Worms
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Worms launch assault on App Store, available for five bucks
If your appetite for caecilian destruction hasn't been satiated by the recently released Worms 2: Armageddon, you'll be pleased to know that you can now get your fill on the go with the even more recently released Worms app for the iPhone and iPod Touch. For $4.99, it sounds like a nice little package. There's four-team multiplayer, unlockable items and over 50 challenges for the lone wolves among us to explore. Best of all, you can still customize your team names -- just keep it classy, folks. Your Weather app is watching.
Worms for the iPhone submitted to Apple
Everyone's favorite battling invertebrates are coming to the iPhone and iPod touch very soon -- the game was actually announced a little while ago, but Team 17 now says the game has been sent off to be examined by Apple's eyes, and so, as long as it doesn't have any objectionable content (you can't object to exploding sheep, right?), we'll see it up for download very soon.Exciting. Unfortunately, I'm coming off of a Worms 2 purchase on Xbox Live, so I'll probably be passing on this one, but if you haven't had a Worms fix in a while, the video on the next page shows what Team 17 is saying over on their Facebook page: it's "a full console-style experience," with extra options, including probably the ability to play your own music as you play. Multiplayer will only be pass-to-play to start with (bummer!), but they're hoping to add in both Internet and Bluetooth local multiplay at a later date. And there's no official word on price yet, but we should know it soon: look for Worms on an iPhone near you.
Team17 announces Alien Breed Evolution, teases imminent iPhone Worms
Developer Team17 loves its Facebook page. This morning the company announced a "retro modern remake" of Alien Breed, one of its games from way back in 1991. Alien Breed Evolution is an Unreal Engine 3-powered shooter, which can be played solo or co-op later this year. A representative for Team 17 tells us that a video of the game should be released in two to three weeks. Team17 also teased that iPhone Worms "looms... not long now." There is currently a tentative date, but the developer is awaiting the go from Apple. Like a good Worm, though, Team 17 has everything locked, loaded and ready to fire when ready.
XBLA in Brief: King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match, Worms 2: Armageddon
Another twofer this week, as XBLA adds a fighting game and a turn-based strategy game to its ever-growing ranks. From SNK's huge library of fighting games, we have King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match. The XBLA version includes online play and will set you back 800 ($10). Meanwhile, Team17 has dropped the sequel to the XBLA version of Worms, which is titled, appropriately enough, Worms 2: Armageddon. The game brings lots of new features to the table -- as well as some old favorites -- and also costs 800 ($10).Watch the latest episode of XBLA in Brief and see which one is screaming for your hard-earned cash.Download the trial version of King of Fighters '98 Ultimate MatchDownload the trial version of Worms 2: Armageddon [iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly.[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[M4V] Download the M4V directly.
Worms 2 details, new screens fresh out of the can
click to explode Just shy of its official release on Xbox Live Arcade, Team17 has dropped plenty of details and a big ol' pile of screens for Worms 2 Armageddon, out tomorrow for 800 ($10). First up, there are lots of new weapons in Worms 2, some of them are brand new, while others are returning favorites from other installments in the series. Fans will be happy to know that the Concrete Donkey is back (as is his nemesis, the Buffalo of Lies[?]). The game also includes bunker buster bombs which, true to their name, are used to take out cowardly worms that have burrowed deep, deep out of harm's way.As we've mentioned before, the game also brings persistent fire, which is utilized in weapons like napalm and the petrol bomb. The game includes a handful of new modes too, such as Fort Mode -- which sets each team's worms in opposing bases instead of placing them randomly -- and Rope Race Mode. Another addition that might not sound too sexy but, trust us, it's important: Host migration for network play. The game also introduces vertical levels, which are tall and narrow, as opposed to the traditional wide levels.All in all, it sounds like Worms 2 Armageddon is packing plenty of punch. Check out new screens in the gallery below and two trailers after the break.%Gallery-67104%
Worms 2: Armageddon hitting XBLM on July 1
Team 17 loves using Facebook to announce stuff and the release date for Worms 2: Armageddon is no exception. The slimy critters will be bringing along their favorite WMDs to the XBLM on July 1 and they're yours for 800 ($10). Terrifyingly, Team 17's announcement note also reminds us that the original Worms: Armageddon came out 10 years ago (we remember playing the original Worms on our 386s even longer ago). This version has been expanded with extra features, weapons and levels. You can see the full list of improvements over at Team 17's Facebook page.
