Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition brings the 1999 turn-based strategy classic to the Nintendo Switch as a faithful re-release. Players control teams of worms in destructible 2D landscapes, taking turns to move and attack with an arsenal of weapons while managing wind, terrain, and positioning. The goal remains eliminating opposing teams through precise shots and clever use of tools, blending strategy with chaotic outcomes from the physics and random elements like crate drops.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on turn-based combat across randomly generated or custom maps. Each turn allows a worm to move a limited distance before selecting from dozens of weapons and utilities. Projectiles arc according to wind direction and power settings, while some tools enable repositioning or environmental manipulation. Terrain deforms permanently from explosions, creating new cover or hazards. Sudden death mechanics raise water levels over time to force decisive action. Over 55 weapons appear in the game, ranging from basic firearms to specialized items such as the Earthquake for ground disruption, Freeze for immobilization effects, and French Sheep Strike for unconventional projectile behavior. Customization extends to team voices, gravestones, and handicaps that adjust starting energy or impose conditions like allied team formations.
Sound banks exceed 30 options, including distinctive comedy sets that alter worm dialogue and reactions. The Anniversary Edition adds modern display adjustments such as aspect ratio support, screen filters, and enhanced graphics scaling for the Switch hardware. Controller mapping receives optimization for console play, though the original control scheme retains its precise but dated feel. A new save system supports progress across sessions.
Game Modes
Single-player options include a training section with structured exercises, a campaign of more than 40 missions that introduce weapons and objectives gradually, and deathmatch encounters against AI opponents of increasing difficulty. Multiplayer supports up to six teams locally or online, with options for hotseat play when multiple participants share one system. Matches allow full customization of schemes, including turn timers, weapon availability, and sudden death rules. Allied teams can share colors for coordinated play while maintaining separate turns. Features carried over from the original include handicapping for balance, Worms Disease effects, and home run mechanics for specific weapon interactions.
Additional content encompasses an interactive museum timeline documenting the series history alongside interviews and documentary segments under the War Stories heading. The package also includes a fully playable emulated Game Boy Color version of the game. A later update added emulated ports of earlier entries such as Worms on Super NES and Genesis, plus Worms World Party on Game Boy Advance.
Additional Features and Presentation
The release emphasizes preservation through quality-of-life updates without altering core mechanics. These encompass redesigned menus, achievement support, and visual options tailored to contemporary displays. The museum elements provide context on development and franchise milestones, featuring developer commentary from both the original era and later periods. No major seasonal content or ongoing live service elements appear in the current version.
Is It Worth Playing?
This edition suits players seeking the authentic 1999 experience on modern hardware, particularly those familiar with the series or interested in turn-based multiplayer strategy. Reception highlights the faithful recreation and added historical extras as strengths, with praise for retaining the original humor and depth. Some reviews note a learning curve for newcomers due to the control precision required and limited online matchmaking scope on Switch. The inclusion of multiple emulated versions and documentary material extends value for collectors and fans of game preservation. Availability on the Nintendo Switch supports both handheld and docked sessions, making it accessible for solo campaigns or local gatherings. Those who enjoy methodical planning mixed with unpredictable results from physics and customization will find substantial replayability in the campaign missions and multiplayer setups.
