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Tag: Rovio mobile

  • ‘Angry Birds Star Wars 2’ Updated With Carbonite

    Rovio’s late 2013 Angry Birds releases hit their mark. The studio’s Angry Birds Star Wars 2 proved a hit on mobile platforms and the kart-racing Angry Birds Go! gave Angry Birds fans a new way to enjoy the franchise.

    Today Rovio continued with its nearly constant support for its games by releasing the latest update for Angry Birds Star Wars 2. This new update comes just two months after the “Battle of Naboo” update was released back in December.

    The latest update, titled the “Carbonite Pack” includes eight new playable characters, new reward levels, and four secret levels. The new characters include Han Solo frozen in carbonite, the emperor’s crimson guard, Jabba the Hutt, Kit Fisto, red shock troopers, Tusken raiders, and Lando Calrissian (finally). Also Ewoks. Lots of Ewoks.

    A new preview for the content shows off all of the new characters, whose powers aren’t so different from those already seen in other characters. The Ewoks, by the way, come from the playable character Wicket, who expands into nine different Ewoks after being launched:

  • ‘Angry Birds Star Wars 2’ Released One Day Early

    Though Angry Birds Star Wars 2 had an official release date of September 19 (tomorrow), Rovio this morning began teasing fans with the prospect of an early release for the game. The developer used its social media channels in an almost taunting way to string fans along.

    Now, Rovio has made good on its implicit promise and released Angry Birds Star Wars 2 one day early. The game, oddly, showed up in the Windows Phone app store hours ago, and has now become available for iOS through Apple’s App Store and Android through the Google Play store. The app costs $0.99 on every platform.

    As the sequel to last year’s hit Angry Birds Star Wars, the game brings more than 30 Star Wars characters into the Angry Birds universe, represented as either birds or (in the case of “bad guys”) pigs. The game also allows players to step into the shoes of Star Wars’ dark pork-sided characters, such as Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, and Darth Maul.

    Also, the sequel has brought plenty of branding opportunities for Rovio. In addition to the new t-shirt and plushies that will undoubtedly be released in the coming months, Angry Birds Star Wars 2 includes a Skylanders-like “telepods” system that enables players to transfer plastic figurine toys into digital in-game characters.

  • Early ‘Angry Birds Star Wars 2’ Release Teased by Rovio

    For over two months now, Angry Birds Star Wars 2 has been set to release on September 19. Today, just one day away from the official release date, developer Rovio is now teasing Angry Birds fans with the prospect of an early release of the game. The cruelty began with the Angry Birds Twitter account implying that using the hashtag #JoinThePorkSide could unlock the game early:

    That was followed quickly by the announcement that two Twitter fans had actually won codes to unlock the game early, though exactly how early they get to play wasn’t revealed.

    The taunting even showed up on the Angry Birds Facebook page, where Rovio challenged its over 25 million Facebook fans to keep a post’s “likes” to only 2 for an early release. Of course, the post now has tens of thousands of likes, and hundreds of comments from angry Angry Birds fans who can actually read:

    Finally, after already teasing today’s new character trailers (Darth Vader and Sith apprentice Anakin), Rovio uploaded yet another video to its YouTube account. Titled “Angry Birds Star Wars 2 – out sooner than you think…,” it features the porcine version of Darth Vader beat-boxing:

    None of this proves that Rovio is actually going to release Angry Birds Star Wars 2 early. It would be awfully cruel, however, for the developer to lead its millions of fans on in such a fashion.

  • Darth Vader, Sith Anakin Revealed For ‘Angry Birds Star Wars 2’

    Darth Vader, Sith Anakin Revealed For ‘Angry Birds Star Wars 2’

    Only one more day until the official release of Angry Birds Star Wars 2. Developer Rovio has spent the last two weeks teasing both well-known and bit-part Star Wars characters from the original movies and the prequels. Today Rovio release what are, presumably, the last two character teaser videos for the Angry Birds Star Wars sequel.

    The first is yet another version of Anakin Skywalker, who has already had Jedi padawan and podracer versions announced. Sith apprentice Anakin, complete with scar, will use dark-side force powers to cause havoc among blocks and birds:

    While the second tease of the day is also technically another Anakin version, the character is better known by another name. Darth Vader will, of course, be a part of Angry Birds Star Wars 2, using the same dark force powers that the Sith apprentice version of Anakin does:

  • Darth Maul Will be in ‘Angry Birds Star Wars 2’

    There are only two more days until the release of Angry Birds Star Wars 2, and developer Rovio is still teasing new characters for the game. For the past two weeks, Star Wars characters ranging from General Grievous to Jar Jar Binks have been previewed.

