Editing Earthworm Jim (video game) (section)

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| GR = 81.17% {{small|(Genesis)}}<ref name="GR">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/genesis/586155-earthworm-jim/index.html |access-date=August 8, 2014 |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |title=Earthworm Jim |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810031222/http://www.gamerankings.com/genesis/586155-earthworm-jim/index.html |archive-date=2014-08-10 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br />83% (SNES)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/snes/588302-earthworm-jim/index.html |title=Earthworm Jim for Super Nintendo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205223728/https://www.gamerankings.com/snes/588302-earthworm-jim/index.html |archive-date=5 December 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br />84% (IOS)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/977562-earthworm-jim/index.html |title=Earthworm Jim for IOS |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205230206/http://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/977562-earthworm-jim/index.html |archive-date=5 December 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| EGM = 8.75/10 <small>(Genesis)</small><ref name="EGM63"/><br />8.4/10 <small>(SNES)</small><ref name="EGM63snes"/><br />8.875/10 <small>(Sega CD)</small><ref name="EGM68"/><br />6.5/10 <small>(Game Gear)</small><ref name="EGM72"/>
| GameFan = 293/300 {{small|(Sega CD)}}<ref name="GameFan">{{cite magazine |last1=Halverson |first1=Dave |author1-link=Dave Halverson |last2=Rox |first2=Nick |last3=Lee |first3=K. |title=Viewpoint |journal=[[GameFan]] |date=April 1995 |volume=3 |issue=4 |pages=18–9 |url=https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_3_Issue_04/page/n17/mode/2up}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''Maximum''
| rev1Score = {{rating|4|5}} <small>(Windows 95)</small><ref name="Max4"/>
| rev2 = ''[[Mega (magazine)|Mega]]''
| rev2Score = 92% <small>(Mega Drive)</small><ref>Mega review, ''[[Mega (magazine)|Mega]]'', issue 26, page 53, November 1994</ref>
| NGen = {{rating|4|5}} <small>(Genesis)</small><ref name="NG1"/><br />{{rating|4|5}} <small>(Sega CD)</small><ref name="NG5"/><br>{{rating|3|5}} <small>(GBA)</small><ref name="NGv4n7"/>
| rev3 = ''[[Computer Game Review]]''
| rev3Score = 86/79/68 {{small|(Windows 95)}}<ref name=cgr>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961221184648/http://www.nuke.com/cgr/reviews/9603/ewormjim/ewormjim.htm | url=http://www.nuke.com/cgr/reviews/9603/ewormjim/ewormjim.htm | title=One Tough Noodle | date=March 1996 | author1=Snyder, Frank | author2=Chapman, Ted | author3=Gehrs, Scott | work=[[Computer Game Review]] | archive-date=December 21, 1996 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
| award1Pub = ''[[VideoGames & Computer Entertainment|VideoGames]]''
| award1 = Best Genesis Game<ref name="VG74">{{cite magazine |title=VideoGames Best of '94 |magazine=[[VideoGames - The Ultimate Gaming Magazine]] |date=February 1995 |issue=74 (March 1995) |pages=44–7 |url=https://archive.org/details/Video_Games_The_Ultimate_Gaming_Magazine_Issue_74_March_1995/page/n45/mode/2up}}</ref>
| MC = 72/100 (GBA)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/earthworm-jim/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance|title=Earthworm Jim (GBA) on Metacritic|website=[[Metacritic]] }}</ref>
| Allgame = {{Rating|4.5|5}} (SNES)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2482&tab=review |title=Earthworm Jim (SNES) Review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115072258/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2482&tab=review |archive-date=15 November 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br />{{Rating|4|5}} (PC)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=787&tab=review |title=Earthworm Jim (PC) Review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114143528/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=787&tab=review |archive-date=14 November 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}

The game received a positive reception upon release. ''Earthworm Jim'' was awarded Best Genesis Game of 1994 by ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'',<ref name="egmbuyersguide1995">{{cite journal |year=1995 |title=Electronic Gaming Monthly's Buyer's Guide}}</ref> ''[[GamePro]]'' gave the Genesis version a perfect score,<ref name="GPro74">{{cite magazine|title=ProReview: Earthworm Jim|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=74|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=November 1994|pages=70–71}}</ref> and ''[[Famicom Tsūshin]]'' scored the Super Famicom version of the game a 30 out of 40.<ref>NEW GAMES CROSS REVIEW: アースワームジム. Weekly Famicom Tsūshin. No.341. Pg.30. 30 June 1995.</ref>

