Mar2001/page/n85/mode/2up |access-date=2020-09-27 |magazine=NextGen |publisher=Imagine Media |page=84 |issue=75}}
| NP_GBC = 6.4/10{{Cite magazine |date=December 2000 |title=Chicken Run |magazine=Nintendo Power |publisher=Nintendo of America |volume=139}}
| OPM_PS = {{Rating|3|5}}{{Cite magazine |last=Steinman |first=Gary |date=February 2001 |title=Chicken Run (PS) |url=https://archive.org/details/official-u.-s.-playstation-magazine-issue-41-february-2001/page/94/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010418223302/http://www.zdnet.com/opm/stories/main/0%2C11891%2C2667598%2C00.html |archive-date=2001-04-18 |access-date=2024-04-24 |magazine=Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis |page=94 |issue=41}}
| PCZone_PC = 59%{{Cite magazine |last=Awasti |first=Rajiv |date=March 2001 |title=Chicken Run |url=https://archive.org/details/PC_Zone_Issue_100_2001-03_Dennis_Publishing_GB/page/n69/mode/2up |access-date=2024-04-25 |magazine=PC Zone |publisher=Dennis Publishing |page=71 |issue=100}}
}}
The PlayStation version received "generally favourable reviews", while the Dreamcast and PC versions received "mixed or average reviews", according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.
Kevin Rice of NextGen said of the Dreamcast version: "This is a surprisingly good conversion of a movie into a game. It's graphically brilliant in its similarities to the movie, and the gameplay is smart." Four-Eyed Dragon of GamePro said that the same console version "plays as perfectly as the hilarious movie of the same name, but with its frustrating controls, you, too, may feel trapped in a pen."{{Cite magazine |last=Four-Eyed Dragon |date=February 2001 |title=Chicken Run (DC) |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/1/1f/GamePro_US_149.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041029025322/http://www.gamepro.com/sega/dreamcast/games/reviews/11096.shtml |archive-date=2004-10-29 |access-date=2024-04-24 |magazine=GamePro |publisher=IDG |page=80 |issue=149}}{{efn|GamePro gave the Dreamcast version 4.5/5 for graphics, 4/5 for sound, and two 3/5 scores for control and fun factor.}}
{{clear}}
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20000817091656/http://www.chickenrungame.com/ Official website]
- {{moby game|id=/3108/chicken-run/}}
- {{moby game|id=/38824/chicken-run/|name=Chicken Run (Game Boy Color)}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Chicken Run (Video Game)}}
Category:Aardman Animations video games
Category:Blitz Games Studios games
Category:Chicken Run (franchise)
Category:DreamWorks Pictures video games
Category:Eidos Interactive games
Category:PlayStation (console) games
Category:Single-player video games
Category:Video games about birds
Category:Video games based on animated films
Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom
Category:Video games featuring female protagonists
Category:Video games scored by Allister Brimble