The soft-launch of Rovio’s first RPG, Angry Birds Epic, is now available for iOS in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. At this time we don’t know when it will roll out to any other countries, but you can be sure Nesters will be some of the first to know. The worldwide release will add support for Android and Windows 8 Phones.
So, with that out of the way, we here at the Nest have downloaded Angry Birds Epic and the above video gives you a first hand look at the actual gameplay. You literally can watch as we launch and play the game for the first time.
At first glance, the basic gameplay is easy enough to understand, but it will be difficult to master — especially for those not used to playing RPGs (you can include me in this list). Once again, the piggies have stolen the eggs from our favorite feathery friends. Starting with only the Red Bird, you must defeat the pigs in turn-based battles to retrieve stolen goods.
Each bird seems to have three abilities on any given turn: an attack, a defense, and a special “Rage Chili” attack. Hold down on any character (bird or pig) to see details about these abilities.
The objective is clear:
Knock out all piggies, but you must keep at least one bird standing! As an additional challenge, try to earn three stars on each level (Yes! Rovio is absolutely keeping a three-star format!). The more stars earned, the more prizes you win on the “Roll for Loot”. These items will be used to upgrade your birds.
So, what do you think? Eager to play? Let us know below.
Helpful Links
- Want to talk Epic? Head to the Angry Birds Epic forum.
- Found a bug or have feedback? Given this is a soft-launch, Rovio will be even more receptive to feedback than normal. Add your feedback to our Angry Birds Epic Wishlist and Bugs forum topic here.
- Need help? Check out our Angry Birds Epic walkthroughs (even more to come)
Helpful gameplay Tips Straight from Epic!
- Most resources and ingredients can be crafted from lessor ones
- Scrap your old unwanted equipment for bonus resources
- Each weapons and off-hand item has a passive bonus ability
- Use the Rage Chili wisely
- Collect both items of an equipment set to gain a unique and incredible powerful set bonus!
- Sign in with Rovio Account to share your game progress across multiple devices
- Gain all three stars to gain more loot
- At least one bird must survive to win a battle
- Try different bird combos. There is a trick to any fight!
- Fill up the Rainbow Bar of your Golden Pig Machine for a guaranteed set item!
- Visit Professor Pig’s lab regularly to get more powerful recipes
- Off-hand items increase a bird’s health
- Weapons increase a bird’s attack power, and thus the damage dealt by all of their skills
- Tap and hold on any character during battle to read their abilities
- Friendship Essence is uses to re-roll stuff
- Get more powerful equipment from the Golden Pig machine
- Ask your friends once a day for free Friendship Essence
- Change a bird’s class (headgear) to change its battle abilities
- Pig Gates can be opened with Pig Key of a similar color
- Wave battles contain multiple battles
- Drag the full Rage Chili
- Upgrade your Magic Anvil or Cauldron to roll more stars!
- Tap and hold anything for explanations
- Some pigs have peculiar passive abilities
- Tap a bird to use its supporting skill on itself
- Complete Friendship Gates to unlock bonus areas and items
- There is a unique dungeon for each day of the week
- Visit your friends camps for free rolls on their Golden Pigs machine
- Tap and hold a blueprint or recipe to see the required materials to build it
- Combat in this game is turn based. You can only give orders during your turn
- Completing a daily dungeon will reward you with a huge amount of Snoutlings
- Visit Mighty Eagle’s training dojo to upgrade your birds’ classes
- Open Friendship Gates to unlock bonus areas and items.
- … Are we missing any? Leave a comment below.
Gallery
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- South Beach Level 1 Details
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- Battle Action
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- Valuables
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- Epic Shop & Craft
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- Piggy Island Level 1 Selection
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- Piggy Island Aerial View
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- Epic Menu
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- Forge Menu
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- Chuck Unlocked!
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- Chuck Class
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- Multiple Pigs and BIrds
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- Alchemy Shop
Nice :-), but I’m waiting for Android version.
I’ve never played any RPG game before. Tried this one and as you mentioned found some difficulities in playing, I would like that game includes some kind of tutorial. However, as I am off work for next two months I’ll have lot time to play it if it catch my interest.
I’m in the same boat. Never done an RPG. I’ve been slowly going through AB Go! but am frustrated at the lack of information on that game. The layout of things is confusing.
Rovio’s original mandate for AB Classic was that anyone could play it with minimal instruction. They seemed to have lost that with GO!. Glad to see there is at least some tutorial efforts with EPIC.
