The Worms series is quite unique. Like other classics such as Pac-Man, it falls into the category of a game you either know all about or have never heard of before. Those who have played it know what to expect, and newcomers can honestly start with any game and find their own favorite. For many, that favorite is Worms Armageddon, and it's easy to see why all these years later.
Worms Armageddon Anniversary Edition is an updated take on the 1999 classic. As an added bonus, it also received the Backworms Compatible Update, which included Worms (SNES), Worms (SEGA Genesis), and Worms World Party as additional games to play. All of these provide the same core Worms experience but with their own take on the formula.
But what exactly is Worms, and is Worms Armageddon the best place to jump into the series? Well, with a little patience and a lot of practice, it might very well be.
The Gameplay:
Worms Armageddon is a very simple game that is also difficult to master. Like the titles before it, it is a turn-based war strategy game with a strong focus on multiplayer. The game offers a vast amount of customization options to control nearly every aspect of each round, and changing these settings to your liking can greatly impact your enjoyment of the game. It allows you to pick how long rounds will last and which tools (and how many) can be used. In return, you can make things as easy or as difficult as you want. It makes you ask yourself if the players involved are newcomers who need a simplified experience, or if everyone is a Worms master who wants to be challenged. Of course, each player's skill level is ultimately what will decide who wins or loses, but the initial setup of each round will still go a long way.
Once a match starts, each player takes turns moving their worms across the map. The game plays from a side-view perspective, and each worm has a limited amount of time to position themselves, which includes jumping onto platforms. The world itself is destructible, and falling off the map will result in that worm's death, so placement becomes key not only for attacking but for survival as well. After a worm has been positioned, they can then open their weapon menu and select one of their available weapons to use. These weapons, too, must be used within the allowed time and require both aiming and careful planning.
This is where things get tricky, as there are no guides to truly help you see where your shots or thrown bombs might land, and other weapons have even crazier ways to use them. Since weapons are limited, missing will put you at a disadvantage, and blowing up something you didn't mean to can cause you to become trapped. Yes, jet packs and other traversal items can also be selected, but they too are limited and can lead to your death if improperly used. Even melee weapons require careful consideration, as killing other worms at close range will cause grenades to drop at your feet, which will also damage you. All of this just adds to the strategy involved, with your personal skill controlling whether you can even land a hit or not.
And this is honestly the "entire game" of Worms.
It is all about navigating your worms on the map and trying your best to take out the other team. It is a slower-paced game that quickly becomes filled with chaos, with customization options that allow you to fine-tune it for your personal enjoyment. It is a game that is best when played with friends, and most of the game revolves around the idea that you will not be playing alone. The game's wacky humor and over-the-top weapons also add to the party experience, and it's something players can laugh about as they watch all of their worms be destroyed by a flying sheep.
That being said, the game does offer single-player content, with dozens upon dozens of challenge missions to attempt and overcome. These not only help teach you the game and get you used to the controls, but they also provide challenges that even the biggest fans will struggle with. It isn't the biggest focus here, but it does provide something extra to do outside of setting up standard matches and greatly extends the game's playtime — though, Worms is technically a game that will never end.
Backworms Compatible Update
The Backworms Compatible Update is a nice, free additional feature that allows both long-time fans and newcomers to experience some of the "best" games from the series' history. Some of these games are much older than Armageddon itself, but they still offer the same fun and challenging experience as the main game.
Despite being less detailed and having fewer options, they are still fun party games to jump into from time to time. They offer different maps and different weapons to use, so they can be a nice break from Armageddon when you simply want to change things up. Of course, Armageddon is more than enough on its own, but more content and more options never hurt anyone.
Should you play it?
Worms Armageddon Anniversary is a great party game, perfect for those who enjoy slower, turn-based strategy games, while also liking the sometimes rage-inducing craziness that can come with them. The tides of battle can be quickly turned by a single well-placed attack, and you can easily lose everything just because you missed your target. The controls can be a bit awkward at first, and it does take a lot of practice to get the aiming down, but once you overcome this skill gap, things become so much easier. The downside is that not everyone will be willing to put in the time and effort to do so, and the initial slower pace might not resonate with everyone either.
Even so, Armageddon is just as solid as it was back in 1999 and has been made even better thanks to modern-day improvements. It has the ability to remain "the" go-to Worms title and is a must for fans of the series. It's a great place for newcomers to start as well, but don't expect to be a master right off the bat.
VERDICT: Recommended
Reviewed on PlayStation 5
Review Copy was Provided
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