When the original Angry Birds was released back in 2009 by Rovio Entertainment Corporation, it became an instant mobile gaming sensation. It won’t be wrong to say that Angry Birds is one of the most iconic mobile gaming franchises to have ever existed. Since then, the Finnish game developer has dished out a number of sequels and spin-offs, with varying degrees of success. Riding on the back of immense anticipation, Rovio finally released Angry Birds 2 on July 23, 2015. So how does this sequel stack up against the original classic game and the avalanche of spin-offs released since then? Let’s find out!

First and foremost, Angry Birds 2 retains the core mechanics that made the original game popular - slinging birds at piggy fortresses using a slingshot in the hope of annihilating those pesky green pigs. But there are a few key differences that make the game more strategic and challenging than its predecessors. Instead of predetermined birds in each level, players can now switch between birds in their arsenal, allowing for a greater level of strategy when it comes to choosing the right bird for the right situation. Moreover, the addition of boss fights against giant pigs adds an element of challenge to the game that the original Angry Birds lacked.

More than that, for a mobile game, Angry Birds 2 boasts truly impressive graphics. The game is rendered in 2D, but with a vibrancy and detail that surpasses the original. The various bird characters have never looked better, some of them flashing hilarious facial expressions as they are launched at the opposing pig structures. The backgrounds in the different stages are visually stunning, adorned with colorful and detailed backdrops. The soundtrack, while staying true to the iconic Angry Birds theme, feels like an improvement in terms of overall sound quality and polish. The sound effects are delightful, with the sound of each bird, the crumbling of the piggy fortresses, and the demise of the pigs - adding a sense of satisfaction to each level.

Speaking of the level design and difficulty, the game offers a multitude of levels that span multiple worlds. These levels come with weather effects like rain, snow, and wind, which don’t only add to the game’s visual spectacle but also affect the trajectory of your birds, making the game more challenging. And speaking of challenges, Angry Birds 2 is considerably more difficult than its predecessor. The piggy fortresses are now made of materials that are generally harder to break through, and the green pigs themselves are smarter, hatching fiendish plans and utilizing tricky hiding spots. The new level design also includes multistage levels, which prompt the players to ration their bird supply with a better strategy.

However, not everything is smooth sailing in Angry Birds 2. One of the major gripes that many players have with the game is the implementation of the lives system. Players only have a limited number of lives, and once exhausted, either you wait for them to regenerate or shell out for them using in-game currency or real money. This life system has a tendency to interrupt gameplay, which could be frustrating, especially for those accustomed to playing the original game without such impediments.

Another questionable aspect of the game is the adverts that intermittently pop up while playing. Although watching these ads can benefit players with rewards, their frequency can be frustrating, considering that the game also has in-app purchases.

In a word, Angry Birds 2 is truly a sight to behold for mobile gaming. The improved graphics, sound, level design, and enhanced gameplay mechanics give the game an edge over its predecessor. The more strategic approach and the challenging levels provide a satisfying experience to seasoned Angry Birds players, while the addition of boss fights makes the game more engaging.

However, the implementation of the lives system and the frequent adverts may discourage some players, especially those who find such microtransaction aspects frustrating. Despite these setbacks, Angry Birds 2 is a worthy sequel to the iconic original game, and it is definitely worth giving it a try for fans of the franchise, as well as those who enjoy engaging puzzle games.

By Lydia | Copyright © GameHubX - All Rights Reserved