Well to be fair, there isn’t much to kart games besides 1) Steer car to finish line, and 2) Avoid walls.
In a previous post you mentioned a work-around to get the Soft Launch version. How do you do that?
We will try to write up steps on how to do this. For now, I would recommend Googling, “How to install iOS apps from a different country”.
I tried it, but my credit card is not valid in another country. Can I not create an iTunes account without credit card?
I will look at that. Thank you.
@chriss – Yes, you can create an account without a credit card:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2534
This is a very old text. This was even before iOS 7.
I really cannot chose “none”. It’s just not there. I can only chose “Visa”, “Mastercard” or “Amex”. Pls try yourself.
It is possible to do even with iOS 7. I did it after AB GO! was soft launched in NZ last year and I have IOS 7.0.4 installed on my device. As far as I remember I first installed game to iTunes on my computer and synced with iPad later.
If you are logged out and attempt to “purchase” a free app, you’ll be able to select “None” for payment type. You still have to enter name/address info, however, but you can make that up.
Oh okay. This worked. Thank you guys. You’re great.
“though Rovio notes that 4th generation iPod Touch is not currently supported” Oh, swear word. :(
It seems like you mainly use Chuck to attack the pigs, and use Red to protect Chuck.
anyone else reminded of Avengers Alliance?
Played so many RPG, yesterday I just beat one that took me 3 months, it’s just strategy, so I’ll be prepared when it comes to Android.
Will you post walkthroughs for each level?
@the-boomerang We haven’t decided quite yet. It might be more appropriate to do general strategies in lieu of individual levels, since the actions of the opponent vary turn-by-turn.
We have decided to post walkthroughs whenever possible. They will be available here.
Somehow watching the game play on this one, it doesn’t really grab me. I guess I’ll stick with the regular AB games.
This seems like it’ll be interesting.
How long did it take last time (AB Go) between the soft-launch and the worldwide launch? Anybody remembers?
About a month, I guess
@chriss @dh-kim
more info here: http://www.rovio.com/en/news/blog/476/ready-for-the-most-epic-soft-launch-ever-check-out-the-gameplay-trailer/
‘Today we’re soft launching Angry Birds Epic on iOS in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, with the full launch to follow later this spring.’
@chriss I checked in my iTunes, I downloaded game on 26th November (couple days after it was launched in NZ) and game was released worldwide on December 12, so I believe it could take two or three weeks.
remind me of Final Fantasy / Dragon Warrior, with it turn base and the built up of the indivual classes, potion making, spell castings. this game should do really good in Japan where school kids play hookey from school whenever a new Final Fantasy come out.
Hey Rovio I don’t mind being a guinea pig for your Epic game (I live in Australia so qualify for the early release re the soft launch) but I can’t run around on your wheel if you don’t give me a wheel to play with. I’ve tried twice now to download the game and keep getting epic failures. :( Please excuse the pun.
I downloaded the game in Canadian App Store and when I entered, it said “Welcome back joeyba”…
Weird because it’s the first time I download an AB game from the Canadian store..
I have both French and Canadian installed on my phone since forever..
btw there r 18 achievements to get in GC.
So far, I only freed Chuck..
@joeyba The “Welcome” comes from GameCenter.
@Amslimfordy, exactly! My game center is linked with my French account! and this was bought with my Canadian account. How can it logic?
You can only be signed in with 1 GC account on your device so it automatically connects your game to the GC account you are signed in with.
The world wide release will add support to android and windows 8 phone.That means no pc again.
Waiting in Indonesia and Android version
I have downloaded and then played this game for a while after I got out of school yesterday on my New Zealand account. It can be tough at times, but overall it is very fun in my opinion.
I have: Up to Bomb (Red > Chuck > Matilda > Bomb)
Level I am on: Limestone Lagoon 3
Here’s my thoughts about what each bird is: Red – Regular, Chuck – Ranged, Matilda – Healer, Bomb – Low-Defence Brute.
Does anyone know
1. where the dungeons are?
2. how you get the keys
You will find both later.
First Dungeon (you can visit it on Mondays) you will find after resquing second Egg.
First Key (yellow) you will find after resquing Blues (when you get on board of your own pirate ship).
@coveleski Thanks
I rescued the second egg now and I can´t find the dungeon, or can I only see it on mondays?
