Even though I love computer games, there's a very good reason why I'm not keen on trying on new games. It's because I love games too much that it's hard for me to stop once I start playing. That's why I try my best to resist every temptation that comes my way.

But if there's a game that can lure me to start playing, it would be Angry Birds. Starting out as an iPhone game, it has now taken the world by storm with versions for the PC [Broken URL Removed], the Chrome browser and three versions for Android. I helplessly gave in to the temptation as I had to know what all the fuss was about.  Big mistake!

Stop The Frustration

Lo and behold, I've finished all the currently available worlds and collected all 26 Golden Eggs. But I've also lost many a good night's sleep and was tempted to break a few things along the way. Believe me, the game can be very frustrating sometimes!

angry birds hints

I'm not an Angry Birds expert, but I've spent a good amount of time playing the game. So, here are a few general tips and hints to help you with your frustration in surviving the world of Angry Birds.

1. Spare The Time

angry birds tips

This is the one thing that I know for sure - you need lots of spare time to play. I know people who needed tens of tries to pass one difficult level. I also know there are people who claim they've repeated a level hundreds of times just to get three stars and the highest score possible.

So make sure you have time to spare before you play, or don't start playing at all. Having to stop before being able to finish a level will only make you even more frustrated.

2. Know Your Birds Well

We all know that every character in the game is unique, and knowing the personality of each one of them will help you a lot throughout the game. And I don't only mean their special moves, but also their strengths and weaknesses.

For example, we can accelerate a Yellow Bird's speed by tapping the screen while it's still in the air. We can use this ability to reach difficult and far away places. The Yellow Birds are also strong against wood, so use them to break through wood structures.  Black Birds are literally flying bombs so use them to smash through concrete structures.

angry birds tips

Another example, we know that one White Bird can drop one egg bomb, and we can use it to destroy something. But have you also noticed that the White Bird will accelerate up after dropping the bomb? We can use this acceleration to knock down another part of the pig structure.

angry birds tips

3. Try Different Angles - Literally

If your efforts to knock down the structure from one angle ended up in failure, try different angles. Don't be afraid to hit the repeat button. Repeat the effort and learn from the mistakes. Don't let the mistakes frustrate you.

angry birds tips and tricks

4. Observe The Environment & Take Notes

Continuing from the previous point, you can use the background environment to help locate the perfect "action point".

For example, take note of the position of your finger (or mouse pointer) when you launch the bird. If the attack is successful, remember the position and move on to the next bird. Or take note of the bird position in the air when you tap the screen to activate its special move, so you can repeat it if necessary. This step really helps me every time I use the Boomerang Bird.

angry birds tips and tricks

5. Think Outside The Box

One of the fun things I found in the game is its creativity. You don't always have to do everything by the book. For example, there are times when you simply use the White Bird to hit a part of the structure without having to drop the bomb. Or situations when you have to shoot the Boomerang Bird backward and let it curve in order to hit the otherwise unreachable target.

angry birds tips and tricks

6. Seek & You Shall Find

When you are stuck, don't be afraid to ask for help. Your friends are just a phone call away. Socializing is always a good way to take a break from the endless gaming hours. The Internet is also a wealthy place to find discussions, tutorials, and walkthroughs to help you overcome difficult levels. A quick search will give you plenty of links to visit, but my favorite places for my Angry Birds needs are Rovio's YouTube Channel and AngryBirdsNest.

angry birds hints

7. Cross Your Fingers

Luck plays a heavy part in Angry Birds. Once in a while, you'll make an unrepeatable lucky shot and are able to complete the level with flying colors.

I know. It's weird to put "luck" as one of the tips to reduce the frustration level in playing games. But sometimes, luck is all it takes to put the smile back into your stressful and frustrated face. So, always keep your finger crossed throughout the game.

Don't Get Angry, Have Fun

In the end, the one thing you have to remember is that this is just a game. It's silly to get so worked up over a game so have fun. If the fun is taken out of the game, then there's no point in playing it.

If you are also an Angry Birds fan, please feel free to share your own hints and tips, experience, anything, using the comments below. Do you have any favourite online sources for Angry Birds tips?

** Editor's Note** : This is Jeffry's last post for MakeUseOf.com, after 3 years. Please join me in wishing him all the very best for the future.