Rovio releases Angry Birds Star Wars app to the masses

Élyse Betters | Nov 8 2012 - 4:09 am PT

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The highly-anticipated (and much-teased) Angry Birds Star Wars is now available in both the App Store and Mac App Store.

Developer Rovio has long been working with the recently Disney-acquired LucasArts to bulk its popular app lineup with a Star Wars-themed iteration of Angry Birds that brings new creative and play experiences to the franchise.

The latest Rovio title ditches the traditional exploding/flinging Angry Birds for a slew of new bird characters each wielding a unique weapon. The Han Solo bird, for instance, halts enemies with a three-shot space gun. The game also features iconic Star Wars locations, 80 immersive levels, “hours and hours” of gameplay, fresh mechanics, and new level-up capabilities for birds.

“Use the Force, wield your lightsaber, and blast away Pigtroopers on an intergalactic journey from the deserts of Tatooine to the depths of the Pig Star — where you’ll face off against the terrifying Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Pigs,” wrote Rovio in the app’s App Store description. “Time to grab your lightsaber and join the adventure! May the birds be with you!”

Check it out:

Angry Birds Star Wars also landed on the Android, Amazon Kindle Fire, and Windows 8 platforms today.

The full press release is below.

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November 8, 2012 – Espoo, Finland – Angry Birds Star Wars^®, the new blockbuster game from Rovio Entertainment and Lucasfilm, is now available on iOS, Android, Amazon Kindle Fire, Mac, PC, Windows Phone, and Windows 8. The entertainment franchise collaboration also debuted in a new cinematic trailer released yesterday, and in merchandise already available in select retailers worldwide.

“It’s a banner day for us,” said Peter Vesterbacka, CMO of Rovio Entertainment. “This is our best Angry Birds game yet, and we’re excited for our fans to finally meet Luke, Leia, and the rest of the gang! But it’s more than just a game launch: we think fans are going to just love the new animated trailer and the Angry Birds Star Wars products, sure to be a big hit this holiday season.”

The game follows a plucky group of Rebel birds in their fight against the evil Imperial Pigs. Fans will use the Force, wield a Lightsaber, and blast away Pigtroopers on an intergalactic journey from the deserts of Tatooine to the depths of the Pig Star — where they’ll face off against the terrifying Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Pigs!

“We can’t wait for fans around the world to experience the fun of launching the Angry Birds characters into the Star Wars universe,” said Colum Slevin, Vice President, Head of Studio Operations for Lucasfilm Ltd. “This is the kind of creative partnership that has helped Star Wars remain vibrant and beloved for over 35 years.”

With more than 80 levels in iconic locations like Tatooine and the Pig Star, the game features hours and hours of engaging gameplay, all new gameplay mechanics, the ability to level up birds, free updates, plus lots of secrets and hidden goodies. Fans can also train in the “Path of the Jedi” in-app purchase to become a Jedi Master.

Concurrently with the game launch, Rovio and Lucasfilm have also introduced tie-in merchandise and a new cinematic trailer, which retells the classic Star Wars cantina scene with Angry Birds Star Wars characters in the starring roles. Angry Birds Star Wars merchandise, ranging from Hasbro toys to apparel to plush toys, is available now from select retailers.

Rovio and Lucas celebrated with their fans in a Google+ Hangout on Wednesday evening, counting down to the launch at midnight Pacific Time.

For more information about Angry Birds Star Wars, visitwww.angrybirds.com/starwars , watch the cinematic and gameplay trailers at www.youtube.com/user/RovioMobile, or download the game now from download.angrybirdsstarwars.com.