Game analysis # 8

Worms

Worms is a turn based 2d war game and was first released in 1995. The idea is to destroy the opponents team of commando worms with a huge arsenal of usually projectile weapons in a destructible environment. With a cartoon look to the characters and the level design it was a fun new way to play what was effectively a war strategy game.

The game would randomly generate levels, using several basic designs as a basis to work from. Either open aired or closed environments were used and depending on which one is selected would alter the way the game was played, restricting certain weapons or manoeuvres. The player has dozens of weapons to choose from, ranging from the familiar shotgun and pistol to the less familiar concrete donkey. There is also the option of creating your own team of worms, making things more fun when playing against a friend. The game is won when all the opposing team is dead, either from the health reaching zero or from the worms falling in the water at the bottom of the map.

In my opinion the game was best played with a friend as the AI was questionable at times plus it was always good to kill your opponents favourite worm or air strike the whole team in one move. There is a set time limit when taking turns which injects a sense of urgency into the game and its always funny to watch someone try to set the perfect shot up before the time runs out. The ease of the controls and the relatively short games meant it was a perfect game to pick up and play whenever you have a spare 10 mins and the colourful design and look of the game made it the perfect game for a bit of quick fun, as it didn’t take its self too seriously.