Angry Birds Review

By Robert Leedham April 24, 2012 at 15:50 pm

WHAT IS IT?

Arguably the world's most addictive puzzle game, and definitely the most famous, Angry Birds is an essential smartphone download.

In case you haven't heard, a family of pigs have stolen eggs from the game's avian heroes, and the birds are angry. But you can help. Catapult your feathered friends into increasingly complex fortresses and crush the pigs beneath joists, rocks and glass. This helps you regain the eggs and move onto the next level. Get ready to start cancelling those social engagements.

WHAT'S IT LIKE?

A near-faultless port of the Android and iOS classic, Angry Birds for Windows Phone 7 brings 165 levels split across four chapters, plus the added draw of being rewarded Xbox points for your achievements.

It's the game's physics that make it a commuters' best friend (or, possibly, worst enemy). The convincing way in which beams crack, glass smashes and rocks crumble make it a rewarding play, even if luck does often play a significant part in your birds' fortunes. Failure to crush the level's pigs will result in a chorus of mocking laughter, a sound that quickly becomes deeply motivating.

The birds all have different special abilities, so you must learn their strengths and choose the flight paths wisely. This and the combination of clever level design gives Angry Birds a rewarding learning curve, and time-sapping longevity.

Unfortunately, this version of Angry Birds is more expensive than its Android and iOS equivalents, despite there being a free taster. But the availability of points and awards for your Xbox gaming profile plus the lack of in-game adverts mean it's still an essential buy for WP7 gamers.