Rovio takes Angry Birds to a new level

One of tech's hottest games reaches for the stars today.

Rovio Entertainment Ltd. released Angry Birds Space, the latest iteration of its popular video game. In a press release, Finland-based Rovio said it hosted events in Beijing, Helsinki, Hong Kong, Seattle and Tokyo.

The game, which is available for portable Apple devices, Mac and PC computers and Android-powered devices, features its protagonist birds "floating through space in zero gravity." The game has new types of birds with new abilities.

The premise of the game is that the player uses a sling shot to fling birds and eliminate pigs. As the player progresses through levels, there are more challenges. And clearing a level unlocks new levels, which introduce new types of birds with special abilities. Along the way, players collect golden eggs, which unlock special levels.

Rovio has developed at least 28 other games, but none has come close to equaling the popularity of Angry Birds. Estimates vary, but Angry Birds has been downloaded about 700 million times across all platforms, including lesser-known operating systems since its release in 2009.

Angry Birds Space will be available in regular and HD (high definition) versions for iPad and Android platforms. rices range from $0.99 for the regular version; $2.99 for HD; $4.99 for the Mac and $4.95 for the PC. The game can be purchased through Rovio's online store or through other online vendors.

In addition to three versions of its game and a series of books for children, it also has licensed its Angry Birds for use on merchandise, including Halloween costumes, bumper stickers and plush dolls.