Team17 working on Worms for iPhone [Update]
A video posted over at Pocket Gamer seems to show off a very early build of Worms for the iPhone. The video is pretty brief, though it still manages to impress us through some slick visuals and competent controls. Whether or not this is real, know that we want it to be real. We've put in word to both Team17 and EA's mobile division (which was rumored to have acquired the license). EA got back to us to say that the company "does not comment on rumor and speculation." While we wait on Team17, you can head past the break and watch poor Harlequin catch a rocket to the face. Update: We've spoken with a source at Team17 that has confirmed the video past the break is authentic and something the team produced in-house, choosing to sneakily unload it onto the 'nets, rather than send Joystiq a press release. Our contact said that Team17 has actually moved to self-publish games in the digital distribution space, so it no longer needs to rely on partners get its products out there. So, in short: Worms on the iPhone is real, Team17 is doing everything, and there isn't any planned release date as of right now.
Worms wriggles onto Euro PSN on Easter
One might usually think of bunnies or egg hunts when it comes to Easter; however, this year you'll be thinking of Worms. We're talking about the turn-based combat title from Team17 Software. Worms will be heading over to European PSN stores on Easter Sunday (April 12). The game is already out in the US and can be bought for $12.99. The European version will be similarly priced at £7.99/€9.99.
Rumor: EA may obtain Worms mobile license
Mobile Entertainment reports it has documentation that "suggests" EA will become the exclusive global distributor of Worms on mobile platforms starting June 1. THQ Wireless currently holds the license, but given the publisher's shakeup in its mobile division earlier this year, this license transfer revelation sounds probable. EA knows what it's doing in the mobile space, and given its affection for the iPhone, we have some high hopes and expectations if the mega-publisher does indeed take over the license. [Via Edge]
Trophies: Worms
They may not have spines, but they do have grenade launchers. Worms is coming to the PlayStation Network! View Trophy List | Visit Trophy Portal
First images dug up of new Worms on XBLA, PSN
Team 17 has revealed on its Facebook page some images and details about its double-barrel offering of Worms on PSN and XBLA. With the OFLC outing both games last week, the studio didn't see the harm in showing off avatar support and vertical levels for the XBLA version, which is now apparently being called Worms 2: Armageddon. The PSN edition of Worms -- which is an "expanded" port of the original XBLA game -- features "vastly" improved physics and displays in 1080p. We should have hands-on time with both titles at GDC and hopefully get a release window by then. [Thanks, Benvio] %Gallery-46744% %Gallery-46745%
Account security is your responsibility, not Blizzard's
PlayNoEvil recently published an article explaining why they think it is that hackers target gamers by stealing their passwords and other account information. While there is some truth in the premises offered, articles like this one only serve to fuel conspiracy rumors and encourage players to think of themselves as victims rather than take responsibility for their own account security. Gaming companies do place some of the blame for a compromised account on the account holder, and for good reason. The hacker certainly didn't gain access to your computer because of their actions, and their computers that store your information are as yet untouchable.The browsers you use, sites you visit, firewall settings, anti-virus software and update practices are just a few of the ways that you contribute to your own hacking experience. Sharing your account information with your lover, best friend and mother may sound safe, but you don't control the security of their computers, or their friends' computers. The majority of people I know who have been hacked signed into their accounts on their sibling's computer or a publically shared machine. In fact, NASA ended up with a keylogger targeted at gamers on the International Space Station. It traveled aboard on the laptop of one of the astronauts. You just can't trust any computer that isn't your own.It may be hard to hear, but a hacked account is because of something you did, whether it was an unfortunate stroke of luck, such as stumbling onto a redirect on a legitimate website in the small window before the site addresses it, or a serious oversight in security on your part.
