Earthworm Jim is an action platformer released on the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis back in 1994. Developed by Shiny Entertainment and published by Playmates Interactive.


The game stars the titular character named Jim, an earthworm who one day finds a super powered spacesuit. Once on the suit empowers our hero with powers such as using his whole body as a whip to the use of various firearms.


Our hero then sets out on one wild and crazy adventure through 8 rather lengthy levels including, but not limited to, a junkyard, hell (yes actual hell)and a stage where Jim is a blind cave salamander for no explainable reason. At the end of every stage is a boss battle. Bosses include Bob the Killer Goldfish, Evil the Cat, Major Mucus, and Professor-Monkey-For-Head. In between stages Jim finds himself in a race against his nemesis the Evil Psy Crow.


So after all that who is Jim rescuing? None other than the lovely Princess Whats-Her-Name. No, seriously that is really her name.

So, after that introduction you're wondering how i rate the game in terms of graphics, sound, addictivness, story, depth, and difficulty right? So am I. Lets get righ to that right now.


Graphics 10: For a game that came out back in 1994 (25 years ago) it looks amazing. Every level is bright and colorful. Each and every stages is very well detailed. Not once did i ever tire of looking at the stages.


Sound 9: The game sounds amazing. From the sound effects used for the weapons to the music never gets tiring to listen to. I will say that one track that stands out to me is the music used for the Blind Salamander stage. Off the top of my head I cannot recall the name of it but its so random and out of placee but for the game it somehow works.


Addictive 10: Boy is the game addicting as heck to play. Every time I sit down to play it I end up running through the entire game. Its one game I keep coming back to over and over again. It is easy to pick up but very hard to put down.


Depth 9: As I said in my intro the game has you playing through 8 rather lengthy levels including a junkyard, hell, and a stage called Buttville. The controls are real easy to master as well. A is fire, B is using Jim as a whip, and C is jump. Pressing the jum abd whip buttons at the same time will allow Jim to swing from hook to hook.


Difficulty 9: The game is pretty difficult. Its not hard to the point that its impossible to beat. But later levels will seem confusing as to here to go or what to do. The game is challenging but its a fun challenge. Its the kind of game that makes you want to keep trying to get passed the parts you're having trouble with.


Overall Rating 9.5: The game Is not without its flaws though. One flaw is that its pretty difficult in higher stages. though not rage inducing it can make you feel very frustrated. Another flaw is that the music, while good is pretty short. Also later stages have you consume ammo as there are not enough pick ups. Other than that the game is worth picking up and playing.


The 90's were a crazy time to be a gamer. Back then every developer had to have their own animal mascot. From Sonic to Jim to even Crash and Spyro. But Earthworm Jim is one mascot action platformer worth your time and effort to play.

Ah, these were good times. I do wonder what would happen if these games got a revival, would it be more of the same remastered and upgraded? Or would they turn it into an FPS? That both enthuses and scares me at the same time.

Good review, I look forward to seeing what else you have in store. And thank you, you didn't need to listen to my suggestions but you did anyways. It makes me blush.