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

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: Classic Worms gameplay and a huge improvement over the original DS version

Weaknesses: Hard to get a good view of the battlefield due to the DS's small screen size

Summary: The original Worms game for the DS was not all that great. For Worms 2, they completely revamped the game to make it match up with classic 2D Worms gameplay. The basic premise is that you control a team of worms that are trying to take out another team of worms using a variety of weapons. The game is turn-based such that you can move one worm at a time a short distance and fire a weapon if you want, then the other team moves one worm, then you move another, etc. There is plenty of strategy in where you move your team and what weapons you deploy. This version captures all of that perfectly and provides a nice variety of game modes to boot. There are quick-play matches, and a deep single-player campaign, complete with achievements to unlock. There is also a series of DS-only minigames that are a fun diversion. While playing against the computer can be fun, and the single-player campaign mode provides many hours of gameplay, Worms can also be a blast with multiple players. It can be played with multiple DS's with just a single cart featuring random matches with random teams. If each player has a copy of the game they can bring their own customized team into the game. And last, but not least, there is a Wifi connection mode where you can play others over the Internet (either random people or those with whom you exchange friend codes). This is an excellent entry into the Worms franchise and well worth a purchase for any Worms fan or anyone looking for a fun single and multiplayer DS game.

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.