OFLC outs Worms Armageddon Decade for XBLA [update]
A listing appearing on the Australian Classification Office website has revealed that another Team 17 Worms title, Worms Armageddon Decade, may eventually inch its way to the Xbox Live Arcade. The Armageddon Decade rating appears to have been applied for by Microsoft, which probably means this Worms edition will be an exclusive XBLA release and is a different project than the PSN's upcoming Worms. If the awesomeness that is Worms Armageddon is anything to go by, the XBLA's special Decades edition should be one of the most enjoyable Worms titles to date. That is, if Team 17 doesn't skimp on the weapon selection. Update: Team 17 just informed us about the differences between the upcoming Worms games. The PSN edition will be an enhanced version of the XBLA release, including more weapons, additional levels, new audio and 1080p support. The XBLA release of Worms Armageddon Decade (which we're told is subject to a name change) will be a "vastly expanded edition" of the original XBLA Worms, that will include weapons and features from Worms Armageddon as well as other brand new content. More details to come. [Via GamerBytes; Thanks Ryan!]
USK diagnoses PS3 with a severe case of Worms
The Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (or USK, for those who are terrified of lengthy, foreign words), Germany's game rating organization, isn't traditionally known for bringing us the hottest scoops. However, a recent listing on their site perked up our ever-attentive ears -- they recently stamped a Freigegeben ab 6 Jahren gemäß § 14 JuSchG (restricted for those below the age of six) rating to a PS3 version of Worms. Given that the genre of said listing is "Arcade", we think it's safe to assume that they're referring to a PSN port of the XBLA title. This isn't a particularly surprising turn of events -- Worms has sold over half a million on the XBLA, and its done so over the course of about two years. However, Team 17, the game's developer, hasn't formally announced the PSNified title. Assuming the USK hasn't got its wires crossed, we should be hearing more about the port fairly soon.
This Wednesday: Something burrowed, something blue, something old, nothing new on XBLA
As expected, a trio of new, er, old games has joined the Arcade Hits lineup as part of this week's Xbox Live Arcade update: Worms (something burrowed), Feeding Frenzy (something blue) and Ultimate MK3 (something, well, old). Each game has been discounted to 400 ($5). And, as you may have gathered from the headline (if you made it to the end), there are no new releases on XBLA this week, ending a 26-week release streak that began on May 7th (according to our stat boy's research*). Perhaps the hiatus is intended to build anticipation for ... something big? (Our best guess: We're in store for "something giant," as in the Giant Avatar game, A Kingdom for Keflings -- NXE is just one week away!) *If we got that wrong, blame the intern! Update: CarpeD1em500 brings up a good point. If you pre-ordered Nuts & Bolts you may have received a download code for Banjo-Kazooie on XBLA, which is available to you now. The game should be released to the public on or around November 26th. And, oh! We almost forgot: The Street Fighter "table" is also available for Pinball FX today!
XBLA Hits adds Mortal Kombat 3, Worms, Feeding Frenzy
Although it isn't official yet, it appears Microsoft has dropped the price of three more titles in its XBLA Hits program. Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, Feeding Frenzy and party favorite Worms should all cost 400 ($5) in the near future. We just checked the marketplace and all the titles are still listed at the current 800 price. We're currently checking with MS, but barring someone flipping an internet switch way too early, we expect this info to become official in the next 24 hours anyway. We'll update if it does. [Thanks, Chris]
Worms, UMK3, Feeding Frenzy now on XBLA Hits page [update]
Update: Yup. No new game on XBLA this week. These new Arcade Hits are all we get. Microsoft has yet to make any official announcements, but it looks like some new Xbox Live Arcade Hits are headed to our favorite download service. Three new titles have appeared on the official Xbox.com Arcade Hits page: Feeding Frenzy, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, and Worms. All of them are listed at a new price of 400 Microsoft Points ($5), half of their original 800 Point price. We checked Xbox Live Marketplace and all three titles are still listed at their original price, so right now all we're really waiting for is an announcement from Microsoft. Given that Wednesday is the day that Xbox Live Arcade announcements are made, we wouldn't be suprirsed if these new discounts are announced today or tomorrow. We'll update this post when we have new information.After all, Worms + Friends = Party.
