Angry Birds Transformers gives you a fresh new way to play (pictures)

Rovio's mashup of Angry Birds and the Transformers changes the Angry Bird game mechanic, but still manages to be very entertaining.

The launch screen sets the stage for a battle of Transformerified Angry Birds and Pigs.

As your character runs across the screen, you tap on the spot you want to shoot at. In this instance, a smartly placed shot will cause the entire structure to come toppling down.

After completing each level, there's a mini celebration by the character(s) used to accomplish it.

A map of Pig Island is how you navigate, flying from tree cluster to tree cluster.

Just below the Intercept dialogue, you can see a countdown timer. You can wait for the level to be put back together --  in this case in about an hour -- or hand over 19 gems for immediate relief.

You'll randomly find gems in treasure chests on the island, and for completing specific tasks. But if you run out and want to speed up the game, you'll need to spend real money.

As your progress and capture more pigs, you can trade the pigs in for new characters.

To get the most out of each unlocked character, you'll then need to purchase upgrades using the coins you earn during gameplay.

Upgrading a character results in time spent waiting for the upgrade to be implemented, or an additional outlay of gems for immediate effect.