| The 1990s phenomenon that was Worms brought a breath of fresh air into PC gaming when it demonstrated how the best games are often the simplest. Since then, the Team17 franchise has seen a respectable number of sequels and spin-offs, but the UK developer's latest venture, Worms Forts, is the first to prove significantly different to others in the series.Where the previous Worms outings were all trouble-free strategy games, Worms Forts adds a new factor to the proceedings that radically alters the way the player thinks and plays in the Worms universe. This can be found in the form of buildings.Where previous Worms games pitted players in open, free-for-all environments, Worms Forts gives the little fellas a home base, and indeed a means to defend themselves against computer-controlled or human competition. The fort is your home - lose this and you lose the game. However, time, effort and skill can help balance the odds if you build, expand and strengthen your base and add new units such as hospitals. Towers can become castles, which in turn can become citadels. It's a welcome addition that adds some much-needed variety to the decade-old series.Battles, however, are much like they were in Worms 3D. Playing as a team of worms, players are permitted to choose from a broad arsenal of humorous weapons - only one of which can be fired per turn - that must be used to eliminate the competition and take down neighbouring forts. Players must make their move against the clock before play automatically switches to the opposition, and if you've fired a particularly potent device, you'll be given a few seconds to scarper, just in case.Some of the series' most infamous and hilarious weapons make a welcome return, as does a sizeable collection of newly introduced instruments of war. In addition, hook shots and jet packs can be used to negotiate some tough terrain.Is Worms Forts the best in the series' That's debatable, but because of its 3D nature and new strategic elements, it's a whole new breed with respect to the original 2D games. It is, however, great fun, and that's all that really matters. |
