During the last couple of years, one of the most popular games ever created for mobile devices has seen many improvements and plenty of new releases, each with their own twist to the original goal of the game. The Angry Birds game series is now arguably the most popular one for mobile devices (and much more). From plush toys to virtually every item you can think of with its branding, the Angry Birds series has made an impact on the entire world, as it's almost as much of a household name as Coca-Cola.

One of the most recent versions of the game adds a brand new aspect to how the game is played, something that was unchanged in the other three titles.

About Angry Birds Space

angry birds game

Angry Birds Space is the latest release of the Angry Birds series, and is available for both Android and iOS. While the original Angry Birds set the storyline and overall idea of the game, Angry Birds Seasons added more levels that can be played, which rotate depending on the time of year.

The release before Angry Birds Space, Angry Birds Rio, was a special release which was tied with the movie "Rio" and aimed at saving captured birds rather than attacking the evil green pigs (more on them later). Therefore, the two releases after the original did not change any aspect of how the game was actually played. The mechanics were all the same, but there were either different levels or different animals you'd have to hit. Angry Birds Space finally offers a nice, refreshing change of game play mechanics.

The Goal

For those who don't know, the idea of Angry Birds is to complete each level by throwing "angry" birds with a slingshot at evil green pigs who stole one of the birds' eggs. These piggies protect themselves using structures, which can be made out of wood, ice, or concrete. To successfully complete the level, you must get the birds to reach the pigs or knock over the structures in such a way that they hurt the pigs enough for them to disappear. Even if one pig remains alive, you fail the level.

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There are a couple different themes, which contain a collection of levels that you must complete.

What's New?

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The first three releases used a flat surface for its projectile mechanics, which made it relatively simple. With Angry Birds Space, you no longer have to deal with flat surfaces, but round gravitational bodies which you can theoretically orbit around. While the aim of the game, to defeat all the piggies, is the same, the way you get the birds to where you want them to be is much different. You have to calculate the one or more gravitational fields which are in the level, and how to use them to your advantage.

Of course, you'll have a dotted line in front of your pulled-out slingshot which will show you the path the bird will take if you let go right there, so you're not completely without help. However, just be aware that it is possible in later levels to get outside of the range of a gravitational pull, where you'll then go in a perfectly straight line and most often off the map completely.

Extras

As with previous Angry Birds releases, there are a number of different birds which have different abilities. Besides the original red bird which doesn't have any special powers, there are some birds which can multiply into three, one which can speed up and easily go through wood, one which drops egg bombs, one which is a bomb itself and good against concrete, one which turns everything around it into ice, one which is simply huge and therefore has a lot of power (technically speaking, inertia), one that expands rapidly, one which can change direction in midair, and much more!

To activate each bird's special ability (which can be determined by what it looks like), simply tap on the screen while it's in mid-flight.

Space Eagles

angry birds game

Angry Birds Space also includes something called space eagles, which are special birds that replace themselves with whatever bird you're about to fire away. When a space eagle lands on something, it will engulf a large area surrounding it, which can wipe out most of your current map, if not all of it. You can get space eagles by completing levels and returning to play the game daily.

Installation

To install, simply search for Angry Birds Space in your respective app store. You may also follow this link for Android or this link for iOS. Please note that the game does have a lot of graphics, sounds, etc., so it will take a while longer to download than most regular apps. However, you'll be ready to go once download and installation completes.

Conclusion

Overall, I find Angry Birds Space to be an excellent upgrade to the main idea and addictive quality of Angry Birds, as well as a fantastic time waster. It's gratifying to be able to complete a lot of levels before getting stuck at some, because it makes you lets you play the game without getting too frustrated. Plus the addition of space eagles helps progress the game for those levels you simply can't figure out. It's definitely worth checking out if you have the space!

What's your favorite Angry Birds release? Do you like any other game more than Angry Birds? Let us know in the comments!