bit-tech Shopping: THQ Worms 2: Open Warfare (DS)

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3 Months

Strengths: Multiple multiplayer options, great graphics and sound, engrossing gameplay

Weaknesses: Somewhat difficult, online gameplay has some issues, single-cart play has some issues

Summary: Worms 2: Open Warfare is a sequel to the previous strategy title on the DS. Like the prior game, it's a turn-based strategy game, trying to destroy the enemy with worms and weapons of numerous kinds. It looks great and sounds great, much better than the prior game, and it includes multiple multiplayer game options. Single-cart/single-DS, single-cart download play, multi-cart gameplay and online play are all supported, though download play has some issues from time to time. The online gameplay does well when playing a game, though it's not as easy to get into a game. It's a must-have for strategy fans.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Month

Strengths: Awesome gameplay, decent graphics

Weaknesses: Can be hard and frustrating

Summary: Worms 2: Open Warfare is an awesome game for the Nintendo DS. Graphics are ok for the system, but what really shines is the gameplay. Worms is all about strategy, knowing when to attack your opponent. Game is a turn-based game, taking out your opponents team of worms. This version also includes online play which is a nice feature. Overall, this game is very much worth of its price tag, especially if you can grab some friends to play against.

Rating: 6

Time with product: 1 Month

Strengths: Worms formula is still a ton of fun.

Weaknesses: No way to communicate online. Online friends list does not show when friends are online. Single card multiplayer often causes the DSes to go out of sync, ruining the match.

Summary: Worms Open Warfare 2 for Nintendo DS manages to be an enjoyable game despite some big oversights. While the single player levels may be enjoyable to some, the multiplayer modes are where the game really shines and, ultimately, falters. First off, while the single card, single DS hot seat mode and the multicard mode both work perfectly, the 2 DS single card play often causes the 2 handhelds to go out of sync, making the game completely unplayable. Second, the online mode is rather lacking. Not only is there no way to communicate with your opponents, but the game's online friends list does not show you when friends are online or offer the ability to invite friends to a game. Furthermore, you're more likely to win the lottery than you are to find a random 3 or 4 player match. If you want to play a game with more than 2 players, you'll have to arrange it with friends, and since the game does not offer any way to communicate or even see when friends are online, you'll have to do this outside of the game. Despite these complaints though, the online mode is still a ton of fun thanks to Worms' core gameplay.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Weeks

Strengths: True to the existing Worms formula, new weapons, excellent multiplayer options

Weaknesses: occasional problems with single card multiplayer matches

Summary: The new Worms game on the DS is so good it should have been given a brand new name. The original 'Open Warfare' title pales in comparison to this sequel. Everything runs smoothly and controls well and they have added excellent multiplayer options. Everything from hotseat (passing the DS around), multi-card, single-card download, and even online play is present. If you've ever been a fan of the Worms franchise, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this game.