Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Worms United shines as a quintessential turn-based artillery experience, combining strategy, timing, and a healthy dose of chaos. Each team of cartoonish worms takes turns selecting from an arsenal that ranges from straightforward bazookas to outlandish Holy Hand Grenades. The core mechanics of trajectory calculation and wind consideration remain as engaging today as they were at the franchise’s inception. Veteran players will appreciate the tight, responsive controls while newcomers will find the learning curve approachable yet rewarding.

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The Reinforcements add-on expands on the original Worms base game by introducing new single-player missions, additional weapon types, and fresh landscapes to battle over. This compilation doesn’t just stop at more of the same: it actively diversifies the puzzle-like challenges you’ll face. Special missions force you to think outside the sandbox—whether rescuing a stranded worm or triggering a timed explosion sequence—each scenario offers a unique twist on the familiar formula.

Multiplayer remains the crown jewel of Worms United. Local couch battles support up to four players, meaning trash talk and laughter are guaranteed around any coffee table. While online matchmaking isn’t built in natively, community servers and fan-made patches often bridge that gap, extending replayability. The balance between weapons and map design encourages both careful planning and spontaneous hijinks, making every skirmish memorable.

Graphics

Visually, Worms United retains the charming, hand-drawn aesthetic of the mid-’90s era, now running smoothly on modern systems. The sprites are crisp, and the backgrounds—ranging from lush jungles to volcanic islands—are richly detailed. Though not aiming for photorealism, the vibrant color palette and fluid worm animations exude personality and comedic flair with every explosion.

The UI has received subtle polish with Reinforcements, offering clearer icons, more informative tooltips, and an improved map editor interface. Weapon effects like grenade arcs, ninja rope tosses, and water physics look sharper and more dynamic than in the original release, giving a fresh coat of paint to a beloved classic. Even on higher resolutions, the pixel art scales cleanly, preserving the retro vibe without feeling dated.

Particle effects and environmental interactions also see modest improvements. Craters left behind by rocket blasts look more pronounced, and destructible terrain behaves consistently, reacting in real-time to repeated bombardments. While you won’t confuse this for a modern AAA shooter, the aesthetic still stands out in today’s indie landscape—proof that style can triumph over graphical horsepower.

Story

True to Worms tradition, Worms United doesn’t rely on a complex narrative. Instead, it offers a light-hearted campaign framework where each mission’s scenarios are loosely tied together by tongue-in-cheek dialogue and mission briefs. There’s no overarching “save the world” plot; the humor lies in the absurdity of sending cartoon worms into increasingly outlandish combat situations.

The Reinforcements add-on contributes additional campaign missions that expand on this playful tone. Briefings from the “General” character set up each map’s objective with pun-laden descriptions, ensuring that even the simplest fetch or destroy tasks feel like part of a larger comedic adventure. It’s less about emotional investment in characters and more about enjoying the rapid-fire one-liners and wacky contexts.

While story-driven gamers may find the narrative light, the charm is in the presentation rather than depth. The game leans into its slapstick roots: exploding sheep, dramatic parachute drops, and squeaky sound effects all contribute to an experience that feels more like a cartoon short than a traditional campaign. For those seeking a serious storyline, this won’t compete—but it excels as a humor-driven romp.

Overall Experience

Worms United successfully bundles two cornerstone entries of the Worms franchise into a single, cohesive package. The base game delivers timeless turn-based artillery action, while Reinforcements injects fresh content that prevents the experience from feeling stale. For longtime fans, it’s a nostalgia trip with meaningful enhancements; for newcomers, it’s an accessible gateway to one of gaming’s most enduring series.

The compilation strikes a strong balance between single-player challenges and multiplayer mayhem. Campaign missions test your tactical acumen and precision, but the real fun emerges when up to four players duke it out in chaotic, laughter-fueled showdowns. Whether you’re playing locally or via community-hosted servers, the addictive nature of Worms’ combat keeps each match feeling unique.

Considering its modest system requirements and enduring gameplay loop, Worms United represents excellent value. The combination of over two-dozen single-player missions, an expansive map editor, and a robust weapon roster ensures hundreds of hours of play. If you appreciate strategic depth wrapped in cartoon zaniness, this compilation deserves a spot in your library.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10