    Today Rovio introduced Darth Maul to the Angry Birds Star Wars franchise. The Sith apprentice will, of course, use his double-bladed lightsaber to slice through just about anything in his way. Darth Maul actually got two separate teaser trailers today, one with gameplay and the other a silly animated introduction:

    The only other character announcement today is a generic Battle Droid, like the ones seen in the Star Wars prequels. It uses a simple blaster to cause havoc and also has a short float maneuver:

  • General Grievous Teased For ‘Angry Birds Star Wars 2’

    For weeks now, developer Rovio has been teasing dozens of new and old characters for its upcoming Angry Birds Star Wars sequel. Even Jar Jar Binks has been included in Angry Birds Star War 2. The latest characters to be unveiled should please fans of the original Star Wars and the prequels alike.

    General Grievous, one of the villains from Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith, will be included in the new game. Grievous will, of course, use his multiple lightsabers to cause havoc against the birds:

    Hairy Wookie Chewbacca will also be back for the Angry Birds Star Wars sequel. He appears to have changed little from the first title, using his bulk as a stand-in for the regular Angry Birds series’ “Big Brother” bird:

  • New Angry Birds Space Levels Released

    New Angry Birds Space Levels Released

    For the past few weeks, Angry Birds developer Rovio has been touting its upcoming Angry Birds Star Wars 2. New features, settings, and dozens of new and updated characters have been teased. While promoting the sequel Rovio even found time to introduce some all-new levels to the original Angry Birds Star Wars. Now, Rovio is proving that it doesn’t abandon its old games by releasing new levels for Angry Birds Space.

    The new “Cosmic Crystals” update is now out for Angry Birds Space. The content includes entire “crystal” planets that can break into pieces, destroying their gravity wells in the process. There are 35 new levels in total, including a Space Eagle and Eggsteroids level. Rovio even teased a climactic boss battle against a “crazy mutant Space Pig.”

    A short trailer for the new levels has also been released. It shows how the crystalline planets can be broken apart to cause havoc and take on the pigs that sometime hide in them:

  • New Angry Birds Star Wars Endor Levels Released

    We’re only one week away now from the launch of Angry Birds Star Wars 2. Developer Rovio has teased new Star Wars locations for the game and dozens of characters from both the original movie and the prequels. However, Rovio also made it clear today that it will not be abandoning the original Angry Birds Star Wars.

    Thirty new levels were released today for Angry Birds Star Wars. The new content takes place on the moon Endor, where the final battle in Return of the Jedi takes place. The content will feature storm troopers, AT-ST walker, and, of course, Ewoks. In addition, players will be able to use Ewok drums to bounce their birds around the new stages, and wooden Ewok traps will pay homage to Return of the Jedi.

    The new Endor levels are available to download starting today. A trailer for the stages put out by Rovio provides a look at the new content and also gives a few hints:

  • ‘Angry Birds Star Wars 2’: More Villains Join The Roster

    In the past two weeks, developer Rovio has revealed more than 20 playable characters for Angry Birds Star Wars 2. Everyone from Emperor Palpatine himself to Jar Jar Binks will be flinging themselves toward both birds and pigs starting next week. But Rovio still isn’t done announcing playable characters.

    Today’s lineup reveals bring us back to the dark side, with a few more Star Wars villains for players to use. First up is Count Dooku, former Jedi Master and Sith apprentice to Emperor Palpatine. His pig character uses a boomerang lightsaber throw:

    Another prequel villain featured in Angry Birds Star Wars 2 will be Jango Fett. The bounty hunter is the genetic model for the clone army and the father of more popular bounty hunter Boba Fett. His in-game incarnation uses missiles to wreak havoc:

    The last of today’s announced characters are two storm trooper varieties. One is a classic stormtrooper in pig form that uses a flurry of inaccurate blaster shots to take down avian jawas. The other is a biker scout stormtrooper, as featured on the moon Endor in Return of the Jedi. He uses a speeder bike in a way similar to the podracing Anakin character:

  • Podracing Anakin Joins ‘Angry Birds Star Wars 2’ Cast

    For the past two weeks, Rovio has announced over a dozen characters that will appear in the upcoming Angry Birds Star Wars 2. Some have been classic, returning characters, while others have been controversial characters from the prequels. Some have even been dark-side characters, which are also playable in the game.

