Making its console debut about 15 years ago on the original Playstation, a Worms game has grace just about every console, computer and portable system since. Worms 2 Armageddon is actually the second downloadable Worms game for the PSN, but it is worth your money?
The developers at Team 17 have a strong philosophy of the typical “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” mantra when it comes to their Worms series; it is basically the same game that we played back on PSOne.
For noobs of Worms, gameplay is similar to the classic PC game Scorched Earth. From a simple 2D perspective, each player controls a one worm at a time with the goal of killing the opposing worms. Alternative turns, each player will try and kill their opponent using crazy weaponry including bazookas, bananas, sheep, ha-do-kens, jetpacks, ninja ropes, and the simple but deadly eye poke. Each weapon is more absurd than the last but that is what makes the game fun. The challenge and strategy come into play when the player must decide which weapon will work best for each situation while considering proximity, fire power, and wind speed.
Other than a smooth graphical update, the only real differences between this version and any other version are a couple of new weapons and sometimes things in the environment will catch on fire preventing access to that area of the map giving the game one more strategic element. Sure, you can customize your team with specific voices (the Braveheart references are great!) and dress them up in silly outfits, but this PSN sequel is basically the same Worms that you played a million times before.
It is not that this is necessarily a massive negative aspect; it is just that this recipe is starting to show its age and become stale. You would think that after 15 years and dozens of sequels and ports later we would be seeing something at least remotely new. What if we were playing Mario 1 just with HD graphics with slightly new levels instead of getting Super Mario World, Mario 64, and currently Mario Galaxy. The point is, it is time to move on. The Worms series had their Party spin-offs, a brief attempt at 3D gameplay, and even a potential pinball title, but these off-shoots still really didn’t bring anything new and refreshing (and balanced) to the table.
Worms is not a bad game, not by a long shot. In fact, it is quite entertaining, especially for new comers to the series. But do I need to spend another $10 or $15 on a Worms game when a previous version is already owned? No, not really. Yes, the HD graphics look nice on a high def screen, the humor is entertaining, and we can face off against our friends online, but an evolution of the series is a must if Worms does not want to become fishing bait.
Same As: Every other Worms game
Also Try: Pocket Tanks
Wait For It: a real time Worms?
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