Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Full Wormage is a generous compilation that brings together three distinct experiences under one roof. At its core, Worms United delivers the classic turn-based artillery action that fans have loved for decades. You’ll guide squads of mischievous worms across destructible landscapes, selecting from an arsenal that ranges from bazookas and grenades to the infamous Holy Hand Grenade. The physics-driven cannon shots and chain-reaction chaos ensure that no two battles ever feel the same.

Worms 2 builds upon that foundation with refined controls, improved AI opponents, and a host of new weapons and utilities. Here, timing and strategy take on even more importance as you navigate tighter maps and race the clock in single-player missions. The inclusion of strategic items like teleporters, jetpacks, and ninja ropes amplifies the tactical depth, rewarding clever placement and surprise maneuvers. Multiplayer matches remain the heart of the experience, offering endless replay value whether you’re duking it out against human friends or stubborn computer foes.

Adding a contrasting flavor to the chaotic worm wars is Addiction Pinball, an arcade-style pinball simulator featuring two exquisitely designed tables. While it may seem like a departure from artillery combat, pinball provides a soothing yet addictive break between worm skirmishes. Both tables come with themed objectives, skill ramps, and realistic ball physics that will keep you flicking the flipper buttons for hours. Together, these three games cover everything from tactical, turn-based blowouts to fast-paced reflex tests, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.

Graphics

Graphically, The Full Wormage stays true to its early-’90s roots while bringing a refreshed palette to modern screens. Worms United and Worms 2 employ a charming 2D cartoon style, with vibrant backgrounds ranging from tropical islands to industrial complexes. Animations are punchy and expressive—worms react hilariously when hit, and environmental destruction unfolds in satisfying, pixelated flourishes. Despite the age of the source material, the visuals hold up remarkably well thanks to smooth frame rates and careful color balancing.

Textures and effects in Worms 2 show a marked improvement over the original Worms engine. Explosions, water animations, and weapon trails appear more polished, adding visual clarity to the mayhem. Even on larger monitors, the sprites remain crisp, and the UI elements—such as health bars and weapon icons—are easy to read. The compilation also features optional scaling filters, letting purists toggle between a retro CRT look or a cleaner, pixel-perfect display.

Addiction Pinball brings its own graphical flair, showcasing two distinct tables with bold art and dynamic lighting. Each table’s surface is richly detailed with thematic decals, bumpers, and ramps that react fluidly as the silver ball ricochets around. Score displays and bonus indicators pop up with satisfying animations, reinforcing your sense of progression. Although the pinball graphics are simpler than the Worms titles, they’re thoughtfully designed and perfectly in tune with the arcade atmosphere.

Story

Perhaps unsurprisingly, The Full Wormage doesn’t rely on a deep narrative arc; instead, it embraces the whimsical premise of battling earthworms armed to the teeth. Each Worms installment peppers in tongue-in-cheek commentary, naming conventions, and death cries that lend personality to your tiny warriors. The “story,” if you can call it that, unfolds through the carnage you create—epic last-worm-standing victories speak louder than any scripted plot.

Worms United and Worms 2 present single-player campaigns structured around sequential objectives and time-limited challenges. While these modes don’t weave a traditional storyline, they act as a sandbox for you to hone your tactics, unlock new weapons, and experience escalating difficulty. The lighthearted tone and absurd scenarios—like detonating sheep or attaching exploding bananas—sustain the game’s comedic identity from start to finish.

Addiction Pinball takes a different approach by forgoing narrative altogether in favor of table-specific missions and high-score pursuits. Each table hints at its own backstory—haunted carnival or underwater adventure—but these are background flourishes rather than driving forces. Instead, the game invites you to craft your own pinball tale through multiball runs, skillful combos, and leaderboard conquests. Together, these titles celebrate gameplay first, story second, ensuring you remain focused on fun.

Overall Experience

The Full Wormage stands out as a versatile and nostalgic package that caters to both long-time Worms aficionados and newcomers seeking a hearty dose of multiplayer mayhem. Its diverse lineup means you can dive into strategic artillery duels one moment and unwind with a few rounds of retro pinball the next. The compilation’s smooth performance and user-friendly menus make switching between games seamless, so you’re always just a click away from your next fix.

From a value perspective, bundling classics like Worms United (with its two progenitor titles), Worms 2, and Addiction Pinball offers tremendous bang for your buck. The longevity is impressive—multiplayer matches alone can extend indefinitely as friends trade insults and out-wit each other. Meanwhile, solo players will appreciate the single-player challenges, custom map editors, and the surprising replayability of pinball objectives.

Whether you’re chasing high scores or orchestrating explosive worm carnivals, The Full Wormage delivers a robust and varied experience. Its nostalgic charm is matched by practical refinements, making this compilation feel both authentic and accessible. For anyone curious about turn-based tactics or simply looking to relive an era of joyful gaming chaos, this collection is a wholehearted recommendation.

Retro Replay Score

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