Occasionally here at Player2.net.au we will play something that deserves your attention but probably doesn’t need a full review written for it. Be it DLC for the latest AAA title, a little indie game or even an Android/iOS title. We play these titles for a blockbusting amount of time (2 – 5 hours) and report back to you the reader on what we found. So grab your popcorn and settle in for the latest episode of Blockbuster Gaming.
Blockbuster Gaming – Worms 4
iOS
Ahh those loveable Worms. Their long running franchise of turn based warfare has kept gamers entertained for decades. Crazy weapons, simple controls and deep strategy has been the hallmark of the series. There has been versions of Worms on just about every system known to man and there has even been multiple spin off games. This brings us to Worms 4, the second entry to hit mobile systems. The big question is does it live up to the legacy of the series or has the transition to iOS caused unforeseen problems?
The biggest worry with any of these transitions is can the controls transfer to a touch screen without compromising the game? Luckily in this case that have made the jump nicely. Everything is easily handled via the touch screen with all the different mechanics available using logical inputs. Granted things are much easier on an iPad’s bigger screen (especially for those with big hands) but it is quite playable on a smaller iPhone. It is a credit to the developers as to how well they have adapted the game to the touch screen.
Gameplay is the classic Worms that players everywhere have loved for years. Taking teams of 2-4 worms and doing battle using crazy weapons (The concrete donkey is always my favorite) on deformable terrain. All the old tricks work, all the same tactics are there so if it is something new you are looking for then this isn’t the game for you. Where some innovation has occurred is in the single player modes which has taken the single player puzzle segments from past games and shrunk them down in size to suit gaming on the go. Each puzzle can be completed in a couple of minutes which means they are perfect for catching the bus or sitting on the loo.
Perhaps the biggest draw card for any Worms title is multiplayer and unfortunately that is Worms 4’s weakest component. Playing on the one device works just fine but when it comes to online play things are a bit worrisome. There is a huge lack of players at the moment making finding a game almost impossible. The introduction of some asynchronous modes would fix this issue in a flash but sadly there are none to be found. Hopefully this gets patched in at a later date because without it there is every chance the player base could dwindle quickly.
Worms 4 is, at its core, just more Worms. That however is not a bad thing considering the series has basically run with the same formula for its entire lifespan. What is important to note is that Worms 4 is a good Worms game that works well on a mobile device. This means that fans looking for some holy hand grenade action on the go will be well served with what the game offers. Worms 4 is colourful strategic fun and perfect for some explosive escapades on the run. 
Matt Hewson
