As its title suggests, Worms 3D takes the huge, jet-propelled leap into three dimensions, launching the heavily-armoured invertebrates into a whole new level of warfare. This extra-dimensional update offers improved visuals and enhanced gameplay, but it's likely that the only thing you want to know is, does it still work?

Well, the fundamental game mechanics remain: players take it in turns to select a weapon or tool and use it how they see fit - be it to destroy an obstacle, carefully snipe an enemy worm, or generally cause chaos while navigating tricky terrain and avoiding hazards. 3D brings free-roaming landscapes to the Worms party, packed with inventive, interactive scenery such as bomb and sheep shelters (take cover until a giant sheep, complete with buzzing flies). The new visuals also provide some great in-game worm animations reminiscent of the cut-scenes in previous Worms games (point a shotgun at an enemy at close-range and watch him whimper in terror!).

The most noteworthy addition to the gameplay is the first-person perspective, allowing a more accurate aim. This improves the strategic elements of play but, at the same time, takes away the 'shot of faith' - the amusingly unfair divider of skills in previous incarnations. There's still mucho destructive fun to be had though. New explosives make an appearance, including a petrol bomb which ignites the scenery and can trap an enemy in a circle of flame - it can be a huge tactical advantage when it's used properly.

While the switch to three dimensions adds to the visuals and gameplay, it does take away a lot of what makes Worms, well, Worms. There are some bugs in the 3D engine that can be very frustrating for those used to the simple charms of the earlier versions. Too often you'll get stuck on an unidentifiable bit of something, or plummet from what you thought was a solid bridge. As any Worms fan will tell you, the multiplayer mode is what really makes the series tick, but you still need a decent single-player challenge. And, while there are dozens of well-structured solo missions to try here, with the dodgy engine interfering you'll need the patience of a tortoise on a world tour to finish any of them.

Worms 3D could have been a brilliant game. There's attention to detail, but it lacks the polish to set the game apart from its predecessors. The gameplay still works and it's good fun, but anyone expecting a giant leap in 3D quality will be disappointed by this. PS2 owners want shiny graphics but not at the expense of gameplay. Turns out that simple really is best after all.

Graphics 60%
Nice animations, but glitchy in places.

Sound 70%
Standard issue explosions and squealed insults.

Gameplay 60%
It's Worms, but in 3D. See what they did there?

Lifespan 80%
Dozens of missions - if you have the patience.

Overall 60%
While it's not Armageddon for the lil' wrigglers, the lack of anything new means it's not the leap we were after.