While Angry Birds has certainly seen a dip in popularity, that doesn’t mean that millions won’t immediately flock to Google Play and Apple’s App store to download the newest addition to the franchise on September 19.
Let’s face it, the noises those guys make are just too darn cute not to shell out the new fee of $0.99. Despite waning popularity, Rovio, the Finnish game maker, seems intent on releasing its biggest addition to the franchise. The company announced today, with a teaser video, that it would be releasing Angry Birds Star Wars II. Somewhat ironically, this second version will focus on the three prequel films in the George Lucas created universe. Only somewhat ironically, because that is how the films were released as well.
There was no word given today on how many levels would be made available when the game is released but the game will feature over 30 characters, and a couple of major changes to the popular franchise that has sold billions. Firstly, over 30 characters is an unprecedented number of different “birds.” The original version of the game only had six.
Option of “joining the Pork Side”
While Rovio did release a game called Bad Piggies that allowed gamers to play the role of the pigs, this option has never been available in the existing four Angry Bird games. This is set to change with Angry Birds Star Wars II. Rovio will allow players to control the cloven hoofed “baddies” as it invites gamers and gives them the option of “joining the Pork Side.”
Angry Birds partners with Hasbro
The second major change to the platform with Angry Birds Star Wars II, involves a partnership with Hasbro that will allow players to “teleport” action figures into the game using the camera feature on your phone or tablet. Players who purchase these action figures will be afforded the ability to seriously customize their game with the addition of this feature that the video is calling Telepods.
“New characters and super powers can be unlocked for players by placing one of the collectible Telepods physical characters from the Hasbro line on the phone or tablet camera and scanning it into the game,” according to Rovio’s press release.
The figures will also be made available for purchase in September. No word was given by either company on the price of either the game or the action figures.