    Today Rovio is back at it with another four teaser videos for new characters. The most notable is Anakin Skywalker, who will get at least two different versions in the game. The Jedi padawan version is much the same as Luke, using his lightsaber to cut through obstacles. The “podracer” version of Anakin will actually ride in a podracer, using the vehicle to steer around obstacles:

    Everyone’s favorite protocol droid, C3P0, makes his return in the Angry Birds Star Wars sequel. His appearance hasn’t changed much since the first game, and he still breaks apart to inflict torment on the pigs:

    Captain Panaka joins Zam Wesell and other bit-part prequel characters in Angry Birds Star War 2. Panaka was the head of the Royal Security Forces on the planet Naboo in Episode 1. He fires a triple-laser blaster at the pigs:

  • Yoda, Qui-Gon Coming to ‘Angry Birds Star Wars 2’

    Angry Birds developer Rovio today announced yet another set of characters for the upcoming Angry Birds Star Wars 2. Last week, everyone from Mace Windu to Jar Jar Binks was announced as a playable character for the game. This week’s first announcement involves several returning Star Wars characters and one memorable Jedi from the prequels.

    Qui-Gon Jinn, a young Obi-Wan Kenobi’s mentor in Star Wars Episode II: The Phantom Menace, will be included in the next Angry Birds game. The Jedi master will once again be second-guessing the Jedi Council’s wishes, bringing his green lightsaber to bear against the pig Empire:

    Jedi master Yoda will also be a playable character for the first time. His teaser video shows that he will use his force powers to bounce around stages, destroying everything in sight with his lightsaber:

    Princess Leia and R2-D2 will be returning for the Angry Birds Star Wars sequel. Similar to her mother, Leia will fire pink tractor beams to disrupt pig-built structures. R2-D2 has gotten upgraded shock powers:

    (Image courtesy Rovio)

  • Mace Windu, Amidala Teased For ‘Angry Birds Star Wars 2’

    Throughout the week, Angry Birds developer Rovio has been teasing the new cast of the upcoming Angry Birds Star War 2. A lineup of villains led by Emperor Palpatine were announced on Monday, and Jar Jar Binks led the second reveal on Wednesday.

    Today, Rovio has revealed another four characters that will appear in Angry Birds Star Wars 2. Yet another version of Luke Skywalker will join the already-announced Jedi Luke and Endor Luke for the sequel. Pilot Luke will wield his father’s lightsaber to take out the menacing pigs:

    Obi-Wan Kenobi will be returning with his force push powers, but this time as the younger version of the character from the Star Wars prequel movies:

    Two other characters from the prequels will be joining Obi-Wan. Princess (Padme) Amidala will kill enemy pigs using a pink multi-beam blaster, and Jedi Master Mace Windu will fling his purple lightsaber across the screen to destroy pig-build structures:

    (Image courtesy Rovio)

  • ‘Angry Birds Star Wars 2’ Will Have Jar Jar Binks

    Having burned through the main cast of Star Wars heroes in Angry Birds Star Wars, Rovio is now digging deep for new characters for the upcoming Angry Birds Star Wars 2. The developer earlier this week announced a few of the dark-side playable characters that will show up in the sequel, including the Emperor, a generic TIE fighter pilot, and bounty hunter Zam Wesell (from Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones).

    Today, Rovio revealed several new light-side characters for the game, including the infamous Jar Jar Binks and two different versions of Luke Skywalker. That’s right. Jar Jar Binks will be a playable character in Angry Birds Star Wars 2. The new teaser trailer for the awkward Naboo native shows that he will use his tongue to pick up and fling objects:

    In addition to the potentially-offensive Binks, two new versions of Luke Skywalker were revealed. One is Luke dressed for his jaunt on the surface of Endor in Return of the Jedi, and the other features luke in Jedi robes with extra lightsaber talents. Han Solo’s return appearance in the sequel has been teased in a new video as well:

    In perhaps the oddest announcement about Angry Birds Star Wars 2 yet, Rovio has put an unnamed Jedi Younglings into their game:

    (Image courtesy Rovio)

  • New ‘Angry Birds Star Wars 2’ Characters Revealed

    Last week, Rovio finally got around to revealing a bit about the upcoming Angry Birds Star Wars 2. The Angry Birds developer got Star Wars actor Ian McDiarmid to help tease the game in a rather silly spoof of Emperor Palpatine.