No, you should move in the third part and complete a couple of levels, that you will find the Dungeon (it’s on the map).
Thanks. I found it now :) But it was very hard…
Have not played the role playing games except for games like SW2, GO, Icebreaker and Tiny Thief. These may not even be consider RPG by the folks who are in-the-know but they are the closest formats and strats to what was presented in the video that I have experienced.
Never the less, the video provides a good preview and Epic does look interesting. It appears to present a number of options that have to “thought-through” for the best outcomes. Kind of like selecting the best bird/pig in SW2 or kart and driver in GO.
I think it will be a good alternative/diversion for taking a break from the flinging in the regular AB games where some of us are still trying to obtain an above average score. Four more levels to go in Mooncake Festival and I get to move to Season 2.
It looks very good, I am looking forward to spend plenty of time studying the game instead of my college work!!!
Great game, beautiful animation, played for several hours yesterday, and it was hard to make myself stop =)
Main features:
– Interesting crafting and brewing system, althought random factor is a little bit irritating.
– Different classes for birds make it more diverse, and in the later part of the game you will have to juggle bird classes and combinations of them to find key to the victory.
– Diverse enemies’ powers, which require from you to try different strategies.
– There are a lot of IAPs, but they are not necessary. Also there some social elements (invite your friends to open secret gates), that are not a good decision, especcially for people, who prefer playing alone.
Overall, this game is much fun. I understand, that it is more hardcore for AB fans than previous titles, but still much-much lighter than other RPGs. So give it a chance, you won’t be dissapointed.
@coveleski I agree with all things you pointed out. Game is good enough to keep my interest and, yes, I have to admit I find it difficult to stop playing.
I really don’t like FB friends feature of game as I am one of those people who don’t socialize with unknown people on the Internet, my real life friends don’t play, so I guess Piggie will be my only “friend”.
Based on the video, looks incredibly dull and about 10 years out-of-date, like an early version of Final Fantasy. So, thanks for posting, as I know now I’ll give it a pass.
I suggest you try it out, I had the exact same feeling after watching the video but it’s turned out to be an incredible game, played for 3 hours straight yesterday :)
That’s what I thought too. I may try it just so I know for sure, but it reminds of the gameplay on some very old games.
Is this free?
Yes @killer-bird!
I’ll get it just to annoy my sons. They are avid, and quite good, RPG gamers, and I’ll say to them, “hey look, I’m a serious RPG gamer now, just like you!”.
Like many folks here, I’ve never played an RPG. However, after watching @birdleader‘s video, I have to give it a try.
That video is wonderful, @birdleader! Not boring at all; was really fun to watch you poke around and try things like we would. Thanks for sharing that with us!
I swear I’m going to kill that pig in Cobalt Plateaus-7 grrrrrr
Around 10 years ago playing RPG (Final Fantasy).
Did this game have ending as FF?
The game is amazing. It totally surprised me– I had low expectations for the game. However, there is one thing that annoys me beyond comparison–
You MUST have internet connection.
Even if you’re not logged in to Facebook, you are completely locked out of the game without internet. I like to play on the go and cannot use much data, so this defeats much of the purpose of ABE for me. There needs to be a non-internet mode like ABG.
This is a big problem that Rovio needs to fix.
I totally agree with you
I agree too. On the phone, I like games I can play when I’m away and bored. At home, I prefer them on the computer.
So many places in the US don’t have signal or wifi, and I live and travel in one of those places.
@AngryBirdsSpaceMaster
cc: @kathi17
‘Angry Birds Epic needs a constant internet connection in order to save your game data to the cloud. Also, the game will download new content periodically so that it does not take up too much space on your device at one time. The game will also fetch information about stuff like Daily Dungeons and other special offers, and it requires an internet connection for this. Lastly, there are some social features that allow you to connect with friends that require a data connection as well.
We are monitoring the situation to see how it is working for those that are playing it now, and of course we’ll be working our tail feathers off so that we provide the most epic game experience possible when Angry Birds Epic drops globally.
No news yet on whether Angry Birds Epic will be released for PC. ‘
Best regards,
Rovio Support Team
sorry, must be @spacemaster
Phooey. I hope they can work around that. In the meantime I’ll just have to deal with it.
Anyone else have their progress deleted once the app shuts down. I logged in to my Rovio account too! I made it to unlocking Matilda stopped playing for a bit then when I restarted I started me off at the beginning again. I’d like to continue to play but hesitant because I don’t want this to happen again.
