It looks like after Worms finally passed certification last week Microsoft put it on the fast track for release, as the title will be coming to Xbox Live Arcade next Wednesday for 800 Marketplace Points ($10). A Worms game online, on a big screen HDTV, supported by Xbox Live would seem to be a great match; hopefully the extra time in certification will mean that online play will be polished upon release.

The full press release continues below.

Invertebrates Invade! Worms Now Available on Xbox Live Arcade

Worms have evolved and are taking no prisoners! Team17 Software Ltd. brings its popular “Worms” franchise to Xbox Live® Arcade, delivering the first turn-based strategy game to the platform. “Worms” will be available for download on Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360™ beginning Wednesday, March 7 at 0800 GMT (1 a.m. PST).

“Worms” is a cleverly balanced turn-based strategy game in which teams of heavily armed worms battle across bizarre, randomly generated landscapes for supremacy. Each team takes turns picking off opposing team members using crazy weapons, tools and other utilities along with whatever foul strategies they can devise. The simple and cute appearance belies the deep strategy of a game that is easy to play but difficult to master.

“Worms” will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft® Points.

GAME FEATURES

  * A mix of strategy and arcade action that, although simple to understand, contains real depth and massive replayability
  * Turn-based multiplayer action for up to four players locally or over Xbox Live*
  * An assortment of game options:
      o Landscape on which to do battle
      o Turn and round times
      o Starting weapon arsenal for each team
  * Three detailed tutorials to introduce the mechanics to first-time players
  * Twenty increasingly difficult single-player challenges
  * Three graphical themes for play
  * A random landscape generator to ensure that no two landscapes are ever the same
  * Twenty-two weapons and utilities to deploy against your enemies
  * Many customizable elements, including what worms and teams are named, what worms say, and which gravestone they have when they die
  * High-definition visuals and many graphical improvements throughout the game
  * Twelve achievements
  * Weekly, monthly and overall leaderboards

WHERE CAN I GET IT?

You can download “Worms” beginning Wednesday, March 7, at 0800 GMT/1 a.m. PST on Xbox Live Arcade.

“Worms” will be available for 800 Microsoft Points, and rated E10+, Mild Cartoon Violence.

More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.

# # #

* Multiplayer gameplay over Xbox Live requires Xbox Live Gold Membership.

Microsoft, Xbox Live, Xbox 360 and Xbox are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.