I recently acquired an iPhone, which allowed me to join in on the nationwide obsession with Angry Birds, this silly video game that has pretty much taken over all forms of gaming platforms. I don't know why it's so addicting but it is. There's something about knocking over pieces of glass and wood and killing those fat green pigs that get me hooked. I have no idea what the purpose or story of the game is and I don't need to know. It's a mindless adventure that gets distracted from homework or class. It has the whole instant gratification effect that I know everyone loves.
I've played Angry Birds on two platforms. One on the Google Chrome application, which was a shock seeing the birds so huge on my screen, the other on my iPhone. On my phone, the controls are obviously different and extremely simple, given that I only have to use one finger while playing it. I find it easier to play on a smaller screen. I've never experienced any glitches or hiccups. The only annoying part about it is the ads.
The graphics are surprisingly very streamlined and clear, but because the game is so touch-sensitive I have to be careful not to touch the screen again until the moment I want to, since some of the birds have a little extra something. If you play with the noise on, it can be a bit distracting from gameplay if you're trying to get serious. The noises the birds and pigs make are so helplessly funny. But I usually play with the sound off. It's hard to find the same trajectories as the previous bird that flew from the slingshot and that is one of the many challenges of the game.
I don't think any of the technologies detracted from the game at all; in fact I think the game is defined by its technology. Every day, Rovio works to improve the game and give players more levels and I think the fact that people are mildly psychotic about their games suggests their formulas work. I think the key to this game's success is its simplicity. I think it's cool that the owners wanted to spread the game to other gaming platforms, but I think it's best on where it originated: the phone. When you try to play on tablets or computers, the effect just isn't the same.
I think it is really interesting to see how such a simple game has become so successful so quickly. I am also clueless as to why the game is so addicting, but for some reason it is. I do agree with your point about Angry Birds being the coolest on the smallest device, a phone. That just another one of those peculiar things that makes this game so unique. One thing I think is pretty ironic is how angry some people get while playing the game. I have seen some of my friends get pretty frustrated over absolutely nothing. This games uses the right amount of technology to create a great experience.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I just want to say I love Angry Birds. Secondly, I had no idea you could play this game on the computer. You said it beautifully, “It’s a mindless adventure…”, and I could not agree more. This may sound odd, but I find it very calming. Although I find it extremely exciting to fling birds at objects and continue on to the next level, my mind is always at ease. Angry Birds provides an opportunity to think about absolutely nothing else but those birds, freeing you for a few moments from the stresses of life. I thoroughly enjoy the game. To me, the sounds are a nuisance that only distracts me from the real mission: kill those green pigs.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything your saying about Angry Birds. It is so addicting and so fun and such a great distraction from homework. I'm in the library right now and before I even did anything productive I got a few rounds of Angry Birds in. I think it's also crazy that a game can influence our culture so much. Angry Birds is so huge Hollywood is going to make a movie about it. Angry Birds has a charter plane. How many other things have a charter plane? Not many. Can a simple, free game change a nation and affect a culture? Yeah, it can happen.
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