Introduction

Angry Birds took the world by storm in 2009. It was more than just a game; it became a phenomenon. Characters became merchandise, cartoons emerged, and Angry Birds even got its own feature films. As is common in the world of mobile gaming, sequels are often warranted, and that’s where Angry Birds 2, launched in 2015 by Rovio Entertainment Corporation, comes into the picture.

Stepping into the world of Angry Birds 2, players are greeted with familiar mechanics, but with noticeably enhanced graphics and some innovative gameplay changes. It’s still about flinging birds at towers of precarious pigs, but now with added levels of complexity and variety. Featuring new birds, new abilities, and even spells, the game manages to rekindle the original’s spirit while building on its successful formula.

Pros and Cons

√ The visual design is more vibrant, detailed, and animated, providing an immersive experience.

√ Multi-stage levels bring a fresh challenge and strategy to the gameplay.

√ These keep the game interesting, giving players more ways to tackle challenges.

√ These provide replay value and keep players engaged.

√ These offer new and exciting ways to strategize and clear levels, enhancing gameplay depth.

× The monetization strategy can feel aggressive at times.

× Having a limited number of lives can halt gameplay, pushing players towards purchases.

× This can sometimes feel limiting, not allowing for strategic bird choice.

× The game requires an internet connection to play, which can be inconvenient.

× Some levels feel disproportionately harder, which can lead to frustration.

Review

Upon launching Angry Birds 2, the first thing you’ll notice is its visual appeal. The animation is fluid, colors pop, and there is a certain depth to the design. Rovio has certainly invested in upping the graphics, making it feel more polished than its predecessor.

The core gameplay remains the same: slingshotting birds into structures to take down the pigs. However, the introduction of multi-stage levels is a game-changer. This means that instead of just one layout of pigs to defeat, there are multiple in a single level. This addition makes you strategize more, as you need to conserve your birds for subsequent stages.

The spells, ranging from rubber ducks raining from the sky to inflating pigs, add a touch of whimsy and strategy. They can be real game-changers, especially when you find yourself stuck on a particularly challenging stage.

New birds, like Silver, are not just added characters but bring with them new ways to approach the game. Their varied abilities mean you have to sometimes rethink the way you’ve been playing the game all along. This keeps the game fresh and exciting.

However, the game isn’t without its pitfalls. The monetization model feels more aggressive. Livers run out fast, especially when you hit those sudden difficulty spikes. And once they’re out, you either wait or pay up. This is further complicated by the fact that the birds you get are randomly chosen for each level. So, if a level would be easier with a particular bird, there is no guarantee you will get it.

The daily challenges and tournaments against real players are a welcome addition, fostering a competitive spirit and offering gems, the game’s currency, as rewards. This ensures players have reasons to come back, keeping them engaged.

Perhaps one of the more irritating aspects is the need for an internet connection to play. For a game that became famous as a quick, on-the-go distraction, this feels like a misstep. Many players might find themselves wanting to play on a commute or in places without stable connectivity, making this requirement an inconvenience.

In a word, Angry Birds 2 does a commendable job of living up to its legacy. It brings newness without alienating fans of the original. Despite some hiccups in the monetization model and gameplay elements, it remains a fun, engaging, and visually appealing game, worth a shot for both returning players and newcomers.