BigRedKitty: Sporebat, Wind Serpent, and Worm-II
Daniel Howell contributes BigRedKitty, a column with strategies, tips and tricks for and about the Hunter class, sprinkled with a healthy dose of completely improper, sometimes libelous, personal commentary.Dear Elune, NO! Not Sporebats! Dear , NO! Not ! Yeah, Sporebats. It's on the list, so we must do a movie. Spore Cloud isn't the worst thing ever, but it's bugged good and solid.Wind Serpents got buffed, and not in a way you probably think! Lightning Breath rocks as always, just even more so.Yes, we've already done a Worm movie, but as we get closer to WotLK release, we're finding it harder and harder not to show you some of the new skins in Northrend. Thus, for your viewing pleasure, we present The Worm, part II, and let Acid Spit shine.Spit! Shine! Spit shine! That's a joke, son, ya missed it! Flew right by ya!You are invited to download the YouTube version (59MB) of this movie here, and the full-sized version (89MB) here.As always, a great big Thank You to the WoW Insider editors for allowing us to publish this movie both here and on our little blog at the same time! From his video guides to Karazhan For Hunter Dummies, nobody covers raid Hunters like BRK. Looking for more Hunter goodness? Check out our non-raid Hunter column, Scattered Shots or the WoW Insider Directory of Hunter Guides.
BigRedKitty: Worms
Daniel Howell contributes BigRedKitty, a column with strategies, tips and tricks for and about the Hunter class, sprinkled with a healthy dose of completely improper, sometimes libelous, personal commentary.Worms. We're not gonna mess up the pronunciation of THIS one. Yeeha!But really, worms? Hunter pets? Tenacity pets? Worm-Tanks, that's the concept Blizzard wants to sell us. Are you buying? How about you watch our little movie and then make up your mind.You are invited to download the YouTube version (81MB) of this movie here, and the full-sized version (295MB) here. They're big files because the movie is almost ten minutes long; we wanted to give worms a fair-shake.As always, a great big Thank You to the WoW Insider editors for allowing us to publish this movie both here and on our little blog at the same time! From his video guides to Karazhan For Hunter Dummies, nobody covers raid Hunters like BRK. Looking for more Hunter goodness? Check out our non-raid Hunter column, Scattered Shots or the WoW Insider Directory of Hunter Guides.
Two new keylogging worms to watch out for
Microsoft's malware blog is warning of two new worms that attempt to steal account information for online games from Windows XP or Vista users. These worms are breaking previous keylogging success rate records and are worth educating yourself about.The first one is called Taterf which has infected over 1.2 milion machines worldwide during its first week. The other worm is called Frethog and has so far a 650,000+ machine first-week infection rate. These rates are stunning to malware specialists who are used to seeing these kinds of numbers only after a month of the worm's existance. These worms take advantage of Windows' autoplay and autorun functions that run for CDs, DVDs, and some USB sticks. They can be sneaky about it too. They try to disquise autorun with other pop-up dialog boxes, like "Show me these awesome pictures." You do need to confirm this action manually, but this obstacle hasn't much limited the spread of the worms to date.Make sure you read the instructions on Microsoft's support site for how to protect yourself from these worms. The short answer is to disable autorun from CDs under XP (a registry change) or to change the same option from the Vista control panel. You should also disable autoplay as an even greater precaution. Also, of course, make sure you check the box on the WoW login screen to save your account name. That way if you do get infected with a keylogger, they won't be able to see your keystrokes for both your account name and your password.
