Worms W.M.D
Overview -
Over the past couple years, Team17 has become a publisher to watch as they've put out several great digital titles. Before that, the UK studio was mostly known as "the 'Worms' developer" as Team17 has been creating new entries in their turn-based combat series since it began in 1995. 'Worms' has practically been a yearly staple, not unlike 'Madden' or 'Call of Duty.' After finally taking a year off (it's first since 2000), the studio is back with 'Worms W.M.D,' a new entry in the series that aspires to teach an old dog new tricks by adding in several new mechanics.
Video Review
Recent 'Worms' titles have featured 3D graphics. Most of the games looked fine, but some of the charm was lost as they came across a bit simplistic and simple looking. That isn't the case in 'W.M.D' as Team17 has gone with a hand-drawn 2D look that is gorgeous to look at. Everything from the characters to the backgrounds are detailed, and are brimming with personality. 'Worms' is back to feeling alive, and it impacts the entire game positively.
Audio Review
'Worms' looks and plays like a wacky Saturday morning cartoon, so it's only fitting that it sounds like one too. Every powerful explosion has a light-hearted feel to it, and I've never heard gunfire that sounded so playful. The voice acting is just as ridiculous as previous entries, as there are well over a dozen different voices you can choose ranging from rappers to an English police officer. Everything in 'W.M.D' sounds appropriately ridiculous.
Final Thoughts
'Worms W.M.D' offers up some of the best multiplayer fun available on PlayStation 4. It's dumb in all of the best ways, from its ridiculous voice acting to the farting grandmother that I often used (unsuccessfully) as a weapon. There are a few rough edges, such as the platforming, but whenever I would die due to an unfortunately timed jump I always ended up laughing. If Team17 have accomplished anything, it's that they have made a game that always leaves me chuckling with a grin on my face even when I was dealt a raw hand.
