WORMS RUMBLE

Wiggling their way to battle royale and deathmatch domination

We love our little war-hungry worm friends, but we’ll admit we’re often wary whenever they step outside the classic Worms formula. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But, we’re pleased to report to our commanding worm that Rumble is a twist on Worms that feels right.

The perspective is the way Worms works best: 2D, side-on (the less said about the 3D Worms efforts the better). The game pits 32 worms (individuals, not teams) against one another in large-scale conflict. Rather than being turn-based like classic Worms

(can you imagine waiting for 31 other people to take their turns?) everything here takes place in real time – a mass migration of slithering worms all armed to the teeth and hungry for worm innards.

The armoury includes fan-favourite weapons like the bazooka and machine gun, and even a baseball bat that can be used to deflect incoming rockets (complete with the ‘batter up’ baseball organ tune you might remember). The Holy Hand Grenade makes it in, complete with its gospel choir signature tune. Everything might be more chaotic in Worms Rumble than you’re used to, but the feel of the guns ensures it retains the classic Worms vibe.

MALL WORMS

The mall environment we get to play around in feels large enough to house plenty of skirmishes, and has plenty of sub-areas to dash around in. Worms can wall-jump to reach vertical levels, as well as use ziplines scattered throughout. There are plenty of options for tracking down enemies or avoiding them to scoop up treasure chests. The lack of environmental destruction might seem disarming at first, but with 32 worms all playing at once, the scenery would be reduced to dust in a matter of minutes. Supporting both a deathmatch and battle royale mode, the stage design works well for the type of action happening.

The devs’ goal is to have the game operate as a platform, complete with seasonal events, daily challenges, and other community-led features. You can deck out your worm in funny outfits and make them do dances

(like flossing, which is old hat though the cheeky worms sell us on it). It might seem like Worms trying to chase a trend, and perhaps it is, but with action this quick and enjoyable we’d be lying if we said we wouldn’t rather jump into another rumble than skydive onto another island.

“THE FEEL OF THE GUNS ENSURES IT RETAINS THE CLASSIC WORMS VIBE.”

“ITS POLISHED PRESENTATION GIVES IT A FLAIR REMINISCENT OF SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE 3D ANIMATED MOVIES.”

Worms might be little creepy-crawlies but that doesn’t stop them being fashionable.

Above The 2D perspective and weapons make it feel like classic Worms, if more hectic.

Dialogue is snappy, filled with the turns of phrase you can expect from hip coffee shop patrons.

Above Far from appearing static and posed, scenes in this visual novel are filled with stunning examples of shot composition. It’s a really handsome game.

Above Plenty of diversions await as you explore The Terminal.