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Another Xbox Live sale: Ryse, Persona 4 Arena and more for cheap
We think Microsoft may have an addiction. On top of the Ultimate discounts on offer this week, Microsoft has announced an entirely different crop of cheap games, available through February 24. Two sales at the same time? Madness! If you want to take advantage of Microsoft's lapse in judgment, you can grab Ryse: Son of Rome for $40. We may even see more of this in the future, as Microsoft toys around with discount digital pricing on Xbox One. Ridge Racer Unbounded is on sale for $5 and all of its DLC can be acquired for pennies on the dollar. Persona 4 Arena, Angry Birds: Star Wars and more on Xbox 360 are cheap too so, if you're interested, pop on over to Major Nelson's website for the full list of markdowns. [Image: Microsoft Studios]
GameStop rings in the new year with savings on GTA 5, more
Did you make it through the holidays with some spare cash? Well, GameStop wants it, and kicked off a new sale to celebrate the new year to get it. The retailer's deals, which stretch from January 3 to January 5, include $50 savings on both the Wii U Skylanders console bundle ($249.99) and the 250 GB Xbox 360 Holiday console bundle, which includes both Halo 4 and Tomb Raider for $249.99. The games on sale for the next few days, some of which carry over from GameStop's last sale, are as follows: Grand Theft Auto 5 and NBA 2K14 for $39.99 each, Gears of War: Judgment ($19.99), the Xbox One and PS4 versions of Lego Marvel Super Heroes for $49.99 and Wii U, Xbox 360 and PS3 versions for $39.99 as well as the 3DS version of Angry Birds: Star Wars for $19.99 and the DS, Xbox 360 and PS3 versions for $29.99.
Angry Birds Star Wars 2 is free on iOS for a limited time
Angry Birds Star Wars 2 X-winged its way to freedom this week, not from the pork side but from the shackles of its 99c tag. The sci-fly sequel is the App Store's free app of the week, meaning for a limited you can purchase it permanently at no cost - it's got to be worth a beak at that price, no? Okay, no more pun-ishment. Really, that was the last one. So, Angry Birds Star Wars 2 follows the original's formula, but with a bunch of new levels and characters, as well as the tactile addition of the Skylanders-like Telepod toys. If you don't fancy it on iOS, even for free, it's also on Android, PC, and Windows Phone 8. One place you won't find it or its predecessor in the near future is Facebook. This week, Rovio announced it's closing Angry Birds Star Wars on the social network in March 2014.
Daily Update for December 17, 2013
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get some of the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the player at the top of the page. The Daily Update has been moved to a new podcast host in the past few days. Current listeners should delete the old podcast subscription and subscribe to the new feed in the iTunes Store here.
Rovio releases the conclusion to Angry Bird Star Wars with 30 new levels and Death Star showdown
Just in time for the holidays, Rovio has dropped a new update of Angry Birds Star Wars into the App Store that features the epic conclusion of pigs versus birds. Angry Birds Star Wars version 1.5 adds a whopping 30 new levels to the first Angry Birds/Star Wars mashup. Players can now fight their way through 15 space battles featuring an Imperial Star Destroyer and another 15 levels that take place on the rebuilt Death Star. At the end of the game, players will finally face the Emperor and "Lard Vader" and find out who's behind Vader's mask in the finale. Upon its release a little over a year ago Angry Birds Star Wars received both user and critical acclaim, with many noting the care Rovio took to remain faithful to the source material. Angry Birds Star Wars was one of the most popular Angry Birds games ever, which led to a sequel, Angry Birds Star Wars II, released earlier this year. Angry Birds Star Wars is US$0.99 for iPhone and Angry Bird Star Wars HD is $2.99 for iPad.
