Worms 3D - PC

Worms 3D is the next generation of the hugely popular Worms series. The technical genius and visual wizardry of the guys and gals at developer Team17 has flung everybody's favourite invertebrates into the third dimension, bringing with it a new twist to the on-screen action. Worms 3D has not only added an extra dimension; there are more weapons on offer than ever before, more gameplay and single or multiplayer options to choose. The environments are varied; Worms 3D is set on land, in the air, and under the sea. If you're not satisfied with the game's selection of landscapes, you have the opportunity to create your own. With a host of randomly generated and wholly deformable landscapes making for a different environment every time you play - Lunar, Arctic, Horror and the rest - if you tire of Worms 3D, then you're tired of life, so go be a monk or something.

Worms 3D stays faithful to the old mantra, 'turn-based strategy game'. Each team of worms, controlled by a single player, takes it in turns to take out members of the opposing team (or teams) using weird and wonderful weapons such as the banana bomb, mad cows and - our favourite, 'cos it's so subtle - the prod! There is also a selection of what can best be called utilities - items like a ninja rope or a teleporter can be used not to destroy, but to complement your strategy. A brand new feature is Wormpot mode, a three-reel fruit machine-type experience that gives you game modes, goals and game configurations at random.

Worms games work best when playing against human opponents, and Worms 3D doesn't disappoint in this department. If you're going at Worms 3D solo however, get ready for around 40 single-player missions - plenty to go at if you're short on friends. There's no excuse for not making friends - or enemies - with the PC version. LAN and online play is available, and Worms 3D isn't going to demand that you upgrade to a super-computer.

By the power of the holy hand grenade, this should be a massive hit. Worms 3D provides explosive, destructive fun and games without anyone really suffering - unless you're the sensitive type. Loser! more