The Worms series is one of the longest-running multiplayer franchises in video game history. With multiple titles spanning across PC and at least one console from Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, millions of players have taken out their aggression with a custom team of battle-hardened non-arthropod invertebrate. Xbox One and PS4 owners are about to get their turn at the classic franchise, as Worms Battlegrounds will launch in just a few weeks.
The original Worms debuted almost 20 years ago as a PC-exclusive turn-based strategy game. Each player would take a customized team of worms into battle, and engage in turn-based warfare. Apart from each player having more than one unit on a fully-destructible environment, Worms distanced itself from other turn-based combat games with its massive arsenal of available weapons, and the ability to customize each individual unit. Each individual worm could be given its own voice, personality, and in some games, a unique tombstone upon death. Notable titles in the series include Worms 2 (1997), Worms: Armageddon (1999) and Worms Blast (2002).
In 2003, Team17 and Acclaim Entertainment released Worms 3D for the GameCube, PS2, Xbox, PC and Mac. Not only was this the first title in the series to feature full 3D environments and character models, but it would also set the graphical stage for future games in the series. Since the release of Worms 2, all following titles in the series have featured 3D models, though most games have been set on a 2D plane (i.e. 2.5D).
On June 3 (May 30 in the UK), Team17’s classic franchise will make its next-gen debut as a digital title for both Xbox One and PS4. Worms Battlegrounds will be a digital-only title, featuring several new additions to the series. A staple of the series, Battlegrounds features a level editor for creating custom multiplayer environments. The newest game in the franchise features 65 weapons, along with 10 that are brand new to the series. A single-player campaign will be available, featuring 25 missions, along with extra time-attack “Worm-Ops” missions. Friends can compete in both online and local multiplayer matches with up to four players, over the course of several modes. Players can also create personal clans, or join one started by a friend. By competing with clans, players can earn “community points” to further customize their clan.
The Worms franchise has over 20 titles spanning across several different consoles, and will be celebrating its 20th anniversary next year.