The game has been noted for its fluid animation, featuring a hand-drawn style that was unusual for [[History of video game consoles (fourth generation)|16-bit]] releases.<ref name="wii.ign.com"/><ref name="GPro74"/><ref>{{cite news|first=Ryan|last=Davis|title=''Earthworm Jim'' Review|work=Gamespot.com|date=June 8, 2001|access-date=January 14, 2012|url=http://www.gamespot.com/earthworm-jim/reviews/earthworm-jim-review-2771794/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128080917/http://www.gamespot.com/earthworm-jim/reviews/earthworm-jim-review-2771794/|archive-date=2012-01-28|url-status=live}}</ref> ''GamePro'' argued that the game has "the most innovative gameplay since [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic]] first raced onto the Genesis", backing up the point by noting "In the first level, New Junk City, Jim leaps off old tires, climbs strange crevices and cliffs, swings from chains, and creeps through a maze of garbage - and that's the most traditional level in the game!"<ref name="GPro74"/> ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' gave rave reviews for both the Genesis and Super NES versions, praising animations, long levels, and a warped sense of humor. One of their reviewers summarized that "This game was made by a gamer, and it shows."<ref name="EGM63">{{cite magazine|title=Review Crew: Earthworm Jim|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=63|publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=October 1994|page=34}}</ref><ref name="EGM63snes">{{cite magazine|title=Review Crew: Earthworm Jim|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=63|publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=October 1994|page=38}}</ref> Regarding the game's overall appeal, a review from GameZone stated "Back when platformers were the king of genres, ''Earthworm Jim'' made its presence known as the 'cool kid on the block' by appealing to many demographics. Obtaining a moderate difficulty level and establishing itself with stylish humor, ''Earthworm Jim'' was a financial and critical success for Interplay and Shiny Entertainment. Even though I feel the sequel is the best of the series, the original still is able to stand out on its own."<ref name="gamezone.com">[http://www.gamezone.com/news/earthworm_jim_sega_genesis_super_nintendo_entertainment_system Gamezone.com] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116102024/http://www.gamezone.com/news/earthworm_jim_sega_genesis_super_nintendo_entertainment_system |date=November 16, 2012}}</ref> The review also went on to praise the soundtrack from Mark Miller as well.<ref name="gamezone.com"/> ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' reviewed the Genesis version of the game, and stated that "Sure, it's only a slick 16bit platform game. And anyone looking for anything revolutionary will be disappointed - there's nothing strictly ''new'' here. But it's a whole load of fun, and ''that''{{'}}s what counts."<ref name="NG1">{{cite magazine|title=Finals|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=1|publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|date=January 1995|page=99}}</ref>

The Sega CD enhanced port was also well received. ''GamePro'' and ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' remarked that whereas most Sega CD ports simply add enhanced music, ''Earthworm Jim'' included many worthwhile additions such as new animations, new levels, and the new homing missile weapon.<ref name="EGM68">{{cite magazine|title=Review Crew: Earthworm Jim Special Edition|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=69|publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=April 1995|page=34}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=ProReview: Earthworm Jim Special Edition|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=79 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=April 1995|page=48}}</ref>

''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' reviewed that the Game Gear version has impressive graphics by portable standards, but is crippled by the Game Gear's limited two-button control, frequent screen blurring, and frustrating difficulty.<ref name="EGM72">{{cite magazine|title=Review Crew: Earthworm Jim|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=72|publisher=Sendai Publishing |date=July 1995|page=40}}</ref> ''GamePro'' also felt the two-button control to be a serious problem, but concluded the Game Gear version to be "Overall ... fine for fans who want to take their EWJ show on the road."<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Earthworm Jim|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=81|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=June 1995|page=104}}</ref>

Reviewing the Windows 95 version, ''Maximum'' claimed "it's not only a damn fine platform game, it's probably the best the PC has seen to date." They particularly praised the non-frustrating challenge and the strong personality of the graphics.<ref name="Max4">{{cite magazine|title=Maximum Reviews: Earthworm Jim|magazine=Maximum: The Video Game Magazine|issue=4 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=March 1996|page=157}}</ref> ''[[Computer Game Review]]'' remarked, "If you found ''[[Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure|Pitfall, The Mayan Adventure]]'' entertaining, you'll want to check this one out."<ref name=cgr /> ''[[Computer Games Magazine|Computer Games Strategy Plus]]'' named the computer release of ''Earthworm Jim'' the best arcade title of 1995.<ref name=cgm1995awards>{{cite journal | author=Staff | journal=[[Computer Games Magazine]] | title=A Decade of Gaming; Award Winners of 1995 |date=November 2000 | issue=120 | pages=56–58, 60, 62, 66, 68, 70–76}}</ref>

