Worms Reloaded (Review) PC

Many gamers may not realize this, but Worms by Team 17 first appeared on the Commodore Amiga computer well over a decade ago. Surprisingly, the game mechanics have changed little since the Amiga version and for good reason; it was perfection from the start.

Worms Reloaded, like its predecessors, is a turn-based game that places your team of four worms on small islands against an opposing team. The object is to annihilate the opposing worm team before they do the same to you, but this is easier said than done. Since each environment varies in size with many obstacles to destroy, strategy is required to traverse the map. An enemy worm could be halfway across the map and almost untouchable, but with a little forward-thinking (and with the help of your arsenal of goodies), you can dig, blow torch, and even blow holes through the scenery to reach the other side. For the more bolder gamers out there, you can aim your long-range weapons toward the sky (bazooka, grenade launcher, etc.) and try to fire it across the landscape to hit the enemy.

This technique requires precession on the player’s part to accomplish. Luckily your weapons have crosshairs to help you aim, and when the spacebar is held to fire a weapon, a color meter extends from the weapon barrel indicating the strength of the shot. Seasoned veterans will already have this technique down stone cold, but for the newcomers out there – watch out. This long-range firing technique takes practice and patience.

For newcomers, Worms has a simple tutorial that trains you on the basics of Worm combat. Controlling your worm is as simple as using the keyboard and mouse. The left and right arrow keys move your worm, and the up and down arrow keys aim your weapon. Tapping the enter key once will make your worm jump, while tapping it twice will make your worm double-jump (or backflip) over higher terrain. Pressing the spacebar will fire your weapon. By holding down the spacebar, you can increase the distance and intensity of your attack. The mouse is used for scrolling through the playfield, launching air strikes to kill your enemy (this is done by highlighting the cursor over your enemy and pressing the left mouse button), and selecting your weapons (by pressing the right mouse button).

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Your worms all share the same arsenal, so choosing wisely will be in your best interest. Some scenarios will give you a multitude of weapons to choose from (i.e. bazookas, grenades, dynamite, and shotguns to name just a few), and while some have infinite ammo, other weapons like grenades have a limited use. Depending on where your worms are positioned, parachutes may be given to help you reach lower sections of the level. If you run out of parachutes, you can use a teleporter device that can teleport one worm anywhere on the map. This device comes in handy when you’re down to your last worm or when an enemy is difficult to reach.

Worms is a turn-based game in every sense of the word. Each worm takes its turn, moves, and attacks based on a counter. The counter slowly ticks down when no movement occurs, but it will deplete much faster when an action is taken. The gameplay is well balanced; the first worm in your team begins, and once his turn ends it switches over to the enemy.  Once the enemy worm reacts, it switches back to another teammate respectively. The game continues on like this until a victor is determined.

Funny animations play throughout as your worms attack their enemy, blow holes through the scenery, and die from a lack of health. Each worm starts with 100 health points, and once these reach zero you are treated to a hilarious animation of your worm committing suicide (this also starts a chain reaction in the environment). This chain reaction can harm friends and foes alike; it will cause an explosion that will punch a large hole in the environment, making it difficult for others to cross. Ingenuity is needed to work around sudden terrain changes.

Worms Reloaded for PC is a pillar of perfection. The only complaint I have about Worms Reloaded are the comical one-liners said by your worms at the beginning of each turn. While the one-liners seem cute and hilarious at first, they are repeated so often they tend to grate on your nerves. There is no option  available to disable the voices which is quite unfortunate. However, there is an option to disable the sound effects, but then you would be missing out on the explosions and funny sounds your worms make during combat.

Fans of the series will enjoy Worms Reloaded by Team 17. Newcomers will discover a game filled with endless possibilities and countless hours of gameplay. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to this incredible game; you certainly won’t regret it.

Worms Reloaded by Team 17 will be available on Steam for $19.99.  If you pre-order your copy now, you will receive 10% off your purchase.

Mike ‘STGuy1040’ Pittaro

Developer / Publisher: Team 17
Platform: PC

Available on: Steam on August 26th, 2010

Review Score
Graphics
The 2D graphics are colorful and pleasing to the eyes
Sound
With the one exception where your worms repeat the same jokes, the sound effects are full of explosions and comical screams.
Gameplay
Perfection... I can't stress it enough.

Overall
Worms Reloaded is well worth the investment