There are certain virtues that a games reviewer must have including; integrity, knowledge and patience. I like to think that I have integrity and my knowledge of computer games is pretty good, but patience – I have none. I’m part of the twitchy generation used to checking Twitter whilst watching TV, cooking dinner and rocking a baby to sleep. Worms' turn based combat was never a series that appealed to me, but Worms Revolution promised to be different.
Alongside the traditional 4 worm vs. 4 worm gameplay of the original and sequels, Revolution provides some unique gameplay. There is a huge increase in the single player aspect of the game as 32 campaign levels are provided that will test even the hardiest of Worms fan. As the levels progress you start facing increasingly hard situations as you are outnumbered and outgunned, only true veterans of the series need apply. 2 to 1 odds become the norm, as does a reduction is weaponry.
As someone whose patientience is about the level of a 5 year old high on sherbet, I found the single campaign laboured at best, boring at worst. Like a timed game of Chess, you must wait for your opponent to think what to do and the AI is not as fast as I would like. A more relaxed player will ease into the situation and gain a lot from the game, but I was left twiddling my thumbs. There are new weapons on offer, but the biggest differences revolve around the physic based puzzles; water can now play a huge role as drowning the opposition is a good tactic.
Graphically, the game has never looked better with plenty going on in the background to keep you entertained as you await your turn. There is also a level of strategy added with the worms themselves as different classes have differing strengths and weaknesses. There is certainly an increased level of depth than in previous iterations of the game.
Help me find the co-op!
As always Co-Optimus likes to check out the single player component of every game, but it is the co-op that is the meat and potatoes of our interest. Surely a co-operative Worms would be a riot? Only if you include people getting so bored and angry that they start a fight. Firstly, despite what the information says Worms Revolution barely scrapes being called co-op. There is no playing the campaign as a team, nor going online to fight the good fight with friends, instead you have to play locally versus computer AI. The 2 player Skirmish Mode mentioned in our preview may be hidden somewhere in the depths of the game, but I for one cannot find it and I've tried on more than one occasion. If anyone finds it feel free to drop a comment and I will have a look myself!
Setting up a local co-op match is not straight forward and suggests that it was never a core function in Team 17’s eyes. You have to create a game, then either log in on separate pads and accounts, or create clone accounts of player 1 and share the pad between teams. The whole thing is a mess and you end up playing 3 teams versus 1 AI team in a one off deathmatch game, not the full campaign we would have liked. Personally, I think you would be better off playing the old fashioned fake co-op I used to with the older versions of the game; name each worm after one of the players and swap the pad around when it is their turn – simple to understand and available across all versions of Worms.
When you actually set up the game there is the issue of waiting around. A co-op player receives a turn, then the AI, then another player, then the AI again. This means that you can be waiting up to 6 turns before you get to play again. With you mates umming and ahhing and the AI being pretty slow, it can be minutes before you touch the pad again – not indicative for entertainment imo.
Worms Revolution is one of those rare beasts that I think are better played as a versus game. The mechanics are as solid as ever, the weapons are improved and the graphics are crisp. There is also a plethora of annoying/funny British accents on offer as the Worms are despatched. Creating a versus game and going online is where Worms Revolution shines. If you really want to play co-operative do as I suggested and create a fake co-op game, each of you pick a worm and play as them. However, I think the pacing of the game will struggle to entertain you and your house guests. Therefore, better to stick to the solid single player campaign and great versus.
Editor's Note: The Co-Optimus Co-Op review of Worms Revolution was based on the Xbox 360 version of the game.