@lostgreybird I actually think it’s an issue of being signed IN. I suspect there might be a code or server issue. See our ABE Bug Forum and please give as much detail as possible to help us help Rovio.
Oh nooooooooooo, the same thing happened to me too. I was signed in. Played until Black Bird yesterday. When I started the game again today, all my progress was lost. (Only my achievements are still there.)
Do you think Rovio can restore it?
@lostgreybird @Chris, I lost all my progress also:(
I’m never connecting to hte Rovio accoutn again.
Same happened with AB O a while ago.!!!!
@joeyba: I’m sorry for you. Yeah, playing logged in is always risky, because nothing is saved on your device.
Anybody knows how the data can be saved on the Rovio account AND on the device?
@amslimfordy: because of these problems, I am playing logged out now. (What about you?) Do you think later it will be possible to upload my data to my Rovio account?
I’m playing as logged-out as well. When I log in, I get brought back to start. Even if Rovio claims to fix the issue, I doubt I’ll take the chance… I’m too far along now.
Yes, me too, @amslimfordy, but don’t you think we will be able to upload our current progress to the account?
I really don’t understand that game. Can anybody give me some instructions?
What are the yellow, the grey and the pink coins for? What’s the difference?
What happens when you reach a new level?
What are the different weapons for?
What are the different hats for?
What are the offhand items for?
What’s the meaning of the three stars above each weapon/item/helmet?
How can Red use his third weapon?
What’s the consumables for?
How can I open secret paths on the map?
1) Grey are called “snoutlings” I think — they’re the normal currency (not rare, used to obtain most items). Yellow are … I forget the name, but they’re far more rare — essentially a higher currency. Pink coins are Friendship Essence and are primarily used to retry dice-rolls, wheel of fortune, and other randomized events.
2) I assume you mean the level ranking and not a playable level (unfortunately the word has 2 meanings, so I just want to make sure). Leveling-up increases the health and attack of your birds, and also unlocks additional potions at Prof. Piggy’s, or whatever his name is at the end of Cobalt Plateaus.
3) Different weapons change the attack strength and/or health of the bird. Obviously higher both is generally the theme, but some piggies dodge attacks above a certain level. So in some cases, having a bird that only does 100+ damage will be useless.
4) Different hats yield completely different attack trios. That is, it completely revamps the offensive, passive, and rage attacks.
5) I believe offhand items are the shields — at least that’s what it seems to mean. They seem to have the same effect as weapons (3).
6) When you forge as new {blah}, a die is thrown by the computer. The forged {blah} has a default value (whether it’s attack strength, health, etc.). The higher the roll on the die, the higher the bonus is on that value — 0 as no bonus and 3 as holy cow!
7) I don’t quite understand the question. Do you mean the rage attack? If so, as the battle wages on the chili bar progressively fills. When full, drag the chili onto whichever (unused) bird you’d like to employ its rage attack!
8) Consumables (wood, stone, etc.) are used to forge new items or create new potions. Some consumables are made out of other consumables (e.g., paper is made of wood).
9) You have to “find” the correct colored keys. I put find in quotes because they’re automatically obtained during normal gameplay which cannot be skipped or circumvented.
Let me know how I’ve done @chriss. I’m winded ;)
Woooooow, @amslimfordy, thank you so much. You must be an expert. You deserve the Golden Nest Award for that.
One additional question concerning question 6: I am not able to throw a die for the very first weapons (e.g. the sword for Red), although they also have three empty stars. What am I doing wrong?
@chriss I am not sure what exactly you think. First die throw is computer turn, each next is on players side and paid with those purple crystal hearts.
@cosmo2503: You can throw a die and get stars for your weapons. But how can you get stars for the sword for example?
O.K @chriss, I see what you mean, I didn’t notice that before. I guess that zero stars for equipment is what you get at start and get an other try for crystals. Maybe you could ask at forum and somebody might know.
@chriss You can craft only weapons, for which you have blueprints. And you don’t have blueprints for basic items, at least at the end of the third part of the game.
@coveleski: okay, but what are the stars above the sword for then? Do you think it is an error?
Not an error, just a way to show, that these items are the weakest, I guess.
@chriss Since they weren’t forged, they don’t qualify for the die. They are as they are.
@amslimfordy I wanted to correct your answer. Rage attack is the same for all hats.