Worms have been around for quite some time (approx 10 years now) and whilst the game started out as a simple 2D affair the series has transitioned quite well into 3D. Worms are great for the garden as they churn up the soil, they are also great for winding up girls when you are at school- I think a jail sentence would be order if you tried the same trick as an adult. Either way worms are an unlikely choice for a gaming character yet they have stood the test of time to appear in this latest Worms game: Worms 4 Mayhem.

Gameplay:

Although the game has progressed from its 2D roots the game play has pretty much remained unchanged. The main onus of the game is to simply pit two or more teams of worms against each other in an area and then set them loose on each other as they maim and kill until there is one team left to claim victory. To accomplish this task the worms can either pick up weapons from crates or have a handy assortment of weapons already (depending on which mode you play). The weapons range from shotguns to bazookas fists, grenades, sniper rifles and even flying sheep that can be detonated at the touch of a button.

Upon starting a game in Worms you simply have to wait until it’s your turn, then move your worm into a strategic position and then unleash what ever weapon you choose on your opponent. The maps are fully 3D (some are destructible) and you can get an over head view at any time to plan your attack; however in some game types you will have a timer, which means you need to take your turn before the timer is up otherwise you lose your turn. Each weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses and some work better in certain situations than others; for example the super uppercut will knock an opponent high into the air and push them back. If they are near water then this could result in an instant death (worms die in water). There certainly is a fair amount of variety in the weapons even though their uses are all the same (killing opposing worms).

Worms is full of humour and this is clear from the offset and with a wide variety of characterised worms in (terms of their voices) available including Scotsmen, “scousers”, double agents and many more they do have enough quirks to make you smile. Worms 4 also allows you to create your own team of worms using a number of parts including hats, hair, facial hair, gloves and glasses. There are more to unlock but with the many on offer you can name each worm and create you own team very easily. If you wish you can also create you own team weapon which is a nice inclusion.

Graphics:

The graphics are presented in a cartoon style naturally and although not really very detailed are adequate. I guess the game is not one of those that are for graphics junkies as it does present itself in a very basic manner. Speed is quite slow as is the game play but overall it all works well enough within context. Not its best quality.

Sound:

Sound is another thing that is rather lacking and although offers plenty of humour once you’ve heard the same thing over and over begins to grate. The music is rather dull and non-inspiring and seems to crawl along at the same pace as the slow game play. Yes there are a number of squeaky voices to choose from but at the end of the day the sound is pure comedy for about 5 minutes then simply becomes null and void bar the odd explosion and gunshot followed by dying worm.

Longevity:

Worms 4 has a few modes to keep you happy which include a story mode, quick match mode and then some custom modes followed by the multiplayer element which can be explored over Xbox Live. Due to the slow nature of the turn based game play then I will say that the game is pretty long and could last you a while, however you might actually die of boredom first as the whole thing does get repetitive after extended play. I guess the multiplayer is a little more fun; however there is still a huge amount of waiting around to be done.

Overall:

Worms 4 isn’t a bad game but it isn’t very inspiring either and whilst some of the custom options are welcome it cannot mask the fact that things really do move as fast as worms and that the game play has remained pretty much the same. I found that some of the controls were also rather horrid especially the first person aiming with some weapons but I guess you could over look this if you are a fan of the series. I think that sums it up really; tactical, slow turn based game play that will appeal to the fans only. Any one else I would recommend a rental as this might not be what your after.