Hmm, we wonder why Rovio chose to launch their Angry Birds Star Wars edition this month? Anyway, they have, and it's available for just 99 cents at the Apple App Store. The new game puts users in control of Rebel Birds in their fight again - wait for it - the Imperial Pigs.

Gamers are asked to hack away at little Pigtroopers with their lightsabers before attempting to bring down Darth Vader himself. Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo and Chewbacca also make appearances in the game. Easily the world's most popular gaming franchise, Angry Birds is in the enviable position of being able to tweak its game to fit with popular culture. Though the Star Wars game has been planned for some time, its release fits perfectly with news that Disney has purchased LucasFilm for $4 billion, with the intention to releasing further Star Wars movies, starting in 2015 with Episode 7. Rovio had previously partnered with George Lucas' firm to release a line of plush toys and apparel related to their smash-hit game.

In May 9, 2012, Rovio announced that Angry Birds had reached its 1 billionth download.

Check out some of the gameplay from Angry Birds: Star Wars below: