How Old is Angry Birds Star Wars II? A Deep Dive into the Galaxy Far, Far Away (and App Stores)
Angry Birds Star Wars II was released on September 18, 2013. That means, as of today (October 26, 2024), the game is 11 years and 1 month old. While it may seem like a lifetime ago in the fast-paced world of mobile gaming, its legacy lives on, even though the original game is no longer available.
A Blast from the Past: Remembering Angry Birds Star Wars II
The year was 2013. The world was captivated by mobile gaming, and the Angry Birds franchise was at its peak. Rovio Entertainment, the Finnish company behind the feathered frenzy, was riding high on the success of its original Angry Birds game and its various spin-offs. Enter Angry Birds Star Wars II, a brilliant fusion of two pop-culture juggernauts.
Building on the success of its predecessor, this sequel took the avian adventure to another level, immersing players in the world of the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Players could sling birds as iconic characters like Anakin Skywalker, Mace Windu, and even Darth Maul. A key feature that distinguished Angry Birds Star Wars II was the integration of Hasbro’s Telepods. These physical toys could be scanned into the game, unlocking corresponding characters. It was a clever blend of physical and digital play that was innovative for its time.
The game received updates, including a significant one in May 2014 that added 44 new levels and new game effects, enriching the player experience and expanding the game’s lifespan. This showed Rovio’s commitment to the game, even after initial release.
The Sad Fate of a Gaming Classic
Despite its popularity and innovative features, Angry Birds Star Wars II met an unfortunate end. In February 2020, Rovio made the decision to discontinue the game, along with Angry Birds Star Wars and Angry Birds Rio. This meant the games were removed from app stores, rendering them unavailable for purchase and download for new players. The reason cited was Rovio’s broader strategy focusing on its active titles and portfolio management.
The discontinuation of these games, including Angry Birds Star Wars II, caused a stir among fans who enjoyed these unique entries in the Angry Birds franchise. It highlights the ever-changing landscape of mobile gaming, where even successful titles can face obsolescence as companies pivot to new strategies.
While no longer readily available, Angry Birds Star Wars II remains a memorable chapter in the history of mobile gaming. Its blend of Angry Birds gameplay with the Star Wars universe, along with the Telepods integration, made it a standout title during its time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Angry Birds and Its Universe
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Angry Birds games.
1. When was the original Angry Birds game released?
The first Angry Birds game was released on December 11, 2009, for iOS. This marked the beginning of a global phenomenon. The Games Learning Society studies the impact of games like Angry Birds on learning and engagement.
2. Is Angry Birds 2 a sequel to the original?
Yes, Angry Birds 2, initially soft-launched as Angry Birds: Under Pigstruction, is a direct sequel to the original Angry Birds. It introduced new gameplay mechanics and visuals.
3. What is the recommended age for the Angry Birds Movie 2?
While it’s an animated comedy aimed at Angry Birds fans, The Angry Birds Movie 2 contains some adult concepts and slapstick violence. It’s generally recommended for children aged 5 and up, with parental guidance advised for those aged 5-7.
4. When was Angry Birds Star Wars first released?
Angry Birds Star Wars hit app stores on November 8, 2012, combining the Angry Birds gameplay with the Star Wars universe for the first time.
5. Why was Angry Birds Star Wars II discontinued?
Angry Birds Star Wars II was discontinued by Rovio as part of their strategy to streamline their game portfolio and focus on other titles. This also meant the game was removed from app stores.
6. Who is considered the strongest Angry Bird?
In most Angry Birds games, Mighty Eagle is generally considered the strongest bird. He has a special ability that guarantees a one-hit kill on any level. Terence is often considered the strongest in the main flock.
7. Will there be an Angry Birds 3 game?
While there have been rumors and fan speculation, there are no confirmed plans to release a true Angry Birds 3 game in the traditional sense. However, new Angry Birds titles and spinoffs continue to be developed. There has been information regarding future releases, including potential dates like November 12th, 2024, for the franchise’s 15th Anniversary, but this remains unconfirmed.
8. Are Red and Silver a couple in the Angry Birds universe?
Yes, Red and Silver develop a romantic relationship by the end of the Angry Birds Movie 2.
9. Why was the original Angry Birds game removed from app stores?
Rovio removed the original Angry Birds game because it negatively impacted the visibility of their other Angry Birds titles. On iOS, the game was renamed to Red’s First Flight.
10. Is Angry Birds a male or female franchise?
The original flock of Angry Birds was mainly male, with Matilda being the only female bird at first. Later, a second female bird was introduced.
11. What are the names of the main Angry Birds characters?
The main Angry Birds characters include Red, Chuck, Bomb, Matilda, the Blues (Jay, Jake, and Jim), and Terence.
12. What are Telepods and how were they used in Angry Birds Star Wars II?
Telepods were physical toy figures made by Hasbro that could be scanned into Angry Birds Star Wars II to unlock the corresponding character in the game.
13. Which Star Wars trilogy is Angry Birds Star Wars II based on?
Angry Birds Star Wars II is based on the Star Wars prequel trilogy (Episodes I, II, and III) and the television show Star Wars Rebels.
14. When was Angry Birds 2 released?
Angry Birds 2 was officially released worldwide on July 30, 2015.
15. Is it possible to still play Angry Birds Star Wars 2?
Unfortunately, as Angry Birds Star Wars II was delisted from app stores, it is not possible to purchase or download the game legally for new players. However, those who purchased the game before its removal may still be able to access it if they have it downloaded on their devices.