Buckle up Angry Birds fans! We’re about to make the jump to lightspeed. During our trip we’ll be handing out complimentary refreshments, as well as breaking down Angry Birds Star Wars in as much detail as possible. First things first though, take a deep breath, you must.
Yes, the wait is finally over, Angry Birds Star Wars is now available for iOS, PC, Mac and Android via Google Play with more platforms coming soon (okay okay, so it’s technically not over for everyone…yet)! If you’re eager to know more right away, you’re in luck. Above is our hands-on “zero-hour” first look at this amazing game above. The video isn’t super polished. Rather, it’s meant to give your first glimpse at the gameplay, episodes, characters, Mighty Millennium Falcon, and more.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the details.
The Cargo: What’s Included
This is what we all want to know. What exactly is included in this initial release? Well, in two short words: A LOT!!!
Two episodes, 80 levels: We begin our journey on Tatooine, then move onward to the Death Star. As a great treat, these include forty levels each!! Yes, Rovio is really beating all expectations. We also see that the next planet to be released is the icy world of Hoth. We have walkthroughs for all levels done and they’re coming online now.
Golden Explorer Droids! These are absolutely the droids you are looking for. Golden Droids are just like Golden Eggs in that finding and obtaining them unlocks a level in the episode called “Bonus”. There are five Golden Droids in the initial release, numbered D-1 thru D-5. We will be creating a guide for these very soon.
More bonus levels! Also within the “Bonus” episode, there are six levels, numbered S-1 thru S-6, which are unlocked by obtaining a certain number of stars. The first is unlocked at 10 stars, then 70, 130, 190, 250, 310. Note that these star counts include levels within “Bonus”.
Path of the Jedi! takes place on Dagobah — which is where Luke Skywalker first meets the Jedi Master Yoda. Path of the Jedi is much like Danger Zone from Angry Birds Space. It contains 40 very challenging levels. It’s available as an in-app purchase for iOS and Google Play for $1.99 USD, and free for PC. (We will update as information comes in about availability on other platforms.) This is a non-sequential episode with levels numbered J-1 thru J-40. If you are not sure whether you are ready to be a Jedi, the first level is available for free. Update: It has been brought to our attention that, for iOS and Android, “Path of the Jedi” can be unlocked for free. To do so, the user must 3-star all available levels. (In v1.0.0, this means 3-starring all levels of both Tatooine and Death Star.) We are not aware of this will change in the future.
Mighty Millennium Falcon We’ve covered it in a bit more detail below.
The Who: Meet the Characters
Who will join us on our noble quest to defeat the ruthless Piglactic Porkpire?
Red Bird = Luke Skywalker
Our humble, original bird has a brand new hairdo and starts off with the same old power: Nothing. But, on level 1-9 of Tatooine, he obtains a lightsaber! At the tap of a finger, he can slice his way through blocks or redirect laser beams. Very important note! All bird abilities can be triggered during flight or shortly after impact. This is a new feature, and very useful.
Yellow Bird = Han Solo
No speed boost this time around. Instead, he wields a laser gun of his own. Similar to the Lazer bird in Space, point to where you would like Han to fire. Three quick blasts and he continues on his own parabolic path. Remember, lasers bounce off metal objects.
Blue birds = Pilots of the Rebellion
They still have their classic splitting ability, though I think they pack a bit more a punch in this app (probably due to their awesome helmets).
Black bird = Obi-Wan Kenobi
No explosion here! Instead, Obi-Wan uses the force to push nearby blocks with significant force and distance. Tap the screen to not only trigger, but also direct this ability. Think of the Lazer bird, though proximity is certainly a factor.
Big Brother bird = Chewbacca (aka “Chewie”)
Big Brother has put on some extra weight … and hair (exercising is tough in space). Chewie has no special ability besides girth and momentum, but he is extremely powerful. Notice how the whole screen shakes when he hits.
