Throughout the years, Team 17’s strategic Worms series has inched its way into our hearts. (We mean that in a good way.) Each successive release features new ways to obliterate enemies, along with unfathomable multiplayer options. Now we come full circle, with the company working alongside Digital Eclipse on Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition.
Initially released 25 years (!) ago, Armageddon won players over on everything. From PlayStation to Dreamcast to Nintendo 64, it simply conquered. And it still holds up after all this time, with unparalleled multiplayer tactics, silly weapons and so much more.
Though simple in design, Armageddon comes packed with sharp, tactical gameplay. Not to mention it’s a gas with all its comedic approach (Scottish worms!) and wild map design. And with Digital Eclipse on board, it has extras aplenty. This includes a detailed interactive documentary, along with a surprise inclusion of the Game Boy Color version.
It likely won’t convince long-time naysayers that don’t understand the magic of Worms. However, newcomers and dedicated fans alike will easily find their fair share of multiplayer joy here. That Holy Hand Grenade isn’t going to throw itself, you know.
With Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition, It’s War!
The goal in Worms Armageddon is simple – destroy the other team before they destroy you. You’ve got teams of worms scattered throughout a 2D map, given an array of weapons to fire back. Some are up-close wonders, like the Street Fighter Dragon Punch. Others, like the concrete donkey, have a more interesting approach to destruction. But that opens up a wide array of tactics that keep things very interesting.
You can also use tools to get around and gain an advantage on players. These include a ninja rope and teleporter, among others. But be careful – they’re thinking as well, and your next move could lead to a watery grave. “Stupid!”
The gameplay is ferociously deep, but also easy to get into. You’ll have no trouble diving in and adjusting to targeting. From there, you’ve got a lot you can do, though some weapons are more limited than others. (You can’t throw a Holy Hand Grenade each time, you see.) It’s all in good fun, and Worms Armageddon rains down pleasant destruction with each go around.
Single player is somewhat limited compared to multiplayer. There is a decent campaign here, but, of course, taking on AI opponents isn’t as fun as human ones. There is online play up to six players, however. So if a couch session isn’t getting the job done, you can connect with others.
You can also set up custom matches and even customize teams with a number of costumes, dialects and more. We had a field day with this one, though we definitely created some unlikable characters here. That’s just how some of us are.
Along with single player and multiplayer, Worms Armageddon has bonuses galore. Along with core unlockables, there’s the Game Boy Color version to enjoy. Though limited compared to the original game, it’s a blast to play. And it’s wonderfully emulated, right down to its last pixels.
The interactive documentary, produced by Digital Eclipse, is top notch as well. It discusses the core creation of the game and its impact. While not as in-depth as Atari’s history in, say, Atari 50, it’s wonderful nevertheless.
There’s a lot of bang for your buck here – literally. It just all depends on how much Worms you can fathom. We can take quite a bit.
A Wormy Kind of Presentation
For a 25-year old game, Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition looks like a real banger. The maps still offer a great deal of variety, and the worms themselves are hilarious. Watching custom teams tear each other apart is comical goodness. The weapon effects are nice too, especially the Concrete Donkey. Just…unleash one and you’ll see what we mean.
What’s more, the loading time is pretty swift (with the Xbox version we played); and the interactive documentary looks very nice. Even the menus have that “wormy” touch that we can’t get enough of.
The audio is the star of the show, though. Along with fun war themes (they do exist, I suppose), there are character voices galore. Some fare better than others, and they are high pitched. But some have a humorous flair you just need to appreciate. I never thought I needed Scottish worms back in my life, but here we are. The quality in the documentary and Game Boy Color versions are great as well.
It may not look as high-tech as Worms WMD or Worms Rumble. But Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Editionstays true to the code of the original game. And that works just fine with us. (This is Digital Eclipse, after all.)
Go On, Destroy Some Worms
Considering that Worms Armageddon comes off as the pinnacles of the series, Anniversary Edition does it tremendous justice.
It comes with custom options galore, along with plenty to unlock and multiplayer options galore. Single player is a bit light, but still good to have. And the bonus documentary and Game Boy Color version will certainly keep you busy.
If you didn’t like Worms before, this won’t sway you. But, honestly, anyone that loves good old-fashioned comical turn-based warfare shouldn’t turn it down. Besides, you get to send trash-talking Worms to a much-needed comeuppance. Who wouldn’t like that?
Now someone hand me an exploding sheep. It’s time to kick worm butt.
GAMERHUB RATING: 4.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Many thanks to Team 17 for the wormy review code! The game is available now on Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch!
Oh, you want more retro goodness from Gamerhub UK? We got you. Check out our coverage on Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Iron Meat and Castlevania Dominus Collection!
