The initial Angry Birds craze may be over, but that's not stopping developer Rovio from expanding the IP to new horizons. We've learned more about the next title, Angry Birds Epic, an RPG with a crafting system and turn-based combat, which you can check out in the new trailer below.
The original strategic bird-flinging mobile game was one of the first phenomenons to really take over the smartphone market, leading to the creation of an entire brand of games and merchandising based on the characters. Rovio is seeking to keep their IP alive and relevant with a deeper Angry Birds entry that may offer something with which hardcore gamers are more familiar.
Concept art for a thin, curved iPhone 6
The developers promise a story campaign with a "challenging" end-game, the aforementioned crafting system, and armor and potions to collect or purchase, which is all wrapped up in turn-based style combat.
The idea may have some gamers rolling their eyes, but in a way the Angry Birds universe is set up very well for an RPG. The original had a setting that fits the RPG mold, pitting the birds against the pig enemies in a vague medieval setting. All the birds are unique characters with different skills already, making them sort of perfect to be turned into different classes for an RPG.
The trailer shows off what seems to be an overworld map, which moves to a battle screen when you encounter enemies. Rovio says armor and potions can be crafted with materials you collect in-game, or that you purchase through microstransactions. Hopefully the payment options aren't too intrusive or necessary, and simply speed up the process rather than give you a large advantage.
Angry Birds Epic is already out in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand on iOS, and is expected to be released soon in other regions on all mobile platforms.
Source: Eurogamer