Angry Birds Star Wars kneels before next-gen in November
Angry Birds Star Wars is blasting to Xbox One and PS4 in November, Rovio has announced. It launches today for Xbox 360, PS3, Vita, Wii, Wii U and 3DS. The PS4 version of Angry Birds Star Wars uses the DualShock 4's touchpad, and it will support Move in singleplayer and local multiplayer modes. The Xbox One edition includes exclusive, new timed challenges and will work with Kinect. Angry Birds Star Wars 2 hit PC on October 24, the same day we noticed North American ESRB ratings for next-gen installments of the series. Before that, Angry Birds Star Wars Xbox One and PS4 versions were rated in Brazil, and GameFly listed it for next-gen consoles – yeah, we sensed this disturbance.
Angry Birds: Star Wars rated for next-gen by ESRB
Angry Birds: Star Wars is X-winging its way onto PS4 and Xbox One, at least according to multiple ratings. North American ratings board ESRB listed it for the next-gen systems this week, while in Brazil the game was classified for both systems back in July. To add further evidence, in August retailer GameFly listed the next-gen versions too. When approached on the ratings, an Activision rep told Joystiq the company wasn't able to comment. What we do know is Rovio's fusion of force and feathers is coming to Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, and PC, and you can peck it up for those systems on October 29. Meanwhile, Angry Birds Star Wars 2 is available on PC as of today, if you'd prefer to play it on a computer far, far away from your mobiles.
Daily iPhone App: Space out with Angry Birds Star Wars II
The original Angry Birds Star Wars title was a blissful marriage of two iconic IPs, and as a dedicated Angry Birds fan, it remains one of my favorite games in the series. With Angry Birds Star Wars II, Rovio tries to recapture that same magic, and while the core mechanics remain largely unchanged, your enjoyment of the game will depend on how well you stomach in-app purchases. When the original Angry Birds Star Wars was released, its in-app purchase options were limited to a few bonus training missions. Over time, a plethora of microtransaction options were added, giving the experience a bit of a cheap feel. That same emphasis on purchasable upgrades permeates Angry Birds Star Wars II from the very start, and a pulsing shopping cart at the top of the game screen is a constant reminder that the game would love to sell you some overpowered goodies. The gameplay itself is the same time-tested Angry Birds excellence we've come to expect, with a ton of fantastic destruction puzzles, great music and ridiculously gorgeous background art. Rovio really gives the Star Wars characters and locations a ton of flair and attention to detail. If you're a Star Wars fan, there's a lot to love here. The airborne assassins at your disposal range from Jedi-themed birds that wield lightsabers to newcomers like a Yoda character that spins and bounces off of everything in sight. You can also play as the Dark Side (or "Pork Side") characters for the first time, which adds an evil angle to the mayhem. Every level is fun to play, and the boss levels can seriously test your skills, which is a pleasant change from many of the so-called "casual" hits on the App Store. You can absolutely best every level in the game without spending anything on the bonus characters -- and I'd argue that doing so is more challenging, as well as more fun. However, with the game constantly reminding you that there are purchasable bonus characters available, it can be easy to feel like you're missing out on something by not throwing down the extra cash. It's not a deal breaker, but it definitely adds an unwelcome layer of annoyance to the experience. If you love Angry Birds, this one is an easy recommendation, and with so many levels and new characters to play, Angry Birds Star Wars II offers a lot of content for just US$0.99. If you've not played an Angry Birds game before, or if you have, but you skipped the first Star Wars iteration, I'd suggest going back and checking out the original crossover title before agreeing to take on its bigger, darker brother.
Angry Birds Star Wars II hits the App Store
Lost in all the noise about the iOS 7 launch was the fact that some pretty big games were released today, including Infinity Blade III and the latest in Rovio's beloved Angry Birds series: Angry Birds Star Wars II. In the sequel to the original Angry Birds Star Wars, this time around gamers play through levels inspired by the Star Wars prequels Episodes 1-3. However, unlike the first Angry Birds Star Wars, this time players have the option of being a baddy: The Force is strong with this one. Get ready for Angry Birds Star Wars II – the epic follow-up to the #1 smash hit game! Based on the Star Wars movie prequels, use the Force for good against the greedy Pork Federation or choose a much darker path. That's right; for the first time ever you can "Join the Pork Side" and play as the fearsome Darth Maul, Emperor Palpatine and many other favorites! Besides being able to play the big bads listed above, players will actually be able to play more than 30 Star Wars characters including Yoda, pod-racing Anakin, Mace Windu and Jango Fett. Additionally, this time around you can swap which characters are in the slingshot out at any time, so you have a choice in the order you launch them in. Angry Birds Star Wars II is a universal app for US$0.99.
