Reviewed: April 11, 2006
Reviewed by: Mark Smith

Publisher
THQ

Developer
Team17 Software

Released: March 22, 2006
Genre: Strategy
Players: 1-4
ESRB: Everyone

8
7
8
7
7.8

Supported Features

  • Memory Stick Duo (288 KB)
  • Wi-Fi Ad Hoc

    Screenshots (Click Image for Gallery)










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    Logging in with at least 50 titles spread across 21 game systems, Team17’s Worms might just be the biggest game franchise in existence, heck, they even made a Worms game for the Jaguar. Worms: Open Warfare is the latest installment to balance itself on the pyramid of predecessors, this time targeting handheld systems with its charming characters, engrossing gameplay, and challenging turn-based strategy.

    Retaining the same award-winning gameplay, unique sense of humor and clever mix of action and strategy that has epitomized the brand for almost a decade, Worms is the ideal quality gaming experience for the PSP and the gamer on the go. Worms engages the player with streamlined gameplay especially suited to the smaller screen and shorter play time of a handheld system.

    Worms: Open Warfare features:

    • The unique “Two-and-a-half dimensional environments” of the PSP means that the player has all the attractiveness of 3D environments, but without complex camera mechanics or the problems of locating enemies.
    • A full overhaul of the balancing of weapons and AI engines
    • Streamlined menu system and play modes, tailored especially to suit the needs of mobile gamers inc the addition of mid-mission saves for the first time means that gamers on the move needn’t lose the progress they’ve made in either single or multiplayer games.
    • Multiplayer mode allowing up to four players using one unit (hot seat).
    • Multiplayer mode via WIFI technology allowing connection of 4 units.
    • Worms features a huge collection of favorite Worms weapons.
    • 5 all-new graphical themes, with randomly generated landscapes.
    For those expecting some next-gen 3D experience, you might be surprised to find that Team17 has gone back to the 2D roots of the original. But even with the retro game style, the graphics are still impressive and the gameplay is as challenging as ever.

    For anyone who has ever played a game of Scorched Earth, you already have a good idea of what to expect with Worms. You basically position your army of insanely cute worms around the battlefield then calculate arcs and trajectories as you fire all sorts of clever weapons.

    There are too many weapons to cover within the scope of this review, but they are as ingenious as they are challenging to master. Each performs differently requiring a bit of learning curve to use with any proficiency. Whether you are firing shells or sheep, or tossing the powerful banana bomb, things are going to get crazy in Open Warfare.

    Weapon aren’t the only thing to master. There are numerous gadgets that you can use to help navigate the battlefield and assist you in battle. You might be able to teleport or use the ninja rope, or even strap on a jet pack for an emergency exit. You have limited resources in each of these battles so it’s best to figure out when and where to use these gadgets and weapons for maximum effect.

    Despite claims of improved AI, I’ve been witness to numerous worms making tragic decision during combat that results in the death of comrades and even themselves. These are juxtaposed against moments of pure tactical genius, so it can be a bit unpredictable when playing the computer.

    Worms has always been about the multiplayer, but Open Warfare manages to include a compelling single-player mode where levels are randomly generated within the parameters of four specific themes; space, desert, winter, and hell. I was surprised there was no Futurama-inspired human body level. The creative possibilities for combat and level design within a human body boggles the mind.

    Since levels are randomly created the tactics for each battle will change each time allowing for infinite replay potential. For those who gain satisfaction from actually “winning” a game, this is a battle without any end in sight. Of course, the multiplayer is the focus and easily steals the show provided you have friends who have their own copy of the game.

    A hot swap mode allows multiplayer players to share a single PSP and copy of the game, but there is no support for Game Sharing, even on a limited level. In my opinion, this is a huge oversight. Not only does it limit the availability of multiplayer gaming, Game Sharing is a powerful marketing tool that would probably sell a few thousand extra copies of the game if people could experience it firsthand.

    You can choose two or four player battles with team selections that include Rookies, Marines, and Champions. These are purely visual choices as everyone has the same abilities and tactics. Everything in Worms is perfectly balanced including the massive array of weapons. This leaves the task of winning the war solely in the skills and abilities of the player in charge.

    Anyone who has played a game of Lemmings will know what to expect with the visuals in Worms. Classic 2D levels are rich in color and populated with exaggerated structures and fun details that pop off the screen. The worms are as cute as ever and there is plenty of humorous animation and loads of special effects for each of the weapons and the resulting carnage.

    The sound is simple but just as delightful as the visuals and gameplay. There is a good assortment of cheery music that loops during the battles but never gets annoying.

    Sound effects are really good and include a variety of weapons sounds, explosions, and funny noises from the worms. The entire game just has a fun cartoon atmosphere about it.

    Tutorial and Deathmatch challenges offer a bit of closure for those looking to actually reach a milestone in Worms, but the random level creation and Quick Game mode means there is no true end to the potential battles of Open Warfare. The more you play the better you get as you master the nuances of the arsenal at your disposal.

    The multiplayer is great fun provided you have the friends and multiple copies of the game required to enjoy it. Otherwise, plan on passing the PSP around the room. The lack of game sharing and Internet multiplayer is unforgivable for a game with this much emphasis on team battles.

    If you are a fan of Worms and own a PSP then this is an obvious addition to your collection, otherwise, more traditional strategy gamers might want to look elsewhere to fuel their quest for battle on the PSP, especially where multiplayer is concerned.

    Worms: Open Warfare is a faithful translation of the franchise and perfectly suited for the PSP and the type of gamer who plays PSP games. Battles can be short and sweet, easy for the pick-up-and-play nature of the system, or you can settle in for countless addictive hours of combat.