Rovio, the Finnish games maker which made a name for itself with the Angry Birds physics-based puzzler series, on Thursday released a brand new game set in the Angry Birds universe.
Called Angry Birds Stella and available as a freemium download in the App Store, it puts you in the shoes of the lead character Stella who joins five of her bird friends on a quest to protect Golden Island from the piggies and the greedy Bad Princess.
There are more than 120 playable levels in this initial release of Angry Birds Stella, with more to come by way of future content updates. Jump past the fold for the full reveal.
The game’s premise, as outlined in Rovio’s blurb:
Gale – the Bad Princess – has stolen Stella’s precious scrapbook, scattering her priceless memories across magical Golden Island! Join Stella, Dahlia, Poppy, Willow, and Luca as they sling through leafy treetops and sandy beaches using their incredible superpowers!
Can you help them reclaim the snapshots and protect their enchanting home from Gale? Oh one other small thing, Gale has a big band of blindly loyal pigs who’ll do whatever she says. We just thought you should know. Good luck!
Check out a short gameplay teaser below.
Featuring vivid visuals, Game Center support and smooth execution, the game should appeal to Angry Birds fans who’ve been on the lookout for an experience past the familiar bird-flinging action, as well as to just about anyone who digs physics-based puzzlers.
The game also features integration with Hasbro’s interactive toy range dubbed Telepod, allowing you to scan a physical toy in order to gain access to new birds within the game. And just in case you’ve been wondering, there will be a whole range of Angry Birds Stella-themed merchandize and tie-ins, starting with books, plush toys and cartoon.
Talk about milking the franchise for what it’s worth!
Key features include:
- Play over 120 levels: Slingshot your way through the treetops of Golden Island.
- Meet the fierce flock: Six fun birds with unique personalities.
- Master the moves: New kick-ass superpowers – tap and hold to target attacks.
- Stop Bad Pricess: Her pesky piggies are wreaking havoc across the island.
- Complete your scrapbook Collect pics and wacky outfits to use in the game.
- See friends’ scores Then try to beat them (but don’t fall out.)
- Scan your Telepods: Bring extra-special birds into the game.
- Enjoy lush graphics Vivid visuals that put the “gold” in Golden Island.
Check out the official gameplay trailer below.
As this is a freemium release, there are optional In-App Purchases available such as a $1.99 Pouch of coins and a $19.99 Heap of coins.
Angry Birds Stella is available for iOS, Android, Nook and BlackBerry 10. More information can be found at the official website.
The universal 43.4-megabyte download requires an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad running iOS 6.0 or later.
[App Store via The Rovio Blog]