Angry Birds Star Wars adds 30 Moon of Endor levels
Rovio today has released an update to the wildly popular Angry Birds Star Wars game. The update adds a new locale -- the Forest Moon of Endor, as seen in Return of the Jedi. The saga continues on the Moon of Endor with 30 furry new levels! Help the Rebel Birds disable the Death Star's deflector shield before it's too late. Take on Stormtroopers, Speeder Bikes and two-legged AT-ST walkers in the dense forests of Endor. And look out for those loveable fur balls -- the Ewoks! Users can fight the Empire's evil forces on Endor with the help of Ewoks, by bouncing birds off Ewok drums, and, ultimately, by disabling the Death Star's deflector shield. The update also includes ToonsTV, the home of the Angry Birds cartoon series. What's especially nice about this update is the Endor levels are free instead of being a new in-app purchase. Angry Birds Star Wars is US$0.99 for iPhone and $2.99 for iPad.
Hands-on with Angry Birds Star Wars 2 and Hasbro's Telepods (video)
Rovio recently announced a sequel to its Angry Birds Star Wars game, and the Finnish company was on hand to demo its latest title here at Comic-Con. Coming to Android and iOS on September 19th (and to consoles a month later), the app features more than 30 playable characters and -- most notably -- works with Hasbro-designed "Telepods." If you've heard of Skylanders -- not to mention Hasbro's zAPPed line of add-ons for iPad games -- the concept will be quite familiar: the Angry Birds Star Wars 2 Telepods give players access to additional characters and superpowers. To get started with the Telepod figures, we simply had to place them (attached to their plastic stand) over the demo iPad's camera. The tablet recognized the characters in just a second or two, and then we were able to play with new birds and their associated abilities (hint: more explosions). Rovio's VP of marketing Philip Hickey says the Telepod collaboration with Hasbro allowed the company to make even Jar Jar Binks' character interesting -- and we have to admit, that's quite an accomplishment. The Telepods will be available in stores for about $20 shortly before game launches in September. The live-action telepods may be the upcoming title's most novel feature, but that doesn't mean the game doesn't have several software-based goodies as well. You can choose to play on the dark side ("on the pork side," as it were), and there are new two-player cooperative and two-to-four-player multiplayer modes. Be sure to check out our video hands-on after the break to see the sci-fi birds in action.
Angry Birds: Star Wars forces its way onto consoles
Angry Birds: Star Wars is headed for every console in the galaxy, with courses plotted for North America on October 29, and globally November 1. The sci-fly crossover that came to smartphones, tablets, PC, and Mac last year will be remastered for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, Wii, Vita, and 3DS with 20 fresh levels exclusive to the new versions, along with new two-player co-operative and two-to-four player multiplayer modes. The news follows the announcement of Angry Birds: Star Wars 2, which will bring the Star Wars prequels together with Skylanders-like toys when it launches for mobiles on September 19.
Angry Birds Star Wars 2 to launch September 19th
Rovio has announced that Angry Birds Star Wars 2 will hit the App Store on September 19th. The game is a follow-up to the massively popular Angry Birds Star Wars released earlier this year (and currently the Free App of the Week). Here's what Rovio had to say about the sequel: Rovio and Lucasfilm have teamed up again to bring you even more adventures from the Angry Birds Star Wars universe! Experience the legendary story of the Star Wars prequel movies with dozens of your favorite characters with all-new powers! For the first time ever, you can even choose to "Join the Pork Side" and play as one of the villainous pigs! Fling your favorite characters, including a young pod-racing Anakin, Mace Windu, General Grievous, Darth Maul and yes... even Jar Jar Binks! Unlock more than 30 characters in game, or scan your favorite Angry Birds Star Wars II toys directly into the game using Hasbro's amazing new TELEPODS technology! Can't wait? Check out the trailer below.
