ESRB: Unknown
Players: Single & Multiplayer
Genre: Turn-Based Strategy
Publisher: Team17
Developer: Team17
Release Date: August 26, 2010

BUY

I was sorely disappointed with each and every one of the last Worms games as they attempted to reboot a series that, in this gamer’s humble opinion, didn’t need anything more than updated graphics and a few more customization options in the Team menu.

Thankfully, Team17 gave their classic 2D turn-based shoot-em-up strategy whatchamacallit a much needed facelift without detracting from the game’s original charm. As soon as I booted up Steam and started the game, I felt like I was fourteen again, sitting in my parents’ basement. Scratch that, I’m twenty-four and sitting in my parents’ basement loading up the game for the first time sitting next to my dad. His first comment was, “Now this is the game we’ve been waiting for.”

I couldn’t have said it any better myself.

The menu system is elegant, which will translate well to the console versions of the game, without being overly simplistic. The different modes of play include a single player campaign, training missions to learn the controls, body count and warzone (two shiny new game modes that I still haven’t had the chance to dive into), and the option to play local or networked multiplayer matches.

The customization system is robust, giving players the ability to really make their teams (and landscapes) awesome and really unique. My team, The Muffin Men, are a ragtag bunch whose dialect runs strangely to the L337 with phrases like, “I pwned you” or “I suxx0r!”. Sadly, when I first started the game, there was a lot of suxx0ring while I got used to playing the game on a computer instead of on a console. Warning: if you’re a console monkey, it will take some time to get used to controlling your worms with keys and it’s not because it’s difficult, it’s just because it’s different.

The single-player campaign is much more challenging than its predecessor’s, with puzzles and wild maps. Although in many levels you do have to defeat a bunch of enemy worms, you’re often limited in the arsenal of weaponry. Players have to get creative with how they go about defeating the enemy otherwise you run out of weapons before you run out of enemy worms (or you run out of time). There are thirty-five (35) different campaign missions, each more trying than the last. You’ll learn the controls quickly or you’ll sacrifice worms trying.

Worms games have always shone in multiplayer and Worms Reloaded is no exception. I sat down with various family members and proceeded to pwn or be pwned; if it was my brother playing, it was The Muffin Men that suffered great losses. Although it was a bit of a learning curve for the N64 Worms players, it was a lot of fun to sit back and frag enemy worms. In addition to the game providing my family with an entertaining distraction during a rather difficult time, it’s one of those games that you can pick up and put down at any time without the control structure becoming unfamiliar.

I recommend this game for fans of the 1990s series, up to and including the second generation games like Worms Armageddon. Team17′s updates to the game provide us with better game-play and graphics without detracting from the quirky charm that made us fall in love with the series in the first place. Even if you’re new to the series, there will be something for every level of gamer in Worms Reloaded.

Go forth and frag.

And it’s Team17′s “Worms Reloaded.” Yeah, really. This time, your choices aren’t limited to worm names, team names, speech and your actions.

Now, you can choose even more aspects of your worms’ appearance and the gameplay itself: Add hats, change skin colors and even create your own landscapes in the Landscape Editor.

And then, of course, you can choose just how the other worms explode.

The trailer below shows off a few of the options you have.

If you’re interested in pre-ordering Worms Reloaded via Steam, there are a few benefits for you, including special bonus items, a 10% discount and a full day’s early access to the game. To pre-order, go here: http://store.steampowered.com/app/22600.

Grab your favorite rope and a few handy grenades, Worms 2: Armageddon is XBL Arcade’s Deal of the Week. If you’ve never played any Worms title, Armageddon 2 is the perfect way to dive in. The critically acclaimed game has been a staple for many since it was originally released for PC back in 1994, and despite having a bit of a fallout in between, it has made a fantastic comeback with a new single-player mode, new weapons and new levels — there’s even a training mode for those of us that have made the mistake of joining an online game completely oblivious, not to name any names.

If you’re looking for a title with a lot of replay value, is family-friendly and features adorable voices saying hilarious things, Worms 2: Armageddon is a great choice. For those of you who prefer their strategy games on PC, Worms developer Team17 is currently working on a Steam release of Armageddon 2.

Worms 2: Armageddon

Worms 2: Armageddon is launching on Xbox Live Arcade on the 10th anniversary of the release of Worms Armageddon.

Team17 have included cult weapons, new weapons, customization of worms, persistent fire, and more.

Here’s a list of the new weapons:
• Sentry Gun! Defend your position with this deadly guardian.
• Electro Magnet! Attract or repel deadly metallic explosives with this unique item.
• Bunker Buster! Use this vertical missile to dig out enemy Worms that have snuck away!
• Buffalo Of Lies! The Donkey’s nemesis, this Trojan Buffalo will cause havoc!
• Super Bunker Buster! Devastating below ground charge!

And a sample of the new game features:
• All new high definition, widescreen artwork based on the original Armageddon artwork.
• Reworked audio-visuals throughout, including all new sound-fx.
• Fire! Persistent fire eats and burns away the landscape. Hot stuff!
• Crazy Crates! Start with basic weapons and shop as you go!
• Fort Mode! Start teams on your own bases.
• All new crazy achievements.
• All new extensive customisation, Worm Hats, voices, graves, dances, colours, forts!
• Uses NXE Avatars to reflect game status in game!
• All new Single Player adventure combines death matches and puzzles.
• Win tokens in the all-new 30 chapter single player campaign to win prizes in the game SHOP, unlock new landscapes, voices, hats and more.

Worms 2: Armageddon launches Wednesday, July 1 for 800 Microsoft Points.