'Angry Birds Go!' Launches Dec. 11

Buckle up for an all-new adventure, Angry Birds fans.

Finnish game maker Rovio on Tuesday announced that the latest addition to its uber-popular Angry Birds franchise — Angry Birds Go! — will be hitting app stores worldwide on Dec. 11. The game will be available for iOS, Android, Windows Phone 8, and BlackBerry 10 devices.

Rovio is developing the game "from the ground up" as a completely new free-to-play title featuring a number of modes and features. It will challenge players of all ages to join all their favorite Angry Birds characters as they race downhill, Mario Kart style.

"It's a complete first for the Angry Birds series, featuring high-octane downhill racing, upgradable karts, tons of characters with unique special powers and a fully rendered 3D world," Rovio said.

Rovio first teased Angry Birds Go! in June, calling the title its "most thrilling and action-packed game yet!" The company has now released the official gameplay trailer.

"In Angry Birds Go! you can feel the rush as you fling down the track and go head-to-head in a fast and furious race to the finish line!" Rovio said. "Look out for treacherous roads, mischievous opponents and unique special powers to put the race leader behind the pack. Plus you can go from homemade soapbox car to a super-fly car by upgrading your ride." Players will also be able to show off their skills with stunts and air tricks.

The game will feature Telepods technology from Hasbro, first seen in Angry Birds Star Wars II, for another interactive layer of gameplay and content. The technology will enable players to "teleport" their favorite different karts into the game.

:story: PC Magazine