Worms Battlegrounds (2014)

Worms Battlegrounds brings the chaotic Worms multiplayer experience to the new consoles for the first time in a solid package. I still think Team17 needs to add everything missing from the classic 2D games, but shows promise with the integration of the online clans.

The core gameplay may even leave you feeling a little nostalgic. Team 17 took a simple idea, blowing up enemy worms named after your mates with an arsenal of ridiculous weaponry, and turned it into one of the most iconic and fun memories in gaming. But that was 1995 and here we are in 2014 realising that not much has changed in nearly two decades. That goes for the series' flaws as well, turning what should be the retro fun of Worms Battlegrounds into another peculiar case of history repeating.

I'll always play a 'Worms' game, as will many other fans, but 'Worms Battlegrounds' has found new and exciting ways to test that resolve. Graphically underwhelming, lazily constructed single-player, menus and online components and a general lack of enthusiastic will on behalf of the team create a haphazard experience, lows and highs often tumultuous in their transition. It might be ugly, but so is wormy warfare. I'm often happy to take the risk, but the real sin is sometimes I'll simply opt for another game, even when teleport guns and water-fuelled jetpacks could light my child mind's fancy. That's not the 'Worms' of old.

Worms Battlegrounds won’t rewrite the rulebook and some Worms fans may feel a little disappointed with the lack of the next-gen leap but for the hardcore Worms supporters out there, Worms Battlegrounds is the perfect remedy for the lack of carnage blues.

The Worms are back. And they're armed and dangerous… with moustaches and hats!