Worms Forts: Under Siege! is a game that brings back the nostalgic charm of the classic Worms series, but unfortunately falls short in delivering a truly enjoyable gaming experience. Developed by Team 17, known for their iconic series, and published by Sega, Worms Forts: Under Siege! attempts to bring a new twist to the franchise by adding fortress-building elements to the gameplay.
Fans of Worms will feel right at home with the familiar cartoon environments and quirky characters. The game puts players in command of a team of up to four fort-dwelling worms, tasked with constructing defenses, expanding castles, and eliminating their opponents' fortifications. It's a formula that has worked in the past, but unfortunately, it doesn't reach the same level of excitement and strategic depth.
One of the highlights of Worms Forts: Under Siege! is the ability to build your own castle. Constructing towers, walls, citadels, and keeps proves to be an interesting addition, giving players the opportunity to customize their fortresses according to their strategic preferences. Each building offers unique special powers and weapons, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay.
However, it's in the execution of these fort-building mechanics where the game falters. The building process can be clunky and unintuitive, making it more of a chore than an enjoyable part of the game. Poor choices in constructing your fortress can also leave you at a disadvantage in battles, which adds an additional layer of frustration.
The gameplay itself is where Worms Forts: Under Siege! falls short. Compared to its predecessors, the battles feel lackluster and repetitive. The massive weapons promised in the game's description, such as catapults, cannons, and rocket launchers, do add some variety, but the overall experience lacks the excitement and strategic depth that players would expect from a Worms game.
In terms of graphics and sound, Worms Forts: Under Siege! fares decently. The cartoonish visuals capture the essence of the series, and the sound effects and music maintain the lighthearted atmosphere. However, these aspects alone aren't enough to make up for the game's shortcomings in terms of gameplay.
Overall, Worms Forts: Under Siege! falls short of capturing the magic of its predecessors. While the fort-building mechanics and nostalgic charm will appeal to some fans, the clunky execution, lackluster battles, and repetitive gameplay make it hard to recommend. If you're a die-hard Worms enthusiast, you might find some enjoyment in revisiting the series, but for most players, there are better options available.
