Worms: Open Warfare (DS)

This portable strategy game doesn't mess with the Worms formula, but that's just fine with us.
1/31/2008 12:00 AM | 0 Comments | Page 2 of 2

As if this wasn't enough worm-killing for you, Open Warfare 2 offers wireless game modes over the Nintendo DS Wi-Fi Connection for up to four players, including cooperative or competitive play (called Friends and Rivals), Random Match, or a Ranked Match where you get to play against the best Worms players in the world. (A leaderboard is available at www.wormsopenwarefare2.com).

And in the words of celebrated TV infomercial guru Ron Popeil, 'But wait -- there's more!' Worms: Open Warfare 2 also features many customization options for virtually limitless gameplay. As in other Worms games, this includes the ability to create your own levels (via the intuitive Landscape Editor); change your team's name, sounds and language (in the Manage Teams area); change the rules of play (under Manage Schemes); and you can even design your own team's flag with the -- yep, you guessed it -- Flag Editor. While fun, challenging and satisfying, with many solo and multiplayer game modes and customization options, the game isn't perfect. For one, it can be difficult at times to get a good sense of the environment in which you're fighting, as it is spread out on two screens (or you can choose to have the top screen as a color-coded map of the entire landscape). At times you'll need to physically move the camera with the directional keypad (by pressing up or down) or using the stylus because the game's camera isn't in the right spot to, say, gauge your trajectory for a range weapon.

The second shortcoming will only miff fans of the Worms series who were expecting more: Despite the stylus pen and touch-screen interface, this game is nearly identical to every other Worms game out there (and there are many). But to those sticklers who don't want the U.K.'s Team17 to mess with the formula, they'll love this portable dual-screen adaptation of the beloved turn-based strategy game.

This review was based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.