Worms: Galactic Tactics feels like a caterpillar finally emerging from its cocoon as a gun-toting, Holy Hand Grenade-throwing butterfly with all the restraint of a 1980s action hero. OK, I'll admit that this metaphor may be getting away from me. But the point is, the latest game in the series – set in a galactic arena with roguelike, grid-based gameplay – isn't Worms transplanted into another genre; it grows naturally out of what Worms has always been. I guess you could say it's Worms' ultimate form.
Whisking us away to a cosmic gladiator ring where we fight for the amusement of the Emperor, this adds some whimsical twists to the franchise's beloved turn-based combat. First up, the Galactic Gauntlet is a roguelike (a franchise first). This means you'll be fighting through randomized battlefields and five divisions of increasingly difficult enemies.
Next, you'll be running a squadron of completely customized Worm warriors. If they survive, these hapless souls will become increasingly powerful thanks to a heady blend of classic weapons, tools, and thoroughly reckless upgrades that would make a health and safety inspector feel faint. Prepare to create steadily more ridiculous builds.
However, all this has been given a distinctly 'Worms' treatment. For starters, those battlefields are still completely destructible. Are your foes hiding behind conveniently-placed cover? The cads! Unlike many tactical games, you can blow this to smithereens in Worms: Galactic Tactics – just like the good old days. Next, those customizable troops still have access to all the usual, bizarre weaponry this franchise is known for, not to mention wacky classes and voice banks for memorable (and joke-filled) personalities.
Don't assume you'll need to be a Worms expert to get on with Galactic Tactics, though. While long-time fans will feel right at home, newcomers are eased in nicely. As an example, there are simplified movement, shooting, and utility actions that can be performed in any order – all with an 'undo' option if needed. You can use shield generators to provide cover on the go as well.
For those who are dedicated fans of tactics games, on the other hand, there's plenty to differentiate this one. Traditional accuracy stats have been replaced with skill-based minigames, and the terrain being so destructible adds a whole new layer of strategy. Your options radically increase when you can blow scenery to bits, after all.
You'll be able to discover all this for yourself when Worms: Galactic Tactics emerges from cover in 2027. Sound like a bit of you? You can wishlist the game on Steam now, meaning you're ready to dive in on day one.
