Earthworm Jim was developed by many of the people who worked on other notable licensed games like Cool Spot and Disney’s Aladdin for the Sega Genesis, including the likes of David Perry and Andy Astor. So, considering the quality of games they were developing by then, it was safe to assume that lightning would strike once more.
Earthworm Jim was released in 1994. First on the Genesis, where it would earn best Genesis game of 1994 by Electronic Gaming Monthly. By the end of the year, it would be released on all major platforms at the time, including the SNES, Sega CD, the Game Boy, and Game Gear. The game’s success would make the titular Earthworm Jim such a household name, that there would be a sequel released a year later, as well as a short lived animated series on Kids WB. The franchise fizzled out by the late 90’s, and a HD remake of the original game aside, there really has been no plans to revive Earthworm Jim. So with that said, how does the first game fare?
For our story: Once upon a time, Jim was an average earthworm, not so different from any other, was fighting for his life from a crow, when all of a sudden a super powered space suit falls from the sky and lands right on top of him. Suit immediately evolves Jim into a giant earthworm, and gives him intelligence (well, average at best). When the space pirate Psycrow shows up searching for the suit, Jim soon learns that the fair Princess What’s-Her-Name is being kidnapped by her twin sister, Queen Pulsated, Bloated, Festering, Sweaty, Pus-Filled, Malformed, Slug for a Butt (thank you instruction book, because I certainly had a hard time remembering that off the top of my head). Jim decides to embark on a journey to rescue the princess and save the galaxy.
Earthworm Jim is a one player action platformer. You control The titular earthworm named Jim as he travels through eight crazy levels to rescue Princess What’s-Her-Name and stop the many wacky enemies in his path. Jim moves with the D-Pad, fires his blaster with the A button, whips his worm body with B, and jumps with C. The 6-button controller is not required for optimal play.
Jim’s main attack in the game is his blaster. a small red gun with massive attack power. Holding A will fire the weapon, which you can shoot in all eight directions. The gun requires plenty of ammo to use, and it can run out fast. But the levels usually contain plenty that you’ll need. Jim’s other attack is his head whip. He’ll whip out his worm head to use on enemies. It can also be used to latch on hooks to swing to harder to reach areas.
There are eight levels in the game. Most being basic “Get from point A to point B” levels, but most have their own unique tweaks that keep them from ever being boring. You start in the junkyard of New Junk City, as you’ll face off with crows and rabid dogs, all while launching a cow, battling robot trash cans, and the junkyard boss Chuck, who spits fish and drops crates. From there you go to Hell… I mean Heck. A land of fire, evil snowmen, lawyers, and the boss the nefarious Evil the Cat.
You’ll go underwater in “Down the Tubes” & “Under Pressure” as you deal with many dangerous being, get to ride giant hamsters, and take harrowing bathysphere rides. These parts can be the most taxing. You have to make it from one point to another without running out of air (as represented by the timer) as well as not taking too much damage and making the bathysphere explode. You do get air pumps to help you, but this can still be a test of patience and good luck. And after that, it’s the wicked tough (not) fight with Bob the Killer Goldfish.
You’ll next have to do a three round bungee battle with Major Mucus. You have to constantly ram him into the walls of the pit without taking too much damage to your rope, and avoiding the monster at the bottom of the mucus lake. You’ll then have to go through a large platforming level to take on the nefarious Professor Monkey for a Head (and his assistant, Monkey Professor for a Head. WTF?). Next is “For Pete’s Sake”: An escort level. You have to take care of the adorable Peter Puppy, and keep him from getting hurt by killer plants, pits, and falling meteors. If Peter gets hurt, he’ll turn into a giant monster dog, and damage you.
The final two levels are “Intestinal Distress” a level that didn’t even get put in the SNES version. A stage in which you have to battle literally through the bowels of hell to face off with Doc Duodenum. And finally it’s Buttville, where you’ll square off with the Queen herself. Once you beat her, you’ll rescue the princess… or will you?
In the middle of each of these levels, you’ll go into a bonus stage known as “Andy Asteroids?” (Named after Shiny developer Andy Astor). In these stages, you’ll face off with Psycrow in a space race, all while dodging asteroids. You can collect shields to help you break through asteroids, as well as jet engines that will boost your ship’s speed shortly. There are also plenty of bubbles you have to collect. Collect 50+ and you’ll earn a continue. If you fail to beat Psycrow in the race, you’ll go into a boss battle with him.
To aid Jim in his quest are several items. Atoms will heal Jim’s health, which is displayed as a percentage. Blue atoms restore minor health, while big red atoms fully heal Jim. Blaster ammo is everywhere for Jim to collect, as well as plasma blasts, which gives him a super powered shot. You start with three lives, and one continue. As previously mentioned, you earn more continues in the “Andy Asteroids?” levels. There are no passwords or saves. The game has a fair difficulty. It’s definitely not a game that you’ll beat on the first few tries, but once you get the hang of every level, you’ll definitely have a far easier time. The controls all work solid, and there’s really no major issues with hit detection to worry about.
The game’s graphics are some of the best on the Genesis. The levels are all unique, and highly detailed. From the nightmarish Heck to the watery Down the Tubes. Each level has its own uniqueness, and are a sight to behold. And the sprites are all epic. Especially Jim, who is very charismatic and cartoony. It all gives off an amazing feeling similar to classic Saturday Morning Cartoons, and makes for a beautiful, and goofy game.
The game has a perfect soundtrack, composed by the legendary Tommy Tallarico. Every level has its own epic, groovy theme, as well as some perfect silliness. For example, “What the Heck” starts with an epic version of the classic “Night on Bald Mountain”, and suddenly turns into elevator muzak. Every song is memorable, especially Buttville and the Andy Asteroids levels. There’s definitely something for any classic gamer with this soundtrack.
Earthworm Jim is one of the best 16 bit games, bar none. A perfect mix of action, humor, and gameplay that makes for an unforgettable experience. It’s a shame that Jim has been forgotten in this current generation of gaming, but the legacy the character left, minor as it may be, was definitely one no one will forget. This is a must play game, no matter what console you prefer. Though the Genesis is certainly the best of the two 16 bit versions. Give this groovy game a play.
RATING: A
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