Worms Ultimate Mayhem (XBLA): "Humorous Turn Based Worm Combat"

Whenever I request a game for review I usually have a good idea what it's about. This time around I found myself in new territory not knowing much about the Worms games. I knew that Worms had been around for a good while, and I even remember seeing a version of it released on the PSN when I had my PS3. I always thought it looked like an interesting game series, so I decided to seek out this latest version for review. I have to say that I've been quite fortunate as a new game reviewer with the support that developers have given me. I was quite excited to hear that 'Team17 Software Ltd.' was willing to not only give me a chance to review their new game, but also to allow me to do an interview with them. It has been a new experience for me, and I hope to do more interviews with my upcoming reviews if my readers like this one. Without further hesitation I present to you my review of Team17's 'Worms Ultimate Mayhem' ...

Worms Ultimate Mayhem is a compilation of sorts. It combines both 'Worms 4: Mayhem', and 'Worms 3D'. Team17 has not only put these games together, but they also enhanced the game in different ways. One noticeable upgrade is the graphics. The water effects, and overall rendering has been changed for the better and even polished up a bit. I actually read comments on the youtube videos about people complaining that the graphics were the same as they have always been, but I promise you that they definitely look next gen. The second thing they improved on was the camera angles, and they even added a binoculars view for better observations during the game. This newest installation of the Worms series also features more content, and levels than it's early predecessors. The customization in this game is amazingly detailed. You can fix up your worms the way you see fit (Team Name, Appearance, Voice ...), as well as the the weapons they carry. There is even a gameplay type customization that allows you to tweak in-game options down to the finest details. This is definitely one game package that offers more bang for your buck.

When any gamer starts up 'Worms Ultimate Mayhem' they will be given the option to go through a very detailed, and interactive tutorial. The narrator of the game rightfully assures the gamer that even if they have not played a worms game they can easily pick up on the gameplay during the tutorial, or even in the pause menu during actual gameplay. This was definitely a very welcoming feature for me since I am a newbie at Worms. I followed the entire tutorial, and found that learning the controls of the game was easier than I had thought it would be. By the end of it I was definitely ready to take on the story, and campaign modes. If you've watched the trailers of this game, and are a bit intimidated by it, don't be, it's a simple game to pick up on.

Worms Ultimate Mayhem has a lot of content to it. Aside form the detailed cusomization menus/options you also have quite a few modes of gameplay. If you want to play locally the game offers tutorial levels, a story mode, a campaign mode, and a set of challenges that you can complete if you feel up to the task. The tutorial levels are played out in a similar manner as the core gameplay where two teams of worms take turns moving, and attacking each other. The campaign is slightly different in that it takes place in various scenarios (WWII, A Carrot Garden ...) without involving the the professor worm (I forgot his name ^.^). The challenge mode features timed challenges that require the use of various weapons, and tools in a timed situation. There is definitely plenty to do in the local mode, and you could spend several hours completing it all. If you want to play online, 'Worms Ultimate Mayhem' also offers an Xbox Live mode where you can play against other gamers all over the world. Any way you choose to play there's definitely a lot that you can do.

Gameplay in 'Worms Ultimate Mayhem' can seem a bit complicated, but I'll try to simplify the explanation as best as I can. For the most part the game features your team of worms against another team of AI/Human controlled worms depending on if you are playing locally, or online. Each worm on your team will sport the appearance that you have chosen in the customization menu, or you can use a an already outfitted team to play as. Your team of worms will take turns about moving, and attacking the other team with weapons (Bazooka, Grenades, TNT ...), and tools (Grappling Hook, Jet Pack, Parachute ...) in an attempt to annihilate the opposition. Victory is achieved in different ways according to the mode of play you choose, but for the most part it requires you killing the other team's worms. In story mode the objectives vary, and sometimes have you destroying things as well as gathering items. The game features an item menu that allows you to access the weapons/tools easily during each of your turns. You are timed during each turn/phase you take so choosing wisely, and quickly is a necessity. Learning to utilize the weapons, and tools is the key to a successful match no matter which mode of play you choose.

There are plenty of things to unlock in 'Worms Ultimate Mayhem'. You can find 5 hidden easter eggs (triggered secrets) as you play through story mode. Playing through the story, and campaign mode will also yield some nice rewards. You can earn money for the item shop by playing the various modes in the game as well. I found several different references to movies as I played through 'Worm's Ultimate Mayhem', and they were very noticeable. The humor in 'Worms Ultimate Mayhem' is pretty much nonstop, and will offer a good chuckle from time to time. It's definitely a delightful game that is not only fun for younger audiences, but grown gamers as well.

In the end I found 'Worms Ultimate Mayhem' to be a solid title. It had lots to offer in both online, and offline modes. I could spend hours upon hour playing this game, and never grow tired of it. I even have some friends about my age who love the worms series, and can attest to the game's fun nature. I found that there was really nothing wrong with this game except for the occasional bad camera angles. I could look past that though, because what this game offers as a whole is greater than it's flaws. I definitely think this is one game that's worth purchasing. It offers a lot more than most of the XBLA games out there, and is a great party game as well.