Previews// Worms: Open Warfare 2

That doesn't mean you'll be left defenceless, however. You can always pop down an electromagnet to repel any unwanted metal things (like explosives) heading your way. If gooier things heading in your direction are a problem, you can pop down a Sentry Gun to mow down anything that gets inside its range.

What these new weapons add up to are subtle changes in the way long time wormers will play. The core gameplay mechanic has in no way been undermined (as it might have by, say, a new dimension) but the new weapons add an interesting new twist to gameplay.

Also welcome is the addition of a level editor. Why this hasn't made it into previous games is baffling, but it's a fun tool here and offers players the chance to customise the way they play.

Spinning out of that is the addition of Fort Mode. It does what it says on the tin, basically. Rather than starting the game with your guys spread at random across the landscape, the two teams will be set up on opposing forts and (at least at the start of the level) duke it out at long range. As you might have guessed, you get the option of building your own fort with the level editor. Users of 'dark tactics' need look no further. Fort Mode proved tricky at times, but provides a fun variation on traditional Worms gameplay.

Another new mode spins out of an idea the PC worming community: racing. Armed with your Ninja Rope you have to get from one side of the screen to the other in as few moves as possible.

Open Warfare 2 also comes with a form of tutorial to get you to grips with what your worms can do: Puzzle Mode. Players are set challenges with only a limited arsenal that can, at times, be befuddling. It seemed a bit like the development team still had their Lemmings heads on after the creation of Team17's recent PSN title, but the mode promises to extend Open Warfare's playability and stretch longtime wormers' skills.DS owners also get the benefit added puzzle content tailored specifically to the touch-screen and stylus control system.

A big addition to the series is Wi-Fi functionality. The first Open Warfare game had wireless gameplay but now, instead of just playing your mates as they sit across the room from you, you can go global. For a game that's fundamentally a multiplayer experience, this is huge. The PSP, in particular, features a deep online experience with global leaderboards, clans and skill-matching. The DS is a little more restrictive with its Wi-Fi options thanks to the platform's use of friend codes, but you can still take on some pesky foreigners should the urge take you.

The full game is yet to be seen, but it looks like Team17 has really found Worms' natural home, not to mention hit its stride, with handheld gaming.