"There will not be an online component in Worms: A Space Oddity," publisher THQ confirmed with Shacknews following an initial report from IGN.

The presence of online play was one of the many features touted when the game was first announced, and seemed a natural inclusion given that the recently released Worms: Open Warfare 2 (NDS, PSP) supported online multiplayer.

"Worms: A Space Oddity is a social gaming experience that is best enjoyed locally, in a party-game atmosphere with other players," explained THQ. "Team 17 has proven it can deliver a world class online gaming experience through the popular Worms: Open Warfare 2.

"We've chosen to focus on making the best possible local multiplayer experience through fast-paced gameplay and entertaining party-games," the company continued. "Players will get even more fun and satisfaction from being able to see the reaction of their friends and taunting them with attacks face-to-face."

Worms: A Space Oddity is slated to blast its way into stores this March.