White bird = C-3PO
Our golden metallic friend will, on your command, explode. The chunks of metal will pepper the level like machine gunfire, detonating any TNT that crosses its path.
Egg = R2-D2
Beep-Boop! Fling R2 (not to be confused with our favorite Rovio developer) and tap the screen to trigger an electronic blast toward nearby pigs. The blast will typically dislodge most structures in its proximity as well.
Pink bird = Princess Leia
She does not appear as a playable character yet, but we know from teased gameplay footage that she will have some sort of tractor beam to pull nearby objects. She does appear in the cut-scenes during gameplay, however.
The How: Gameplay Tips
While some of the game mechanics of Angry Birds Star Wars are familiar, others take some getting used to. Below are a few tips that might help you along the way.
As we noted above, abilities can be triggered shortly after impact now. You don’t have a lot of time though, so think — and act — quickly young Jedi.
Both Luke’s lightsaber and Obi-Wan’s force push can deflect laser beams. Deflected laser beams seem to like to target galactic swine.
Use laser cannons and blasters to your advantage. Sometimes the best way to 3-star a level is to change their direction with a gentle — or not so gentle — nudge.
Han Solo’s blasters are quite powerful and can bounce off metal as well (they are lasers after all). He also continues on his current course, so it’s like getting two shots in one.
Lasers can also give your bird a boost, nudge, or roll. While not used often, it’s definitely helpful in some levels.
The Rebel: Mighty Millennium Falcon
I find it quite fitting that the most memorable ship in Star Wars is named after a bird. The Mighty Millennium Falcon is available as consumable in-app purchases. You can buy 20 for $1.99 USD, 50 for $4.99, 110 for $9.99, or 225 for $19.99. (Please do not use this space to criticize this feature. There are forum threads for that.) You also earn them at periodic intervals, relating to how many stars you have earned.
To summon the Mighty Millennium Falcon, tap the icon and the button will place a Space Egg in the slingshot. Fling it toward the structure and either manually summon the target, or the target will be set automatically a few seconds after initial impact. The falcon will appear and target the cross-hairs with its lasers.
Scoring is identical to the Space Eagle in Angry Birds Space. You must have at least 1 bird in your holster to use a Space Egg. Leftover birds count as bonuses towards your score. It does not guarantee the popping of all pigs. Multiple Falcons can be used per level, as well as using normal birds after Falcons. There is an in-try Total Destruction meter, and reaching 100% earns a medal to pin to your lapel.
The Systems: Platform Availability, Compatibility, & Pricing
* Please be aware that this info may change at anytime.
iPhone / iPod Touch: The SD app for iOS costs $0.99 USD. It is compatible with iPhone 3GS/4/4S/5 and iPod Touch 3rd/4th/5th generations. You must have iOS 4.3 or higher, and yes, it does include iPhone 5 support!
iPad: The HD app for iOS costs $2.99 USD. iOS 4.3 or higher is required.
Android (Google Play): The Android app is available via Google Play. There is an ad-supported free version for mobile devices (includes a $0.99 USD in-app purchase option to remove ads) and $2.99 USD version for tablets. We are not aware of specific device compatibilities, but Android OS 2.2 or higher is required. Please contact Rovio directly with these types of questions.
Android (Amazon Appstore): Amazon has an ad-supported free version, a $0.99 USD ad-free version, and a $2.99 USD version for Kindle. Again, we are not familiar with specific device compatibilities for Android. Please contact Rovio directly with these types of questions.
PC: Either head over to download.angrybirds.com for the free demo or to Rovio’s shop to purchase the full version. It costs $4.95 USD. For compatibility requirements, see Rovio’s site.
Mac: Run to the Mac AppStore to purchase Angry Birds Star Wars for $4.99 USD. Mac’s version requires OS X 10.6 or higher.
Compete with the best players in the world by entering your scores on our Angry Birds Star Wars leaderboard. It’s fast, easy, and just makes you feel all warm inside.
