Worms 4: Mayhem

Worms 4: Mayhem
Developer(s)	Team17
Publisher(s)	EU: Codemasters AU: Codemasters NA: Majesco Entertainment
Series	Worms
Platform(s)	Windows PlayStation 2 Xbox
Release	EU: July 29, 2005 (Consoles) EU: August 5, 2005 (PC) AU: August 5, 2005 (PC only) NA: October 4, 2005 (exc. PS2)
Genre(s)	Artillery Strategy
Mode(s)	Single-player, Multiplayer

Worms 4: Mayhem is an artillery strategy game in the Worms series developed by Team17. It is much like its 3D predecessor Worms 3D, except that players can customize their worm's appearance (hats/helmets, glasses, facial hair, gloves/hands) as well as create their own unique weapons in a new feature called "The Weapon Factory." The game also contains a shop where players can buy various items, using points won by completing story missions, challenges or unlocking trophies. Shop items include new maps, new accessories and attire, personality banks (voices) and game styles. There are several new weapons and utilities included in the new game such as Bubble Trouble, Icarus Potion, Poison Arrow, Sniper Rifle, Inflatable Scouser, Tail Nail and Starburst (which, in fact, only replaces the Kamikaze).

Story mode

Worms 4: Mayhem has a lot more in-depth story mode than the previous games. Instead of just completing missions with some minor background story told, proper introductory cut-scenes reveal information about the mission's background. The story actually begins in the tutorials, in which the player's own team of worms arrives to the Worminkle University. There they meet Professor Worminkle (who resembles a cross between Albert Einstein and Doc Brown), who trains the player and teaches the methods of using various weapons. In Story Mode, Worminkle sends the player to destroy the enemies buildings and sneak into their construction sites. After the fifth mission, Worminkle and the player travel back in time to the Middles Ages using the Professor's time machine before they can be arrested by government agents. Worminkle's time machine becomes damaged and they are then attacked by wizards and knights. After fixing the time machine, the missions continue in the Wild West. The Professor's time machine runs on gold, which they need more of if they want to get forward. So they need to also fight against the fearsome Boggy the Kid. After getting the gold, the player's quest continues to the Ancient Arabia, which is being conquered by Ali Baboon and his pesky thieves. Ali Baboon has stolen the Queen of Sheba's jewels, and the player's mission is to stop him and recover the jewels.

After completing their mission in Arabia, Worminkle makes a few fixes with his time machine, but accidentally drops a letter, which is read by the player's team of worms. It is said in the letter, that the Government is planning to build a new research laboratory, replacing Worminkle University. Worminkle quickly takes the letter back, and continues the journey with the player. After they stop in the Prehistoric times, Worminkle then tells the player that he only used the player to stop the Government's plans. He then betrays them, and leaves, but fortunately crashes into a mountain, giving enough time for the player to catch him.

After battling with caveworms and dinoworms, the player's team get to the Professor, steal the time machine from him and fly back to the present day, leaving Professor Worminkle trapped in the Stone Age forever.

Gameplay

Gameplay follows on the traditional gameplay of the series, in which teams of worms take turns to use a variety of weapons and items in order to eliminate the opposing teams. The game, is presented in a 3D perspective.

The game also has additional game modes, such as Challenge mode, which presents the player with various difficult challenges (e.g. infecting enemy worms with a poison arrow) which the player must attempt to complete.

Mutiplayer mode is available via Hotseat. Online mode is also available on the PC version.

Reception

Aggregate score

Aggregator	Score
Metacritic	72/100 (PC)

Review scores

Publication	Score
1Up.com	A+
Eurogamer	6 out of 10
GameSpot	6.2 out of 10
IGN	7.5 out of 10

Reception

Worms 4: Mayhem received average to positive reviews. Critics generally criticized Worms 4: Mayhem for its lack of difference from previous 3D Worms games, difficult controls and illogical AI. However, the range of weapons were praised for including new and existing weapons, along with the level design.

External links

• Official website