Angry Birds POP

Pros

• Familiar characters in a new setting
• Simple, addictive gameplay
• Colorful and vibrant graphics

Cons

• Lack of originality and innovation
• Over-reliance on in-app purchases
• Strong similarities to other games in the genre

Angry Birds POP: A Colorful Adventure with Stella and Her Friends

Angry Birds POP, a vibrant addition to the Angry Birds franchise, introduces a new gameplay style for the beloved pink bird, Stella, and her lively friends. Diverging from their regular antics, the feathered crew now use colored bubbles to tackle their swine foes in this fun match-3 game.

A Feathery Fiesta in a Bubble

After experimenting with RPG elements and racing games, our cheerful avian heroes have entered the realm of bubble shooters with this Angry Birds spin-off. The gameplay involves launching bubbles towards the top of the screen to match them with other bubbles of the same hue. Popping these colored bubbles results in the defeat of the pigs lurking within.

To progress to the next level, players must complete a variety of tasks, ranging from bringing pigs down onto the screen, popping bubbles surrounding them, or reaching the bubble layer at the top. These tasks bear a striking resemblance to those found in Bubble Witch Saga 2, a clear source of inspiration for Angry Birds POP.

The Fun Doesn't Stop Until the Bubbles Pop

The gameplay in Angry Birds POP is straightforward and easy to grasp. Players take colored bubbles and launch them upward using a slingshot, with a predetermined number of shots allotted per level.

The bubbles can rebound off the walls, adding an extra layer of strategy to your shots. A guideline is provided to help players perfect their aim, and power-ups are available to burst more bubbles in fewer shots.

Unlike previous Angry Birds games, the number of lives you have is limited. These can be replenished either by waiting for the in-game timer or through in-app purchases, keeping the game mechanics fairly standard.

Aesthetically, Angry Birds POP stays true to the vibrant style of Rovio's games with its bright colors, artistic backgrounds, and adorable characters. However, the game's design heavily mirrors Bubble Witch Saga 2, particularly in the design and colors of the bubbles.

Is Rovio Running Out of New Ideas?

In past Angry Birds spin-offs, Rovio has demonstrated a flair for originality. While RPG and racing genres are not new, games like Angry Birds Epic and Go! brought a fresh twist to the series.

With Angry Birds POP, however, the same level of innovation is missing. Although it is challenging to bring something new to a tried-and-true genre like bubble shooters, it would have been beneficial for Rovio to incorporate unique features that set the game apart from others in the market. Unfortunately, this is not the case with Angry Birds POP.

Pros

• Familiar characters in a new setting
• Simple, addictive gameplay
• Colorful and vibrant graphics

Cons

• Lack of originality and innovation
• Over-reliance on in-app purchases
• Strong similarities to other games in the genre