Worms Blast
Introduction
Worms Blast is a vibrant and explosive departure from the traditional artillery-style gameplay that defined the iconic series by Team17. Released in 2002, this title swapped the scorched earth of turn-based battles for the splashing waves of puzzle-action combat. While the series is globally recognized, it carries unique localized titles such as 百战天虫III之虫虫总动员 in Chinese markets and Червяки-Подрывники in Russian territories. In this adventure, players trade their tactical positioning for fast-paced reflexes and sharpshooting, navigating a series of aquatic challenges that test both their aim and their logic.
Story & Setting
Unlike the epic wars of previous titles, Worms Blast adopts a more lighthearted and competitive "marine" theme. The setting is primarily the open ocean, where various worm marines have taken to small watercraft to settle their differences. The game does not feature a deep narrative campaign in the traditional sense, but instead frames its conflict around a series of trials and head-to-head duels. Each character, from the classic Worm to diverse personalities like the elderly grandma or the muscular Rocky, brings their own flavor to the high-seas setting. The world is colorful, cartoonish, and filled with the signature humor that fans have come to expect.
Gameplay
The core of Worms Blast is a blend of "match-three" puzzle mechanics and projectile physics. Players control a worm in a boat at the bottom of the screen, moving horizontally to aim their bazooka at a ceiling of colored hexagonal blocks. The objective is to clear these blocks by matching colors, but with a twist: players can change the color of the blocks by hitting them with specific weapons or power-ups. The game features an impressive 60 fun-sized missions in its single-player mode, ranging from simple target practice to complex survival scenarios where the water level rises or the ceiling descends. Beyond the missions, the game shines in its multiplayer modes. Players must not only clear their own blocks but also deal with environmental hazards and opponent-sent obstacles. Weapons like the bazooka, grenades, and even TNT are used to manipulate the puzzle board or directly hinder the rival. This "fast and furious fire fight" requires a mix of strategic planning—knowing which colors to target to cause a chain reaction—and the mechanical skill to arc shots perfectly through narrow gaps.
The game was released on several platforms, including the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube, allowing players on different hardware to enjoy its frantic puzzle action.
Legacy
Worms Blast stands as a testament to the versatility of the Worms IP. During an era where many franchises were struggling to transition to 3D or find new ways to engage audiences, Team17 successfully experimented with the puzzle genre. While it did not replace the core artillery games, it carved out a niche as a beloved spin-off. It is often remembered for its catchy soundtrack, bright aesthetic, and the surprisingly high level of difficulty in its later missions. For many players, it served as an entry point into the wider world of puzzle-action games, proving that the Worms characters could thrive in almost any genre.
Fun Facts
- The game features nine playable characters, each with different boat speeds and health stats, which was a significant shift from the uniform worms of the main series.
- Despite its appearance, some of the 60 missions are notoriously difficult, requiring pixel-perfect aiming that challenged even the most seasoned puzzle veterans.
- The game uses a physics system for its water, which was quite advanced for its time, affecting how the boat moves and reacts to explosions.
- While the bazooka is the primary tool, there are hidden power-ups like the "Rain" which can change the colors of entire rows of blocks simultaneously.