The Angry Birds Space trailer is more than ambitious, it's out of this world (a-thank you). Though not the first to take gaming promotion literally into outer space, Rovio worked with NASA and real live astronaut Don Petit to not only describe some of the new mechanics found in the game, but actually demonstrate them on board the International Space Station.

Using props chosen from amply available Angry Birds merchandise and a couple things found around the space station, including eggs that come with a "don't ask" disclaimer (shrug), Petit shows how things work in zero-gravity. After launching a plushie bird through the station using a bungee cord, he explains how gravity can change the trajectory of objects. Accompanied by animated diagrams, Petit illustrates how astronauts employ curved trajectories to navigate around in space.

So what does this have to do with Angry Birds Space, other than the fact that it takes place in space? Everything! Gravity fields from planets found in all levels will affect how gamers complete them, adding another layer of strategy to the popular game and making it more than simply lining up shots. In the gameplay footage found near the end of the trailer, gamers are treated to the new system in action. Prepare for weightless environments and the gravitational pull of small planetoids strewn throughout the game's 60 available levels -- but that's not all. Rovio promises tons of new abilities and secret bonus levels in addition to the regular free updates and in-app purchases.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxI1L1RiSJQ&feature=youtu.be

Angry Birds Space, as opposed to other Angry Birds incarnations, seems to taking a whole new approach in how the series is played -- drastically changing the rules and adding lots of new elements to keep things fresh, in an attempt to maintain its place at the top of the mobile gaming charts.

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What do you think, Ranters -- is this another sure-fire hit for Rovio, or is it one game too many for the Angry Birds? Let us know in the comments below.

Angry Birds Space will be released on March 22, 2012, on iOS and Android devices as well as Macs and PCs.