Angry Birds: Star Wars prequel teased by Rovio
Rovio teased a sequel, er, prequel to flingaway hit Angry Birds: Star Wars. The company announced on Twitter: "Big new game announcement coming on Monday! #July15" Ignoring the incorrect use of a hashtag there (#pedant), the tease also included the image found above. The picture is based off the iconic, evocative teaser that got us all so excited for Star Wars: Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, before our dreams were dashed by the realization that the movie was a steaming pile of bantha poodoo. We've placed the Phantom Menace image after the break. The new Angry Birds game will be announced next Monday.
More iOS App Store anniversary goodies: Angry Birds Star Wars, Dead Space, KOTOR and more
Apple's celebration of the iOS App Store's five year anniversary continues with more free/discounted games with which to smudge up that capacitive touchscreen. In addition to the stuff that was made free yesterday, Chopper, Peggle, Dead Space, Mirror's Edge, Flight Control and Angry Birds Star Wars are now available at no cost. Moreover, the iPad version of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic has been discounted to $5, though its mysterious monetary adjustment may not be directly related to Apple's festivities. As a result, there's no telling how long that particular discount will last. Jump past the break for all the applicable iTunes links.
Angry Birds: Star Wars free through Starbucks
You don't really have to care about Star Wars or Angry Birds in order to try Angry Birds: Star Wars. It's Starbucks' free app of the week, so there's not much investment required on your part.Don't worry, you don't even need to care enough to get up and go to Starbucks. While codes for the game are available on cards in stores, you can also get a free copy of Angry Birds: Star Wars through the Starbucks app.Although a bit of coffee might help with your motivation problem.
Angry Birds can't be mad at 30M downloads over Christmas week
Over 30 million people downloaded a version of Angry Birds from December 22nd through the 29th. Rovio reports eight million Angry Birds downloads went through on Christmas day alone.Rovio's most recent game, Angry Birds Star Wars, has graced the top spot on the App store since its launch in November, and was ported to Facebook just before the new year arrived. In our corner of the industry, the bird's trajectory may be more important than the ball's.
Angry Birds Star Wars force pushes its way onto Facebook
Angry Birds Star Wars is on Facebook, bringing everyone one step closer to the dark side. The Facebook version allows players to compare scores and compete against their friends, and will have five new levels each week to keep the flinging fresh.Angry Birds Star Wars has three power-ups just for the Facebook version, the Blaster Droid, Saber Sling and Thermal Detonator. It also includes the Clone Bird ability, which duplicates a bird of the player's choice. Keep in mind that Angry Birds Star Wars on mobile is fun, satisfying and clever, for the most part, and that surprised us just as much as it did you.
PSA: Angry Birds Star Wars now has 20 free Hoth levels and Princess Leia
Angry Birds Star Wars just got a lot cooler, with Rovio adding 20 ice-ridden Hoth levels to the crossover game for free today. The update also sees Princess Leia and her three-way pink laser beams join in - you remember them from the films, right?Developer Rovio notes Hoth is "just the beginning of the story from Episode V," indicating the game could receive at least one more (hopefully free) update based on The Empire Strikes Back. We know we're looking forward to some Angry Bird dismemberment.
Angry Birds Star Wars updated with free Hoth levels
Version 1.1 of the Angry Birds Star Wars app (US$0.99) dropped like the Mighty Falcon from the skies yesterday, bringing with it more fun levels to add hours of entertainment to your iPhone or iPod touch. The big news for this version is the addition of 20 new levels on the ice world of Hoth, as well as two new bonus levels for players to achieve. The pink bird highlights the game as Princess Leia, and a not-so-subtle hint says she has "an ATTRACTIVE new power". There are AT-ATs to destroy by hitting their weak spot, and pigtroopers to ruin your whole day. If you're a fan of either the Angry Birds or Star Wars franchises, there's a lot to love in this inexpensive and addictive update.
