Angry Birds: Star Wars coming in November

A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, lightsaber-wielding birds from the Rebels without a Squawk did battle with stormtroopers from the Porkside.

 

Thus goes Angry Birds: Star Wars, the latest chapter in the never-ending fight between the Angry Birds and their porky foes, with the iconic space opera as backdrop.

 

“This is the best Angry Birds game we’ve ever done. It’s the best parts of Angry Birds with all new cutting-edge gameplay set in in a galaxy far, far away,” said Peter Vesterbacka, the Mighty Eagle and CMO of Rovio —and an unabashed big Star Wars fan.

 

“As a big Star Wars fan myself, I’m really excited about this new universe. The Force is definitely strong with this one,” he added.

 

Rovio Entertainment and Lucasfilm Ltd. announced the blockbuster entertainment franchise collaboration Wednesday, adding the game will launch worldwide on November 8.

 

Both sides promised the unique partnership will combine all the fun of the classic Angry Birds and Angry Birds Space with the characters and settings of Star Wars.

 

"From the deserts of Tatooine to the depths of the Death Star – the game and merchandise will feature the Angry Birds characters starring as the iconic heroes of the beloved Saga," Rovio said.

 

Retail launch

 

Alongside the game will be the unveiling of a massive retail launch for Angry Birds Star Wars.

 

Merchandise ranging from Halloween costumes and apparel to action figures and collectible plush toys will be available at select retailers, starting October 28, Rovio said.

 

“Both Star Wars and Angry Birds share the instant and irresistible appeal of hands-on fun,” said Colum Slevin, Vice President, Head of Studio Operations for Lucasfilm Ltd.

 

“People seem to instinctively know what to do when handed a lightsaber or a bird in a slingshot, so this is a natural combination,” Slevin added.

 

Also coming are new videos, characters, and exciting content.

 

Available for more platforms

 

The game will be available on more platforms: Apple's iOS, Google's Android, Amazon's Kindle Fire, Apple's Mac, and Microsoft's Windows, Windows Phone and Windows 8.

 

The game's offiical site, www.angrybirds.com/starwars, features the familiar Angry Birds dressed as iconic Star Wars characters Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and even C3PO and R2-D2.

 

In Lucas' footsteps?

 

The Hollywood Reporter said Rovio Entertainment may be following in the footsteps of Star Wars creator George Lucas, who "created an empire out of Star Wars action figures, lunchboxes and video games."

 

It also noted Rovio had announced development for a 3D Angry Birds big screen adventure with David Maisel, former Marvel Studios chairman, although no details are available.

 

Mutual conversation

 

A separate article on PC Magazine said the latest venture stemmed from a mutual conversation between Rovio and LucasFilms.

 

"People have said this will be the geek explosion of 2012," Rovio's vice president for franchise development, Ville Heijari, said during a product launch at New York's Times Square Toys R Us ().

 

PC Mag added Heijari thought Star Wars would make the most sense, adding that the new game is really meant for the fandom — both Angry Birds and Star Wars.

 

"It's just a lot of fun," Heijari said.

 

Rovio marketing planner Philip Hickey added the Rovio team has "put something together that's mind blowing."

 

"We wanted to make [the new theme] feel wholly integrated," Hickey said. — TJD, GMA News