Hi there to the gaming community! We are seriously considering on developing a shockwave game for the internet. And we love the famous Worms 2D game dynamic and turn based action. We plan on developing something VERY similar to Worms with new characters and graphics. It will be a multiplayer game where each users controls one character, being the goal of the game to beat the other team using a wide range of weapons via a turn based combat system. So as you see its really going to be something very similar to Worms, but with new graphics. Before getting started I would like to know if this is legally possible or there is some sort of legal, copyright issue that may in the future force us to "close" the game. Thanks for your time and help. Xhorn

I'm not going to directly answer your question becuase I'm not an expert. However, I wanted to point out a free game out on the market that does exactly what you are talking about.

Gunbound

As far as I know, the developers of Gunbound have never faced any legal threats from the creators of Worms, which makes me assume that you should be ok.

1. It is probably legal provided the graphics, sounds and level designs are different enough.
2. It's a clone and as such unoriginal so you are unlikely to make much money selling it. However as a small indie "not much money" can often be enough.
3. There is a small chance the original developers might at least try to sue. They probably won't and most likely wouldn't win but there is a small chance. That might cost you something in legal fees. Developing an original idea wouldn't have that problem.

You can't copywrite an idea. As long as you made it you should be fine.