Worms 3D

The gameplay itself is mostly unchanged from its predecessors, with the exception of the three-dimensional view, which allows the player more freedom, and more possibilities, to complete the task at hand. Modes such as Campaign and Quick Match return from previous versions. The game also features a multiplayer feature, as well as the ability to edit and create teams. The objective of most of the matches is to eliminate the opposing forces' worms, whereas the Campaign mode gives the player sets of specific goals which they need to complete.

The Campaign consists of 35 small missions in which the player has to utilise their worms to complete a certain task, like destroy enemy worms, collect a certain crate, or even unique missions, such as having to detonate 16 hidden landmines in a certain time. All of the missions give awards depending on how well the player does. Gold medals usually unlock bonuses as for example maps, challenge missions, information about weapons, or voice banks.

The game was announced by Team17 in July 2002 as Worms 3. The following month, Activision purchased worldwide publishing rights to the title except for the PC version in South Korea, Taiwan and China.

In April 2003, the game was re-announced as Worms 3D. Activision was dropped as publisher for unknown reasons, with Sega instead purchasing the European publication rights, with an option for the company to publish in North America as well. The game was shown off at Sega's booth at E3 2003, featuring two different maps for demonstration. The game was eventually released in Europe at the end of the month.

The Xbox, PC, and PlayStation 2 versions of Worms 3D received mixed reviews, but the GameCube version received fairly positive reviews. Its graphics and sounds were lauded. Despite this, most reviewers criticized the 3D camera system that often places behind the objects in landscape with the worm being hidden in front of those and stiff controlling of the worm. Andy Davidson, the creator of the Worms franchise and who had already left Team17 before returning in 2012, objected to the company's decision to develop a 3D Worms game.

He argued that Worms and its mechanics were based on two dimensions only and that adding another dimension broke much of the mechanics. He said that rather than trying to "recreate" Worms itself, he would have preferred to start from scratch and build a 3D game containing the same qualities as the series.