[TestUser23]

Sheesh, just got 2 somewhat angry emails, even though I’m not supposed to get responses to my email. Sorry to have bothered you.

[TestUser23]

Ok, just burned through 4200 black pearls, lol.

[TestUser23]

Wow. Thanks for the informative reply. Since I have you on the hook…I’ve asked about hat sets. Not sure if you responded, but was basically told to buy EVERY hat set (even if it is the same multiplier), to level up the slingshot. I’d kind of like to skip the Christmas hats (last of the x2 multiplier), and go on up to the next set of hats at x3. My slingshot is currently Diamond. I’d really appreciate straight forward answers…I’m not very computer or “gaming” literate. Thank you, Chucky.

Just reading over the link you sent. So, some repeat questions in the above body of text :/

[TestUser23]

Does one need to buy every +2 hat? Can I skip a bunch, if I have enough gems?

[TestUser23]

I’ve complained to Rovio several times about this. I’m on level 891, as I write…that’s a lot of scrolling!

[TestUser23]

Ok, thanks. I’m obviously not technically advanced, at all. I don’t even know how to send a screenshot to a forum like this, as I play on my android phone, and do most everything else on my iPad. Sorry, if it feels like teaching a toddler to eat. Thanks for being patient.

[TestUser23]

I bought the complete set of crowns, and my slingshot is bronze. When I click on any bird (arena page), there’s a hat icon on the lower left with an ‘x’ through it.

[TestUser23]

Thanks for the explanation. I guess I’m screwed. Is that why I’ve been blocked from upgrading?

[TestUser23]

Wait, what? I have to buy every hat upgrade? I’ve already bought the Crown upgrade with a multiplier of 2, in one fell swoop (all birds crowned at the same time). Now I’m looking at using pearls for every bird with a 3x multiplier, and I assume a slingshot upgrade? Sorry, if I don’t understand. Thanks for your reply.

[TestUser23]

I used to buy in app, but stopped when the overt manipulation became grossly apparent. It’s too stressful (and expensive) to stay on top, for a game that I inherently enjoy. I’ve let myself slide back several levels in the arena, and now usually just play once a day to collect the gems (which I won’t pay for, anymore). It will take a much longer time to upgrade birds, but I really don’t care anymore.

[TestUser23]

Level 35 birds? Somehow, I don’t quite feel sorry for you, although this is a testament to game manipulation, no matter what level one is on.

[TestUser23]

So, now that everyone had their birds increased, we’re still at square one, as we all had an increase. Nothing has really changed.

[TestUser23]

Obviously you cared enough to comment.

[TestUser23]

I’ve only played on an Android phone.

[TestUser23]

I was waiting for a reply like yours. Will Rovio implement a 2 tier system? No. I realize Rovio is in it for the money, and lord knows how much I’ve spent on the Star Wars platform. Several hundred USD, probably. The difference is, I’m competing against myself, in Star Wars. There are no other players that have an advantage. Let me compare this to my favorite passion, which is tennis. When I compete, I’m playing with players with skills that are equal, minimally slightly lower, or minimally slightly higher, than my capabilities. It’s COMPETITIVE in the fact that one of us isn’t Roger Federer, in sheep’s clothing. I get the “RECOGNIZED FORMAL PART OF THE GAME” aspect. Really, I do. I guess I’m just a purist and believe the game should be played as originally intended. Skill should be rewarded, period. I have stopped playing. It’s no longer fun.

[TestUser23]

Yup. I got within 9 pts of Diamond without using any power ups at all. I do believe Rovio is manipulating the game, and I’m not going to play their game. I only entered this week’s tourney because the underwater theme sounded interesting. However, the character’s don’t behave as they have in past underwater Rovio games.

[TestUser23]

I hear you, loud and clear. After this week’s tournament, I think I’ll stop playing. Negative reinforcement, which is what Rovio is using, does not make for happy, nor more, players.

[TestUser23]

I’m replying to my own post. I’ve pretty much had it with AB Friends. It’s utter bullshit. I got to 9pts away from Diamond league without using any power ups. Basically, I went from silver to practically diamond by winning a tournament, even though I toiled just getting there. Now, I’m poised to go back to silver, because apparently, I haven’t “paid my dues”, even though I got this far without cheating and lining Rovio’s pockets. After a certain point, it’s impossible to increase my scores. The decks are stacked. I’ve spent plenty of money on Star Wars,(where I’m only competing against myself for higher scores, as I don’t post scores), but will not do so on ABF, because of the unfair, uneven playing ground. I know it’s all supposed to be for fun, but it’s not fun if playing skills are not rewarded. So, all you players that need PU’s to win? Have at it.

[TestUser23]

How do you if someone is cheating? Serious question here, as I just made Gold league without using power ups, or cheats, the entire way.

[TestUser23]

I only play on my Android phone. I wouldn’t know how to go about installing add-ons. I’ve 3 starred everything so far, with the exception of one level, where I’m stuck at 2 stars. I don’t keep track of player names. I just want to play, on a level playing field, and see how I fare. I came in second on my first try, and won the next tournament (no power ups). Since then, it’s been all downhill (currently ranked 15th, which will expire very soon). I sent an email to Rovio about this. Thank you for responding. I’m just waiting for the next Star Wars update.

[TestUser23]

Absolutely agree! I typically do “all things Angry Bird” and keep playing to better my own score. I just started playing tournament. I did well in the first two, but now it seems I can’t improve my scores, despite what I do. I think the leaders are using power-ups, and feel that should be disclosed by an icon, or better yet, power -up players pitted against one another, and those of us that don’t feel the need to use them. I mentioned this in a survey from Rovio.