Worms 2: Armageddon

Worms 2: Armageddon – Armagedd-on or Arma-geddin-outtahere?

For around two decades we’ve seen the humble earthworm blow the heck out of themselves and just about everything else imaginable. In their various incarnations over the years it’s safe to say that the Worms gaming enterprise has developed into what we know and love today.

However, how do our trigger-happy wriggling pink worms fair being transported from the PC and console to the iPod/iPhone? Pretty well in fairness but it’s not quite perfect. Unfortunately even though this game packs a lot of heat most features that you find on the bigger platform are a bit harder to use on the smaller screen – especially when rushing against the clock. However, if you can overlook the tricky controls then this game is certainly a classic, and with a bit of practice you will probably find yourself a bit of a dab-hand at doing the various acrobatics which will help you win.

All the familiar and twisted weapons put an appearance for your explosive delights. Ranging from the trusty bazooka and uzi to the holy hand grenade, exploding sheep and lightning strike, you have just about every possible option of comic ways to kill or be killed.

For the more experienced players, the ninja rope is available for you to try and gain the higher ground, however, if you simply want to get out of the firing line, the teleport option is by far quicker and easier to do. One thing to bear in mind though is that teleporting will cost you a go and the ninja rope allows you to plant dynamite and mines whilst making a hasty run for cover (allowing you to blow up opposition and move to safety).

The graphics are the same stylised cartoon designs as we are familiar with and there appears to be a seemingly endless variety of levels to turn to dust allowing you the choice to select from Manhattan, Medieval, Sport, Construction, Cheese or Random.

Although AI is pretty challenging, even at the more basic difficulty setting, we all know that the real reason we play Worms is to have a blast with our mates and thankfully this is where Worms firmly keeps its crown as the best friendly war game for all ages.

If you don’t have mates to play multiplayer with and fancy a change from the quick game modes, you can set up your own team and blow the heck out of a campaign mode (where you can earn gold to buy more killer weapons), body count setting (where you have one worm against a respawning army of worms) and practice mode.

Overall this game is a real cracker and although it may not appeal to everyone for the same reasons, it will appeal to many for its sheer entertainment and barmyness. Worms is one of the must have games and through its faults, the entertainment and unpredictability will keep you and your friends playing for hours. Just remember to pack the charger!

Positives

A firm favourite with young and old alike

Good graphics

Vast array of bonkers weaponry

Negatives

Controls don’t translate that well to the small screen

Playing against the clock makes everything even trickier

You can’t record your own voices to play back as Worm voices when doing actions

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