Worms Armageddon Anniversary Edition (PS5) | REVIEW | Artillery Antics Return With An Update!!!

Team17 brings to us a recently updated version of the classic Worms Armageddon for modern consoles. This port of the 1999 artillery experience comes with the original gameplay elements intact alongside newer features that further flesh out the history of the franchise. Along with the single player, local couch co-op, and online multiplayer options Worms Armageddon Anniversary Edition triples if not quadriples down on the content with four bonus games from the retro era, and a War Stories historical documentary featuring videos, interviews, and informational facts about this 90's to 2000's franchise.

Known for it's tongue-in-cheek humor, comedic characters, and wacky weaponry Worms and Worms Armageddon bring to the player a deathmatch experience of the artillery kind. It's all about trajectory and making the most of your turns in Worms warfare scenarios as your party members use their one action and limited movement to dish out death and damage to the enemy team's teammates before said team gets to return the favor. Both teams each placed on themed maps with vantage and disadvantage points that are randomly generated forcing the players to guide their Worms armies to battle as they utilize limited use traversal, projectile, melee, and special weapons. All to the tune of a timer, and specific amount of rounds decided upon beforehand. 

With Worms Armageddon, in particular, you not only gain access to three different multiplayer options including an AI focused single player, but three different modes of play as well. You can complete basic training which will teach you the mechanics and help you hone your skills as well as take on map specific missions with multiple stages each that open up after you've placed high enough in training. There's those two modes, and the traditional deathmatch with all the customization trimmings a Worms fan could ask for. From different time limits, to expanded gameplay rules, and even specified item inclusion you can custom tailor each match to your liking. You can even name your team, and it's Worms, adding things like unique tombstone markers and preferred language settings. Even the comedic fanfare option for those hilarious voice-over lines is included in the mix.

Outside of Worms Armageddon you can catch up on Worms history through the timeline guided War Stories. A feature that includes hands-on interviews with the developers and creators. Taking you on a trip from the early days of Worms on the Amiga to the later console ports. This comes in video format, and informational facts displayed within Worms' historical timeline. 

In addition to all the above Team17 recently released a free "Backworms Compatible" update that added 4 bonus games to the anniversary edition. This includes the original Worms on Mega Drive, Worms on SNES, Worms Armageddon on GBC, and Worms World Party on GBA. With these retro ports comes additional display settings including borders, and filters meant to mimic the retro experience. It's a proper trip down memory lane though these ports are local couch co-op only, and do not have the AI or online multiplayer matchmaking that Armageddon has.

The Verdict ...

For the price and the packaged content this Worms re-release is the ultimate deal for Worms enthusiasts. It's not only got one of the franchise's best entries, but also historical content in the form of four older game releases, and the War Stories interactive timeline that is filled to the brim with insightful videos you won't find elsewhere. Returning to Worms I was taken once again back down memory lane enjoying every moment of it, from the comedy to the carnage! It is a fun filled trip even for those who prefer the old local gameplay option. Even newcomers may even fall in love for the first time with this franchise borne out of the boomer age!!!