I didn't expect to like Worms: Reloaded as much as I do. The Worms series isn't known for its radical change, which is why this PC sequel stand out. But Reloaded's bullet-point list of new content isn't just PR fluff; it's a legitimately awesome collection of great stuff.
Reloaded's solid core piggybacks off its predecessors' success, which simply replicated the original game's winning formula. The new content complements the established ideas quite well, and these are the three best reasons why….
1. Cash, Content, and Customization
I'm a sucker for loot, so adding coins to Worms: Reloaded is a great way to hook players like me. After each victory you earn cash to spend on store items. The aesthetic upgrades — grave stones and headgear — are fairly inconsequential. But the store is also where you'll buy larger, more complex levels, unlock new weapons, and access new items for the easy-to-use and flexible map editor.
2. The Challenge
If Worms: Reloaded has one significant issue it's that its A.I. is simultaneously the best and worst I've ever encountered. Enemies sometimes take themselves out or attack their allies. At the same time, their expert understanding of each weapon, and how it plays into the physics, had me struggling to stay alive.
This difficulty is surprisingly satisfying in the Warzone maps. This mode is ruthless, and overcoming its almost-unfair challenge is incredibly rewarding. My opponents — who started off in advantageous positions — would kill off two members of my team at a time with scary coordination.
The standard Worms strategy of "shoot rockets at the nearest bad guy" doesn't apply anymore. You need to anticipate your opponents' movements to lure them into traps.
3. The Puzzles
Puzzles don't seem like they'd gel with Worms, but they're a nifty distraction from Reloaded's turn-based combat campaign. Racing to a goal using a jetpack is a rad change of pace. Launching yourself to a specified spot using landmine explosions is another one of my favorites.
They're not as common as I'd like — they're scattered across the campaign, usually popping up once every five missions. But Reloaded makes up for it by letting you create custom races in the level editor.