As news comes of yet another update to Angry Birds (we hear that one is coming on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day), I am reminded of the deep disappointment I felt when I missed the first ever Angry Birds day just because I was travelling. It was a time when I was manically crazy about the game. Today after Angry Birds original, and its three season specials Hallowen, Christmas and Valentine and with another update on its way, that seems a long time ago. For, the game is just about changed background graphics and music only. From being a great simple and casual game, it has become too simple and predictable with no real excitement left. Quite honestly, at cost of shocking several people (after all, millions have downloaded the game) I feel quite fed up of aiming those birds from a silly catapult now.
When the first season update came, I did expect a game similar to the original edition but when you get the same thing in the next two special releases too it does not seem very interesting. The gameplay technique has not changed one bit since it has been out. Adding snow,desert and ice hearts to the background does not make the game look new or play differently. When the Valentine season edition, called ‘hugs and kisses,’ was released I seriously expected something new – even some love between the birds and pig. Yes, the gameplay is good and simple, but the story has to be twisted and turned now to create new interest – even addictions have their limits.
A number of innovations come to mind. For instance, why on earth are those damn green pigs never moving? Would it not make things just a bit more interesting if they move around to dodge the birds, inspiring the birds to do more. Similarly, why not make the catapult to shoot on both sides of the field, placing birds in the middle and pigs all around. Or even make the much attacked pigs shoot back and think of taking revenge – pigs revolutions against the birds could turn deadly! Maybe even bring the accelerometer into play for better aiming or simply bringing down the fortifications.
Anything, anything but the same flinging of birds at the pigs with just some new power-ups and a new background. Because I once loved the game and I want to fall back in love with it.
