Angry Birds go to Mars as pigs hijack 'Curiosity' rover in updated game

Houston, we have a problem: green pigs have hijacked the Mars space rover.

 

So goes the newest chapter of the never-ending fight between the Angry Birds and the egg-stealing pigs, in the latest update to "Angry Birds Space."

 

A description of the update on the Google Play marketplace for Android devices indicated the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration had a hand in making this game.

 

"NASA and Angry Birds team up for the most epic episode yet! The piggies have hijacked the Curiosity Mars Rover -- but instead of searching for ice crystals, they're looking for eggs!" it said.

 

The new update offers "20 fiery levels on the red planet," along with two antenna egg levels - as well as the new "astronaut pig."

 

In this episode, the Angry Birds will have to "dodge explosive volcanoes and fire asteroids."

 

"Find three hidden rovers and landers to open special bonus levels and discover more about the NASA missions!" it added.

 

A separate article on tech site Mashable said a version of the update can be found for iOS devices too.

 

Mashable added "Angry Birds" maker Rovio got some help from NASA, which gave it footage taken by the Mars Rover "Curiosity" from the planet’s surface.

 

The additional levels will also include NASA vehicles as part of the architecture.

 

“Rovio is teaching huge new audiences about NASA’s missions to Mars thanks to this collaboration,” Mashable quoted David Weaver, associate administrator for communications at NASA Headquarters in Washington, as saying.

 

“It’s a great way to introduce both kids and adults to the wonders of the planet in a fun and entertaining way,” he added.

 

But Mashable said this was not the first partnership between NASA and Rovio.

 

When Angry Birds Space debuted in March, NASA Flight Engineer Don Pettit demonstrated the physics behind Angry Birds — while in space, it said.

 

“We’re huge NASA fans, and we were all cheering the Mars Curiosity rover as it touched down,” said Peter Vesterbacka, chief marketing officer of Rovio Entertainment. “So, working together on the Mars update was a perfect fit.” — RSJ, GMA News