It’s been a quarter of a century since Worms Armageddon first graced our screens, and while its chaotic blend of strategy, slapstick violence, and exploding sheep has seen many iterations since, few have held the same nostalgic weight as the 1999 classic. With Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition, Team17 and Digital Eclipse set out to deliver both a celebration and preservation of that legacy – and the result is a package that largely delivers what longtime fans could have hoped for, while making a few key concessions for modern players. And with a recent update, it got even better!
From the outset, it’s clear that this is not a remake, but a carefully constructed tribute. The core game remains faithful to its late-’90s roots, with turn-based action that plays out across fully destructible 2D landscapes. While new players may initially find the deliberate pacing and quirky physics system a bit archaic, there’s a rewarding rhythm to mastering your timing, lining up wind-assisted bazooka shots, and sending enemy worms flying off cliffs with a well-placed Holy Hand Grenade. What the Anniversary Edition brings to the table is a blend of subtle enhancements and generous extras that reaffirm why this particular Worms entry is still considered the franchise’s high point.
Among its most welcome improvements are new display settings tailored for modern consoles, ensuring the game looks sharp without losing its hand-drawn charm. Visuals are crisp, colourful, and completely intact on the PlayStation 5, and while animations retain their low-fi style, they now feel more timeless than dated. Audio-wise, the classic soundbanks – ranging from stiff British accents to absurd sci-fi worm chatter – remain funny, and the addition of over 30 of these voice sets means the game rarely feels repetitive in tone.
Multiplayer remains the beating heart of the experience, and it’s here that Worms Armageddon still thrives. Modes like Handicap and Allied Teams make a welcome return, and the built-in campaign still packs over 40 missions that gradually ramp up in difficulty and absurdity. The recent Backworms Compatible Update adds even more value, bundling in retro (handheld) versions from the SNES, Genesis, and GBA, plus a toggleable cheat code that unlocks all content – a nice nod to longtime fans. These additions make this more than just a port; it’s a curated celebration of the series’ entire 16- and 32-bit era.
One of the more unexpected but surprisingly delightful additions is the interactive museum feature, which offers a timeline of the franchise’s evolution and a mini-documentary about the development of Armageddon. While this won’t be everyone’s reason to pick up the game, it’s a thoughtful inclusion that shows Digital Eclipse’s commitment to game preservation and gives context to Worms’ oddball rise to strategy royalty.
Of course, not everything is perfect. Some of the same quirks that charmed fans in 1999 may test the patience of modern players. The controls, while generally responsive, can still feel a bit clunky during precision-based moves like ninja rope swings or backflips. There’s also a learning curve to the move advanced controls and physics, especially for newcomers used to smoother platforming mechanics. And although the campaign holds up, it doesn’t offer anything new beyond what was available in the original game – it’s more of a lovingly preserved snapshot than a reimagining.
Still, what Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition does best is embrace its roots while gently modernising around the edges. It’s a game that knows exactly what it is – madcap, strategic, and unapologetically silly. Whether you’re diving into the campaign solo, reliving couch battles with old friends, or exploring the extras in the museum mode, there’s a clear reverence for what made Worms such a cultural staple. On PlayStation 5, the whole package feels right at home, even if it carries some of its old wrinkles with it.
For those who remember the glory days of turn-based worm warfare, this is as close to a definitive edition as we’ve had when you consider the latest update with more (free!) content. And for anyone new to the franchise, this Anniversary Edition is a brilliant – if sometimes brutal – place to start.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 