''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' reviewed the Sega CD version of ''Earthworm Jim: Special Edition'', and stated that "While a prepackaged, presold character, who's as cynically calculated for hip success as Earthworm Jim does rub us the wrong way, we admit there was a cracking good game to back him up, and this new CD version is even better."<ref name="NG5">{{cite magazine|title=Finals|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=5|publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|date=May 1995|page=98}}</ref> ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' gave the game an A and wrote that the game is too similar to the Genesis and Super NES versions to warrant a new purchase.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/1995/06/23/earthworm-jim-special-edition/ |title=Earthworm Jim Special Edition |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=2018-09-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925032931/http://www.ew.com/article/1995/06/23/earthworm-jim-special-edition |archive-date=2015-09-25 |url-status=live}}</ref>

However, later [[Gameloft]] remakes of the games received mixed reviews. Reception for the 2010 remake, ''Earthworm Jim HD'', was less positive. IGN and GameSpot both said the surreal art style and animation stood the test of time, but felt some gameplay aspects and controls were dated in comparison to modern platformers.<ref name="xboxlive.ign.com"/><ref name="gamespot.com"/> Similarly, the [[iPhone]] version of the game was criticized for its sloppy controls, mostly due to being touchscreen only.<ref name="wireless.ign.com"/>

The game sold more than 1 million copies by 1995.<ref>{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Miller|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89476063/the-los-angeles-times/|title=Hired Guns|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|page=209|date=September 10, 1995|accessdate=November 24, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>

''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' reviewed the Game Boy Advance version of the game, rating it three stars out of five, and stated that "Luckily, aside from some cheap hits, missed dodges, and blind jumps, everything else is pretty fun."<ref name="NGv4n7">{{cite magazine|title=GBA Games|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|volume=4|issue=7|publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|date=July 2001|page=63}}</ref>

===Accolades===
''Earthworm Jim'' was rated the 114th-best game made on a Nintendo System in ''[[Nintendo Power]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Top 200 Games list.<ref name="NP Top 200">{{Cite magazine|date=February 2006|title=NP Top 200|volume=200|pages=58–66|magazine=Nintendo Power}}</ref> ''EGM'' gave it their "Game of the Month" award,<ref name="EGM68" /> and ''GamePro'' later awarded it Best Sega CD Game of 1995.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=February 1996|title=Editor's Choice Awards 1995|magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|issue=89|page=26}}</ref> In 2018, [[Complex Networks|Complex]] rated the game 54th on their The Best Super Nintendo Games of All Time writing: "Earthworm Jim was unlike any other game out there at the time, and it’s still quite original today. Its weird, surreal storyline was only made all the better by the solid platforming and shooting that went on here. We still love Earthworm Jim. Ga-roo-vy!"<ref>{{Cite web|last=Knight|first=Rich|date=April 30, 2018|title=The Best Super Nintendo Games of All Time|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/the-100-best-super-nintendo-games/|access-date=2022-02-01|website=Complex|language=en}}</ref> In 2017, [[GamesRadar+|Gamesradar]] ranked the game 19th on their "Best Sega Genesis/Mega Drive games of all time." They felt that the game's free-form shooting and platforming kept it fresh and relevant and called it "a jolly side-scrolling adventure".<ref>{{Cite web |last=GamesRadar Staff |date=2017-06-21 |title=Best Sega Genesis/Mega Drive games of all time |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-sega-genesis-games-all-time/ |access-date=2022-02-27 |website=gamesradar |language=en}}</ref> [[IGN]] listed Earthworm Jim 57th in their "Top 100 SNES Games of All Time."<ref>{{Citation |title=Top 100 SNES Games of All Time - IGN.com |url=https://www.ign.com/lists/top-100-snes-games |language=en |access-date=2022-07-02}}</ref> In 1995, [[Total!]] ranked the game 14th in its Top 100 SNES Games saying: "The game reeks of quality, plays like a dream, is hilariously funny and is packed with more original touches than anyone would have thought possible."<ref>{{Cite journal |date=July 1995 |title=Top 100 SNES Games |url=https://archive.org/details/total-43/page/n39/mode/2up |journal=Total! |issue=43 |pages=41}}</ref> In the same year, ''[[Flux (magazine)|Flux]]'' magazine placed ''Earthworm Jim'' 7th on its Top 100 Video Games. They praised the game writing: "Intensely great gameplay. Wiggy, hilarious animation. Complex, richly rendered backgrounds."<ref>{{Cite journal |date=April 1995 |title=Top 100 Video Games |url=https://archive.org/details/flux-issue-4/page/n25/mode/2up |journal=Flux |publisher=Harris Publications |issue=4 |pages=26}}</ref>