    Now, three new playable characters for Angry Birds Star Wars 2 have been revealed. All of the characters are a part of the dark “pork” side of the force in this version of Star Wars. The first is a TIE fighter pilot that has the ability to shoot double laser blasts:

    The next two reveals are pulls from the prequel movies. One is Zam Wesell, a bounty hunter/would-be assassin featured in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. She uses a grappling hook to fling items around and cause destruction in-game. The other is the Droideka, one of those rolling battle droids featured near the beginning of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. It can bounce around Angry Birds levels to cause mayhem.

    One more video was released, previewing the already-announced Emperor Palpatine. The Emperor, of course, uses force lightning to subdue rebel scum:

    (Image courtesy Rovio)

  • Angry Birds Star Wars Official Trailer Released

    All the current talk about Star Wars is either how Disney will either improve or ruin the franchise and whether Carrie Fischer and Mark Hamill will be cast in Episode 7. Regardless of the future of Star Wars, two things are certain – Star Wars merchandise will continue to sell, and Angry Birds Star Wars will be released on Thursday, November 8.

    Today, Rovio, the developers of the Angry Birds games, released the official gameplay trailer for the Star Wars spinoff. It features that classic John Williams score and includes all of the characters announced in the duo trailers last week, including Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3PO, and Obi-Wan. The characters will use lightsabers, blasters, and the force to fight the evil piggy empire in settings ranging from the deserts of Tatooine to the surface of the Death Star.

    Unfortunately no new characters were revealed, so it appears the game will not feature an avian version of Yoda, Lando, Boba Fett, or Ewoks. Not yet, at least. If Angry Birds Star Wars is a success (and how could it not be?), it’s almost a given that future expansions of the game will feature characters and settings from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

  • 1 Billion Angry Birds Games Downloaded

    Rovio, the developers of the wildly popular Angry Birds series of games, announced today that over one billion Angry Birds games have been downloaded. The software developer announced the impressive milestone with a tweet:

    http://t.co/MHpui47z – 1 BILLION DOWNLOADS!! Thanks to *everyone* who has ever played an #AngryBirds game! #billionbirds 27 minutes ago via SocialEngage ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    The link in the tweet leads to a thank-you video for fans, which you can view below. In the description for the video, Rovio promises even more to come:

    Angry Birds games have now been downloaded more than a billion times — THANK YOU to all of our incredible fans! This is only the beginning of our story, keep your eyes peeled for what’s coming up next from Rovio!

    The one billion number counts downloads from all of the Angry Birds games, including the original Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons, Angry Birds Rio, and the new Angry Birds Space. Pointing out this fact doesn’t take anything away from Rovio’s accomplishment, though. The developer has proven that video games do not have to cater to a hardcore crowd to be successful, that selling games for low prices can still be profitable, and that solid gameplay and level design can easily compete with high-end graphics and game engines.

    According to comScore numbers released this month, Rovio ranks 12th in the list of top smartphone properties. Over 25 million players, around one-quarter of all smartphone users, pulled back on their slingshots and let Angry Birds fly this past March. Though Rovio falls just under app gaming’s number one property, Zynga, Rovio has shown that it can create games with staying power. Launched over two years ago, the Angry Birds games are still going strong, while Zynga has seen some of its games’ popularity rise and fall very quickly.

    Take a look at the video below and leave a comment to let us know if you still love Angry Birds.

  • Angry Birds Cartoon Set For Fall 2012

    Rovio Mobile have been really busy lately! A wildly successful sequel to their awesome “Angry Birds” game, a theme park, an acquisition and expansion, and now a cartoon that will lead up to the movie. The company will be making 52 episodes but the movie has been ruled out until at least 2014.

    “We’re going to roll out a weekly animation series later this year of shortform content,” said Rovio’s head of animation Nick Dorra. The series will consist of 52 episodes lasting between two-and-a-half and three minutes each. “We’re going to roll it out on all possible devices. We’re looking at building a video app for that, and we’re also looking at partnerships and so on… We want to be on all screens.”

    When asked about the Angry Birds movie, Dorra had this to say. “It’s in development, but it won’t be out in 2013 or 2014, you’ll have to bide your time and first watch all of our shorts!” He went on to talk about why Rovio Mobile are making the animated shorts. “It’s about telling more engaging stories… and deeper thoughts, deeper feelings of the characters, such as why are they always angry? Angry Birds is not just about the gameplay, and will be in the future less and less about the slingshot, actually, and more and more about the characters.”

    He also talked about the new game that Rovio Mobile is making. “We are going to release completely new IP this year. Nothing to do with Angry Birds. But we are also working on bringing new projects in the Angry Birds universe that have nothing to do with the gameplay we have seen before,” he said.