When it comes to retro games, few titles are as recognizable and beloved as Earthworm Jim. Developed by Shiny Entertainment and published by Playmates Interactive Entertainment, Earthworm Jim originally released in 1994 for the Sega Mega Drive / Genesis and later ported to other platforms, including the Super Nintendo. With its off-the-wall humor, unconventional level design, and quirky gameplay mechanics, Earthworm Jim quickly became a fan favorite, spawning sequels and adaptations for various media. In this review, we will take a closer look at the game’s strengths and weaknesses and determine whether it’s still worth playing today.
One of the first things that stand out about Earthworm Jim is its level design. Unlike most platformers of its time, Earthworm Jim doesn’t follow a linear path, but rather offers a sandbox-like environment where players can explore and discover hidden areas. The levels are filled with set-pieces that range from bizarre to hilarious, such as riding a giant hamster, navigating a sea pod, or engaging in a bungee cord fight. Each level has its unique theme and atmosphere, from the slick neon of New Junk City to the psychedelic madness of Andy Asteroids. The level design is genuinely refreshing and keeps the game from feeling repetitive or monotonous.
Another highlight of Earthworm Jim is its weaponry. The titular character, a worm in a high-tech suit, has a variety of weapons at his disposal, from a plasma blaster to a homing missile to a whip. Each weapon has its strengths and weaknesses, and learning how to use them effectively is crucial for success. Players also need to conserve ammo, as each weapon has limited use, and picking up ammo crates is essential. The combat is fast-paced and satisfying, and the diverse range of enemies ensures that players are always on their toes.
One of the standout features of Earthworm Jim is the racing levels. The Andy Asteroids racing sections are a blast to play and could easily be a game on their own. Players control Jim’s rocket ship and race against other characters, including a flying pig and a crow. The levels are challenging but fair, and the controls are responsive. The racing levels add a welcome change of pace to the game and showcase the developers’ creativity.
However, Earthworm Jim is not without its flaws. The game’s biggest drawback is its reliance on trial-and-error gameplay and obtuse design.
Some of the levels require precise timing and platforming skills, which can be frustrating for players who prefer a more relaxed experience. Additionally, the game’s later stages put too much emphasis on instant death traps and difficult bosses, which can feel unfair and unforgiving. The game’s difficulty spikes can artificially inflate the overall playtime, and the lack of save points or passwords can make progress feel tedious and repetitive.
Another aspect of Earthworm Jim that falls short is the music. While the game’s soundtrack has some memorable tunes, such as the iconic “New Junk City,” most of the music feels ill-fitting and doesn’t match the level’s theme or atmosphere. The music can feel generic and uninspired, which is a shame considering the game’s overall quirkiness and humor.
Despite its flaws, Earthworm Jim remains a beloved classic that offers a unique and entertaining experience. Its unconventional level design, diverse set-pieces, and quirky gameplay mechanics make it stand out from other platformers of its time. The game’s weaponry, racing levels, and secret areas add depth and variety to the gameplay, and the game’s humor and off-the-wall characters give it a distinct personality.
In conclusion, Earthworm Jim is a game that is worth revisiting for its nostalgic charm and entertaining gameplay. It may not be a perfect game, but its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. If you’re a fan of classic platformers or off-beat humor, Earthworm Jim is a must-play game that showcases the creativity and talent of its developers.
Summary
Earthworm Jim is a unique and entertaining action game with its refreshing level design, diverse set-pieces, and quirky gameplay mechanics. It offers an arsenal of awesome weaponry, memorable racing levels, and secret areas to explore. However, the game’s reliance on trial-and-error and obtuse design can lead to frustration, especially in later stages with instant death traps and challenging bosses. Overall, Earthworm Jim is a nostalgic game that provides a fun and memorable experience, but it has its fair share of flaws.
