Worms Armageddon

"The Brittish really know good video games"

Worms Armegeddon is the the best installment in the Worms series, a series that in Great Britain is like the equivelent of Zelda here in the U.S. It's Gameplay is unique, funny, and addictive. Basically, it's a strategy game in which you control a team of cel-shaded Worms that blow the stuffing out of other cel-shaded Worms. If you buy no other game for the Nintendo 64, buy Worms: Armageddon.

Graphics: 8/10
While the Cel animation does look pretty cool, it doesn't take the N64 to it's maximum power. But everything is pretty creatively designed and there are no slowdowns during the intense action.

Sound: 10/10
Though the defaut volume on the music is rather low, the unique soundtrack is perfect for the battles. It's hard to describe, but kind of like the music that plays in the underground levels in Super Mario World for the SNES. It sets the mood perfectly, I don't know how they did it.
Oh, but wait! I haven't told you about the sound effects. Those Worms say some hilarious thing in battle, weather it be laughing at somebody who misses a shot or yelling at a fellow teammate for his friendly fire. The sound effects for the weapons are somewhat cartoonish but still funny.

Gameplay: 10/10
Ahh, now here is the part of the game that gives it it's charm. I wish I could give a score higher than 10 for this one. It's simply the best and most unique style of gameplay you'll ever see in any strategy game. You must use a combination of strenth of your weapons and strategy to outwit your opponents. The odds grow against you more and more as your rank is incrased, but so does your arsenal, and the massive gallery of weapons is really cool. The learning curve is somewhat difficult without somebody instructing you, but still it becomes a blast when you get the hang of it. There's no other N64 game that works better for parties except maybe Super Smash Brothers and Goldeneye. Trust me, it's the best aspect of the game, and as addictive as cigarettes.

Controls: 9/10
You'd think the game was designed for the N64. The control scheme is simple: R to select your weapon, C up, down, right, left, etc. to look around the place, the control stick to move, A to jump, B twice to backflip, and Z to fire. The only drawback is that the Ninja Rope, the Jet Pack, and the Super Sheep take a little getting used to.

Buy or Rent: If you can't find $60.00, rent the game, especially if you are planning some kind of sleepover party. You'll simply forget about any other activities once you pick up this game. Otherwise, buy the game. It's worth it, and it has a huge replay value, i still don't know where the game ends. It's simply one of the best, and most underrated, strategy games ever.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 02/28/02, Updated 02/28/02