Angry Birds Star Wars carries a storyline very similar to the classic Star Wars film trilogy. A rag tag group of birds will team up and try to topple the evil pig empire. Each bird in the game is based around a popular character from the films including the pink Princess Leia bird and Red Skywalker, and the pigs are in costume for the new release as well with plenty of Pigtroopers to battle on the way to the Pig Star and a showdown with Darth Vader pig. The world is also heavily inspired by the movie franchise and includes many different locations from Tatooine to the frozen wastelands of Hoth. Fans of both the Angry Birds and Star Wars franchises can be sure the new release stays true to either series and is a lot of fun for fans of either as well.
Gameplay in Angry Birds Star Wars is all about fire every bird at the players disposal at enemy structures to crush every pig hidden on each level. The birds are fired at the pigs from a large slingshot that can be carefully adjusted for velocity to travel higher or faster at enemies, and each bird has a special ability that can be activated after firing as well. Strategy is key throughout the game, since players have a limited amount of birds to complete each stage, and certain birds are better for destroying particular types of structures. Players will want to finish each stage as quickly as possible to get the highest score, unlock higher star ratings and place high on online leaderboards. The proven formula for the Angry Birds franchise has been modified somewhat for the new game, but new abilities mean the game feels far less repetitive for players that are already experienced in the video game series.
Each of the birds in the new game have special abilities that are activated on the PlayStation Vita with a touch of the screen after a bird has been launched. The new abilities take heavy inspiration for the game where the characters originate including a lightsaber attack for Red Skywalker and a set of blaster shots for Chuck Solo complete with authentic sound effects for each special attack. Angry Birds Star Wars manages to stay true to the Star Wars experience with its special abilities and storyline as well. Red doesn't have special abilities to begin the game but later gains a blue lightsaber and a green lightsaber once he has become a Jedi master. Of course, there are plenty of other hidden easter eggs and bonus characters for fans to experience throughout the game as well that we won't spoil here.
Angry Birds Star Wars features all 200 original levels from the mobile release including the bonus levels hidden throughout the game. Players will have to fire birds all around levels to find hidden items to unlock special R2-D2 and C-3PO levels where new characters are available in a variety of fun challenges.Angry Birds Star Wars adds additional value with competitive head-to-head game modes to see which players can score the highest amount of points on the same level or cooperative modes where players team and combine powers to take down the evil pigs and gain the highest combined score possible. With so much content packed into this new release, players will enjoy anywhere from 10-20 hours of gameplay to unlock every level and complete the main quest.
The new console and handheld release of Angry Birds Star Wars also includes exclusive content at no extra cost. There are 20 new levels contained in the new release that add a lot more fun and excitement to the new release. Even with the packed in extra content, some players may find it difficult to shell out around $40 just for the additional levels and game modes, but there are other benefits to purchasing the console version of the game including Trophy/Achievement support, taking the action to a bigger screen or getting exclusive controls available for various consoles.
On PlayStation Vita, gamers can enjoy the new release with touch controls that offers the closest way to play the game without the need for an expensive mobile device to do so. PlayStation Vita offers one of the best ways to play the game with controls that easily allows players to make tiny adjustments on the slingshot to ensure birds are traveling exactly in the direction players want. PlayStation Vita also allows players to connect and play the game together, gain access to online learderboards with wi-fi connections and unlock Trophies for the game to add to PlayStation Network accounts. If we had to choose only one console to play Angry Birds Star Wars on, it would be on PlayStation Vita.
One of the most often overlooked aspects of the Angry Birds franchise is its excellent presentation. Players know the game controls well, but it's also an excellent looking game that presents colorful environments, delightful characters and excellent level design, and Angry Birds Star Wars is no exception. The game provides levels inspired by the Star Wars film franchise with bird and pig influences that is both hilarious to look at but also well thought out with lots of details in their designs. Sound design in Angry Birds Star Wars is great as well with some authentic sound effects captured from the films for the new game as well as some natural sounding bird effects to complete the very solid experience.
Angry Birds Star Wars may have taken a big price jump, but the fun title is well worth the money spent to pick it up on PlayStation Vita or other consoles. Angry Birds Star Wars provides the entertaining Star Wars storyline with a hilarious new take featuring the ongoing battle between the forces of poultry and pork. With 20 new levels and bonus game modes included as exclusive content in the new release for consoles, players will be tempted to pick up the new release even if they already own if for mobile devices. The new release of Angry Birds Star Wars offers plenty of new perks that comes with playing games on consoles, and it should be one of the most purchased games this holiday season that provides hours of entertainment for both kids and adults. Check out Angry Birds Star Wars on consoles today and may the squawk be with you!
Angry Birds Star Wars is now available from all major retailers and can be purchased for the MSRP of $39.99 on PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo 3DS. Angry Birds Star Wars is rated E by the ESRB for Comic Mischief & Mild Cartoon Violence. For more information on the game, check out the official Angry Birds Star Wars website.
Game Features:
- Offline Multiplayer 1-4
- Star Wars Themed Characters and Levels
- Exclusive Levels
- Online Leaderboards
- Trophy/Achievement Support
Game Information:
Developer: Rovio Entertainment
Publisher: Activision
Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita (reviewed), Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Wii & Nintendo 3DS
Release Date: October 29, 2013
