Worms Revolution, developed and published by Team17, is a bold attempt to modernize the classic Worms formula while retaining the franchise’s beloved turn-based chaos and slapstick charm. Released in 2012, it introduces several significant changes to the traditional 2D artillery gameplay, including a new physics engine, dynamic water mechanics, and class-based worm customization. While it retains the core elements that long-time fans appreciate—strategic weapon usage, destructible terrain, and the series’ trademark humor—it also ventures into new territory that both invigorates and, at times, slightly complicates the experience.
At its heart, Worms Revolution remains a game about outmaneuvering opponents in a turn-based arena filled with hazards, creative weapons, and plenty of room for mayhem. Players control a team of worms, each taking turns to move across a destructible 2.5D landscape and launch an attack using a variety of weapons, from the iconic bazooka and banana bomb to newer additions like the water pistol and teleport gun. The inclusion of real-time physics, particularly involving water and floating objects, changes the tactical landscape. Pools of water can be manipulated to drown enemies or reposition objects, adding a layer of environmental strategy that wasn't present in earlier entries.
The game’s most notable innovation is its class system. Instead of identical worms, Worms Revolution introduces four classes: Soldier, Scout, Scientist, and Heavy. Each has unique traits that can significantly alter tactics. Soldiers are balanced and reliable; Scouts are fast and agile but deal less damage; Scientists provide passive team-wide healing and construct stronger utility items; and Heavies are slow-moving tanks with high damage output. This system adds welcome depth, encouraging players to think more carefully about team composition and how best to use each worm’s strengths. It’s a smart evolution of the franchise, though it does make the learning curve steeper for newcomers.
Another major addition is the use of physics objects within the levels. These can include water bottles, gas canisters, or mines that interact dynamically with the environment when triggered. For example, breaking a water bottle can release a small flood, potentially washing worms off ledges or into hazards. These interactive elements contribute to more emergent gameplay scenarios, making matches feel less scripted and more unpredictable. However, this unpredictability can occasionally be frustrating, especially when outcomes hinge on physics behavior that’s difficult to precisely control or predict.
Visually, Worms Revolution makes a significant jump over its predecessors by using a 3D engine rendered on a 2D plane. The environments are more vibrant and detailed, with dynamic lighting and layered backgrounds that breathe life into the world without disrupting the clarity of gameplay. Worms are now fully animated in 3D, with expressive faces and smoother motion, though some fans may prefer the crisper simplicity of classic 2D sprites. The interface is clean and mostly intuitive, though at times the added graphical polish can obscure certain terrain details or weapon impacts, which might slightly hinder tactical awareness in heated moments.
Audio design is another high point, with weapon sounds, explosions, and environmental effects all sounding satisfying and impactful. Worms still shout their silly one-liners in various accents, keeping the tone lighthearted and comedic. The game also introduces a narrator—voiced by British comedian Matt Berry—who adds dry humor and commentary during campaign missions. While some may find the narration repetitive over time, it contributes a quirky, surreal atmosphere that fits the franchise’s established identity.
The single-player campaign offers a decent variety of levels and challenges, though it largely serves as a tutorial for the broader mechanics. Puzzle missions, which require players to solve movement and weapon-use challenges under specific conditions, are a nice touch and help reinforce some of the new mechanics. However, Worms has always thrived in multiplayer, and Worms Revolution is no different. Local and online multiplayer modes allow up to four players to battle it out, and the combination of new mechanics, dynamic water, and class diversity keeps matches fresh and unpredictable.
That said, the game does have its flaws. The physics, while inventive, can be inconsistent. Sometimes objects or water behave in ways that don’t align with player expectations, leading to unintentional outcomes that can feel unfair. Additionally, the AI in single-player can be erratic—at times unreasonably accurate and at other times laughably ineffective. These inconsistencies can detract from the otherwise well-balanced gameplay. Furthermore, while the class system adds depth, it also introduces complexity that might alienate some casual players who preferred the more streamlined battles of previous entries.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Worms Revolution is a worthy addition to the Worms franchise. It takes creative risks with its new mechanics, some of which significantly enhance the strategic possibilities of the game. The class system, dynamic water, and environmental interactions push the series forward without abandoning its chaotic, tactical roots. For veterans of the series, it’s a fresh and entertaining twist on familiar territory. For newcomers, it offers a robust and engaging introduction to one of the most enduring and offbeat strategy series in gaming. Worms Revolution proves that even after decades, turn-based worm warfare can still evolve—and remain explosively fun.
Rating: 8/10
