Worms WMD (Switch) Review - Distinctive style of Worms and fast action fits perfectly

lyra.roberge (56)in #gaming • 7 years ago (edited)

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In the wake of many other digital hit titles, Worms WMD has crept to the Nintendo Switch; the first portable version in the series since Open Warfare 2 in 2007. WMD appeared last August and had the series return to its roots as it also introduced new vehicles, a hand-drawn style and a brand new 'crafting' system, but how does the game play on the Switch?

A big draw for this specific 'port' of WMD is the addition of timed exclusive content. This content consists of a brand new space theme, the new Forts mode and a few extra customization options to style your worms in style. It also includes the All-Stars Pack, which includes guest roles from games like Yooka-Laylee, Rocket League, Goat Simulator and The Escapist. Although it is nothing groundbreaking and can not match the temporarily exclusive content such as games such as Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove, it is a pleasant incentive for players who have not played the game yet. However, we had hoped that Team17 had entered into a partnership with Nintendo, just like Psyonix withRocket League did, and added content from popular franchises such as Mario, Zelda and Pokémon.

Worms WMD 's lively turn-based action lends itself amazingly well to the portable nature of the Switch. With fights averaging 20 minutes on average, the title is the perfect companion for your daily journey with fast and addictive bloodbaths. The title contains a decent number of modes to get started. In addition to multiplayer jars, which you can play both locally and offline, there is a training mode and a narrative 'campaign' that contains extra goals to increase the replay value. You can also find Wanted Posters in levels that unlock assignments, where you have to disable certain worms - so there is more than enough to keep you busy during long trips home.

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Multiplayer has always been a feature of the Worms series and the options here are more diverse than ever before. Players can each use a separate Joy-Con, pass a controller or use multiple Pro Controllers. However, using some Joy-Con controllers feels pretty tight, especially with selecting weapons, moving and controlling the camera in such a small space. Younger players will be less affected by this. Another problem when playing in Tablet mode is that it can be difficult to see the 'map' when you zoom out completely, which you often need to do to find where the worms of your opponent are hiding.

The Switch may not be a graphic competitor to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, but the platform has the necessary solid ports last year. Worms WMD is one of them. In Docked mode, the title runs at a smooth 60 FPS and the hand-drawn visuals look sharper than ever. In Handheld mode, however, this is not all equally impressive, but it still looks good and runs smoothly. As far as the visuals are concerned, we are impressed by the direction Team17 has taken with WMD. Everything just looks much more stylish and fits the early classics of the series and gets away from the rickety 3D 'look' of Battlegrounds from 2014.

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Ultimately, versatility is the biggest selling point for this version of the game; Although Worms is not the most demanding game from a technical point of view, having an almost equivalent experience - both at home and on the road - is pretty impressive. It is a game that has long entertained groups of friends with passing on a controller and being able to do this on the go is definitely a huge attraction. The Switch allows everyone to play with a Joy-Con directly. There is nothing like the strange hilarious moments where you blow up a lot in the heat of the battle with a missile sheep or a holy grenade.

Worms on the Switch may not justify repurchase if you've played the title, but it certainly proves to be ideal for anyone who missed the game. It has a huge variety of options for local multiplayer and includes timed exclusive content that, while not changing the game, is a nice addition. The lack of exclusive Nintendo content feels like a missed opportunity and there are some downsides when you play the game in Handheld Mode, but Worms WMD remains hugely entertaining, even better thanks to the portability of the Switch.

➕ The Switch version offers more diverse multiplayer options; the title runs excellent and looks great in both modes; distinctive style of Worms and fast action fits perfectly with handheld games.

➖ Visibility is poor when zooming out in Tablet mode; steering feels tight with a single Joy-Con; too little new content.