Worms: Galactic Tactics Brings Manual Aiming and Slapstick Chaos to the Tactical Genre
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Worms: Galactic Tactics brings the chaotic physics and manual skillshots of the classic franchise into the crowded tactical genre with a 3D roguelike structure.
The tactical genre is a crowded space these days, with nearly every major franchise taking a swing at the grid-based format. Team17 and developers Absolutely Games are throwing the iconic pink invertebrates into the mix with Worms: Galactic Tactics, a singleplayer-focused roguelike slated for 2027. Going hands-on at Gamescom reveals a title that makes some bold shifts, including fully 3D arenas and a campaign structure built around a televised murder tournament, while still retaining the chaotic identity of the franchise.
What sets Galactic Tactics apart from traditional percentages-and-cover tactical games is its manual aiming and execution system. Instead of relying on RNG hit chances, projectile weapons require players to manually point their shots and hit a timing-based accuracy minigame. Fluffing the window means your munitions go wide and potentially obliterate your own squad, injecting genuine panic and high-stakes skill expression into the turn-based flow. Positioning also remains crucial, as securing height advantages makes landing critical shots significantly easier while keeping terrain deformation in play for emergent environmental kills.
While purists might raise an eyebrow at the roguelike progression and the transition to 3D, the core philosophy of combining smart strategy with total disaster remains intact. Arena destruction opens up chaotic hazards like lava pools and exploding barrels, ensuring that matches frequently descend into hilarious self-inflicted accidents. For a series that has seen its fair share of reinventions, Galactic Tactics looks like a sharp and self-aware spin on modern tactical conventions that respects what makes the IP endure.
As development continues toward its 2027 launch, the real test will be how well the planned online and local multiplayer modes support the chaotic singleplayer foundation. If nothing else, the team is playing it smart by also working on a classic-styled entry for later down the line, giving the community options whether they want deep tactical roguelike runs or old-school artillery duels.
Tags: Worms Galactic Tactics, Tactical Games, Team17, Roguelike, PC Gaming
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun