Editing Earthworm Jim (video game)

{{About|the 1994 video game|the television series|Earthworm Jim (TV series)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Short description|1994 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Earthworm Jim
| image = Earthworm_Jim_Neutral_Cover.jpg
| caption = 
| developer = {{collapsible list|title=[[Shiny Entertainment]] (MD, SNES, Mega CD)|[[Eurocom]] (GB, GG, MS)<br/>[[Rainbow Arts]] (DOS)<br/>[[Kinesoft]] (Win95)<br/>[[Game Titan]] (GBA)}}
| publisher = {{vgrelease|NA|[[Playmates Interactive Entertainment]]|NA|[[Activision]] (Win95)|EU|[[Virgin Interactive Entertainment]]|EU|[[Activision]] (Win95)|JP|[[Takara]] ([[Sega Channel]], SNES)|WW|[[Interplay Productions|Interplay]] <small>(Sega CD)</small>}}
| producer = David Luehmanh
| designer = [[Doug TenNapel]]<br />Tom Tanaka
| artist = Doug TenNapel<br />[[Nick Bruty]]<br />Steve Crow<br />Mike Dietz<br />Ed Schofield
| programmer = [[David Perry (game developer)|David Perry]]<br />Nicholas Jones<br />Andy Astor
| composer = [[Tommy Tallarico]]<br />Mark Miller<ref>{{Cite video game|title=Earthworm Jim|platform=Super Nintendo Entertainment System|date=1994|developer=Shiny Entertainment|scene=Credits}}</ref>
| series = ''[[Earthworm Jim]]''
| platforms = [[Sega Genesis|Genesis]], [[Super NES]], [[Sega CD]], [[Game Boy]], [[Game Gear]], [[Windows]], [[MS-DOS]], [[Master System]], [[Game Boy Advance]]
| released = {{collapsible list|title=October 1994|
'''Genesis'''{{vgrelease|NA|October 1994<ref name="NARelease">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/game-pro-issue-63-october-1994/page/101/mode/1up|title=THIS IS THE BUTT OF THE EARTHWORM THAT SAVED THE WORLD.|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=63|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=October 1994|page=101}}</ref>|EU|November 1994<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Earthworm Jim|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/6/6c/GamesMaster_UK_023.pdf|access-date=September 4, 2017|magazine=[[GamesMaster (magazine)|GamesMaster]]|date=November 1994|page=68}}</ref>|JP|December 1, 1995 <small>(Sega Channel only)</small>}}
'''Super NES'''{{vgrelease|NA|October 1994<ref name="NARelease"/>|EU|December 16, 1994<ref name="CTW518">{{cite magazine |title=CTW Games Guide |magazine=Computer Trade Weekly |location=United Kingdom |date=19 December 1994 |issue=518 |page=21}}</ref>|JP|June 23, 1995}} 
'''Sega CD''' <small>(Special Edition)</small><br />{{vgrelease|NA|May 1995<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Rating Genesis |magazine=Next Generation |location=United States |date=May 1995 |page=98}}</ref>|EU|1995{{efn|name=CD|Reported release date varies; sources suggest either May 1995<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Review |magazine=Sega Pro |location=United Kingdom |date=May 1995 |page=70}}</ref> or June 1995.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://segaretro.org/index.php?title=File:MeanMachinesSega31UK.pdf&page=80|title=''Mean Machines Sega'' #31 pg. 80|date=May 1995|publisher=Sega Retro|access-date=28 March 2017}}</ref>}}}}
'''Game Boy'''{{vgrelease|NA|1995{{efn|name=GB|Reported release date varies; sources suggest either June 1995<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Earthworm Jim |magazine=GamePro |location=United States |date=June 1995 |page=104}}</ref> or September 1995.<ref>{{cite web| author=Nintendo staff |title=Game Boy (original) Games | url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/dmg_games.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615005225/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/dmg_games.pdf | publisher=[[Nintendo]] | archive-date=15 June 2011 | access-date=24 September 2011}}</ref>}}|EU|1995}}
'''Game Gear'''{{vgrelease|NA|July 1995<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Earthworm Jim |magazine=GamePro |location=United States |date=June 1995 |page=106}}</ref>|EU|1995}}
'''Windows 95'''{{vgrelease|NA|November 30, 1995|EU|1995}}
'''MS-DOS'''{{vgrelease|NA|April 30, 1996|EU|1996}}
'''Master System'''{{vgrelease|BR|1996}}
'''Game Boy Advance'''{{vgrelease|NA|June 11, 2001|EU|September 21, 2001}}
}}
| genre = [[Shoot 'em up|Run and gun]], [[Platform game|platformer]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
}}

'''''Earthworm Jim''''' is a 1994 [[Shoot 'em up#Run and gun|run and gun]] [[platform game]] developed by [[Shiny Entertainment]], featuring an [[earthworm]] named Jim, who wears a [[Powered exoskeleton|robotic suit]] and battles the forces of evil. The game was released for the [[Sega Genesis]] and [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], before being subsequently [[porting|ported]] to several other video game consoles.

It had a positive reception from critics and received a sequel, ''[[Earthworm Jim 2]]'', in 1995. In 2009, [[Gameloft]] developed and released a [[Video game remake|remake]] for mobile phones and [[Nintendo DSi]] which was later ported to [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]] as ''[[Earthworm Jim HD]]''. In February 2018, Gameloft's contract with Interplay ended and all of the ports developed by Gameloft were removed from digital stores.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Earthworm Jim Nintendo.gif|thumb|left|Jim in the "New Junk City" level on the Super NES version]]

The game plays as a [[2D computer graphics|2D]] [[sidescrolling]] [[platform game|platformer]] with elements of a [[run and gun (video game)|run and gun]] game as well. The player controls Jim and must maneuver him through the level while avoiding obstacles and enemies. The player can use Jim's gun as a method of shooting enemies, or his worm body as a whip for whipping enemies. The whip move also allows the player to grab hold of, and swing from, certain hooks. Some levels have additional requirements beyond merely getting to the end of the level. For example, the level "For Pete's Sake", involves making sure the computer-controlled Peter Puppy character gets through the level unharmed, which is accomplished by whipping him to make him jump over pits, and defeating enemies before they can damage him. Failure to do so results in Peter lashing out at Jim, depleting his health.

Levels commonly culminate with a [[Boss (video gaming)|boss battle]]. The game incorporates a large variety of villains in the boss battles, including Hickboy, Psy-Crow, Queen Slug-for-a-Butt, Evil the Cat, Bob the Killer Goldfish, Major Mucus, and Professor Monkey-for-a-Head-exclusive Robotic Chicken. Two villains made their only appearance in this game: Chuck, a junkyard man with a tendency to vomit bizarre objects; and Doc [[Duodenum]], a crazed organ of a giant alien.

In between most levels, a racing level called "Andy Asteroids" is played. Unlike the rest of the game, it places the viewpoint behind Jim. The player must direct Jim on his rocket, in a race against Psy-Crow, through a tube-like structure while collecting items and boosts and avoiding asteroids. If the player wins, the next level is started instantly. If Psy-Crow wins, a boss fight against him must be won to progress to the next level.

Other variations in gameplay occur throughout the game as well, such as a competitive bungee-jumping and fighting level, and an underwater maze that must be traversed both within a time limit and without crashing too many times.<ref name="wii.ign.com">{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/924/924151p1.html|title=Earthworm Jim Review|work=IGN|access-date=4 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323084613/http://wii.ign.com/articles/924/924151p1.html|archive-date=2012-03-23|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Plot==
Jim is a normal [[earthworm]], until a special "super suit" falls from the sky and allows him to operate much like a human, with his worm body acting as a head and the suit acting as a body.<ref name="hardcoregaming101.net">{{cite web|url=http://hardcoregaming101.net/earthwormjim/earthwormjim.htm|title=Hardcore Gaming 101: Earthworm Jim|access-date=4 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322054519/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/earthwormjim/earthwormjim.htm|archive-date=2016-03-22|url-status=live}}</ref> Jim now must evade the game's many [[antagonist]]s, who want the suit back. The game plays out with Jim succeeding in his quest to meet Princess What's-Her-Name. However, she is crushed by a cow that Jim launched into space at the beginning of the game.<ref name="hardcoregaming101.net"/>

==Development==
[[Playmates Toys]], finding success with the license for [[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]], wanted to start their own franchise.<ref name="hardcoregaming101.net"/> Inspired by the success of the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' series with its [[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|first]] and [[Sonic the Hedgehog 2|second]] installments, they decided that they wanted to start the franchise as a video game, a rare approach at the time.<ref name="hardcoregaming101.net"/> From there, the game's design actually started with [[Doug TenNapel|Douglas TenNapel]]'s simple sketch of an earthworm that he presented to [[Shiny Entertainment]].<ref name="killscreendaily.com">{{cite web|url=http://killscreendaily.com/articles/laughing-stock-doug-tennapel|title=Laughing Stock: Doug TenNapel|work=Kill Screen|access-date=4 October 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622081730/http://killscreendaily.com/articles/laughing-stock-doug-tennapel/|archive-date=22 June 2013}}</ref> Impressed, programmer [[David Perry (game developer)|David Perry]] and the rest of Shiny bought the rights to Earthworm Jim from TenNapel and started developing the game.<ref name="killscreendaily.com"/> From there, TenNapel would work on doing the game design, making level ideas, and voicing Jim's character, while Perry and the other programmers created additional characters and game mechanics.<ref name="killscreendaily.com"/> Perry recounted that the giant hamster "was drawn by one of our guys at three o'clock one morning".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Game Makers: The Producers|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=73|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=August 1995|pages=20–24}}</ref>

The game was developed simultaneously for the Genesis and Super NES using a "custom heterogeneous programming language" created by Shiny Entertainment. Almost all levels were first programmed by Dave Perry on the Genesis and then converted to the Super NES by Nick Jones. "For Pete's Sake" was coded simultaneously on both platforms by Andy Astor, and "Andy Asteroids" and "Snot a Problem" were originally programmed on the Super NES by Nick Jones and then converted to the Genesis.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Earthworm Jim supplement|journal=Super Gamer|issue=8|publisher=[[Paragon Publishing]]|date=November 1994|pages=11}}</ref>

The game's unique atmosphere, world, and characters were because the company had previously always been restricted to doing licensed games, like [[7up]]'s ''[[Cool Spot]]'', where they had to conform to the other company's preset limitations.<ref name="killscreendaily.com"/> In that respect, the game was actually created as a satire of platform video games at the time. For instance, "Princess What's-Her-Name" was a parody of how numerous video games had throw-away female characters that needed to be saved.<ref name="killscreendaily.com"/>

===Release===
The original version was released for the [[Sega Genesis|Genesis]] in October 1994.<ref name="NARelease"/><ref name="hardcoregaming101.net"/> A version for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]] was released shortly after the original and is largely the same as the Genesis version. The Super NES version has altered graphics, with different backgrounds and special effects, but lacked some sound effects and one of the levels from the Genesis version (titled "Intestinal Distress").<ref name="hardcoregaming101.net"/> The stated reason for the Genesis version having the extra level was that the "Genesis version was more easily compressed and had the room for the bonus level".<ref name="hardcoregaming101.net"/> Subsequently, [[Nick Bruty]] stated in an interview that Sega asked Shiny Entertainment to add a level exclusively to the Sega version in exchange for reduced cartridge cost. Nick states that they designed the level overnight, and completed coding and testing the level in a single day (the day the game was sent to be printed to the consoles).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.theretrohour.com/earthworm-jim-aladdin-and-mdk-with-nick-bruty-the-retro-hour-ep58/ |title=Earthworm Jim, Aladdin and MDK with Nick Bruty – The Retro Hour EP58 |date=February 17, 2017 |access-date=2017-05-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218004342/http://www.theretrohour.com/earthworm-jim-aladdin-and-mdk-with-nick-bruty-the-retro-hour-ep58/ |archive-date=2017-02-18 |url-status=live}}</ref> The game was released in Japan physically only on Super Famicom on June 23, 1995, published by [[Takara]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG2CdHeAqDk | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/cG2CdHeAqDk| archive-date=2021-12-11 | url-status=live|title=Japanese TV Commercials [3738] Earthworm Jim アースワーム・ジム| website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> while the Japanese Mega Drive version was available exclusively via the [[Sega Channel]] service on December 1, 1995.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://vc.sega.jp/vc_ewj/ |title=Sega of Japan Virtual Console page (Japanese) |access-date=2016-01-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124032321/http://vc.sega.jp/vc_ewj/ |archive-date=2015-11-24 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The game's Genesis release was promoted with a [[television commercial]] in which an elderly woman tells a [[bedtime story]] about Earthworm Jim while eating live earthworms (actually plastic props). The networks airing the commercial received so many complaints from nauseated viewers that the commercial was pulled in some markets, including stations in [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]], [[Spokane]], and [[Sacramento]].<ref>{{cite magazine|date=January 1995|title=Earthworm Jim Commercial Becoming a Real Mouthful|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|publisher=Sendai Publishing|issue=66|page=64}}</ref>

The game's Special Edition was released for the Sega Genesis add-on, the [[Sega CD]]. It was based on the Genesis version, contained all of its levels, plus some extended sections and a single completely new level, titled "Big Bruty", a new remixed [[Compact Disc Digital Audio|Red Book]] CD audio soundtrack, as well as around 1,000 more frames of in-game animation.<ref name="hardcoregaming101.net"/> These versions were also the only ones to contain alternate endings when winning on the "Easy" or "Difficult" modes, in which a narrator (Doug TenNapel) rambles on about many (false) facts on worms or congratulates the player in a similar absurd manner respectively. The Special Edition was later ported to [[Windows 95]] by [[Activision]].<ref name="hardcoregaming101.net"/>

Another special edition of the game was released exclusively through the [[Sega Channel]] for a contest dubbed ''The Great Earthworm Jim Race''. This version included a secret room which, when reached by the first 200 players, would display a password and a [[toll-free telephone number]]. Those who called the number were awarded prizes.<ref name="Races. Pg.28">''Sega Channel is Off to the Races''. [[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]. Issue 69. Pg.28. April 1995.</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Earthworm Jim Winner Crowned|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=70 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=May 1995|pages=139–140}}</ref>

[[Eurocom]] ported a compressed and scaled down version for the [[Game Boy]]. It was hindered by the lack of color, lack of graphical detail due to both processor and small screen size, choppy animations, and a lack of buttons, which made it hard to control.<ref name="hardcoregaming101.net"/> This version was also ported to the [[Game Gear]], which included color graphics, but still suffered from all of the other problems of the Game Boy version.<ref name="hardcoregaming101.net"/> A direct port of the Game Gear version was also brought to the [[Master System]], but only in Brazil.<ref name="hardcoregaming101.net"/> However, it only has 4 levels, and the boss in "What the Heck?" is missing.

A conversion of the game was also being developed by German studio Softgold and planned to be published by [[Atari Corporation]] for both the [[Atari Jaguar]] and the [[Atari Jaguar CD]], but it was never finished due to the departure of Normen B. Kowalewski from Atari, who was the lead developer of the port, sometime between or at the end of 1995. The alpha prototype, which consisted of basic character animations, and the source code of the conversion are currently lost.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Quartermann|url=https://archive.org/stream/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly_65#page/n59/mode/1up|title=Gaming Gossip|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=65|publisher=EGM Media, LLC|date=December 1994|page=56}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=bmx|url=http://atariage.com/forums/topic/235352-earthworm-jim-on-jaguarquestion-was-asked-answer-was-given/#entry3196194|title=Earthworm Jim on Jaguar:question was asked, answer was given :-)|website=[[AtariAge]]|date=March 12, 2015|access-date=2018-09-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517060013/http://atariage.com/forums/topic/235352-earthworm-jim-on-jaguarquestion-was-asked-answer-was-given/#entry3196194|archive-date=2015-05-17|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Baranski|first=Björn|url=http://ejagfest.de/interview-earthworm-jim-was-planned-for-the-atari-jaguar/?lang=en|title=Interview: Earthworm Jim was planned for the Atari Jaguar|publisher=ejagfest.de|date=November 3, 2015|access-date=2018-06-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142830/http://ejagfest.de/interview-earthworm-jim-was-planned-for-the-atari-jaguar/?lang=en|archive-date=2018-06-12|url-status=live}}</ref>

The game also had an MS-DOS port released in a package titled ''[[Earthworm Jim 1 & 2: The Whole Can 'O Worms]]'' (along with the MS-DOS port of ''[[Earthworm Jim 2]]'') with redrawn graphics and missing the level "Intestinal Distress". The game was ported by [[Rainbow Arts]].

In 2001, Game Titan ported the [[Super NES]] version to the [[Game Boy Advance]]. Despite the extra power of the Game Boy Advance, this version still ran very poorly, with bad animation, and missing details, and was widely criticized.<ref name="hardcoregaming101.net"/>

The game was re-released digitally on some platforms in the late 2000s as well. The original Genesis version was released through [[Wii]]'s [[Virtual Console]] service in Europe on October 3, 2008,<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 3, 2008|title=Now on Virtual Console|url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2008/Now-on-Virtual-Console-250715.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201206163021/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2008/Now-on-Virtual-Console-250715.html|archive-date=December 6, 2020|access-date=August 26, 2009|publisher=[[Nintendo of Europe]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Purchese|first=Robert|date=October 3, 2008|title=Earthworm Jim on Virtual Console|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/earthworm-jim-on-virtual-console|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828050302/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/earthworm-jim-on-virtual-console|archive-date=August 28, 2011|access-date=December 6, 2020|website=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref> in North America on October 27, 2008<ref name="VC NA">{{cite news|title=Two WiiWare Games and One Virtual Console Game Added to Wii Shop Channel|url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/oT8dyUiAQmpN9sL4wlTj346dEWnyry8F|date=2008-10-27|access-date=2008-10-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081031194948/http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/oT8dyUiAQmpN9sL4wlTj346dEWnyry8F|archive-date=2008-10-31|url-status=live}}</ref> and in Japan on December 16, 2008. The Genesis version was also re-released on the [[Nintendo Classics]] service on September 15, 2022. The MS-DOS version was re-released through DOSbox emulation on GOG.com on October 7, 2008, and on Steam on November 4, 2009.

''Earthworm Jim'' is included in the ''[[Sega Genesis Mini]]'' console.

===High-definition remake===
{{main|Earthworm Jim HD}}

In 2009, [[Gameloft]] released digitally an updated remake of the game on a number of mobile/handheld platforms. The remake was made entirely from scratch, without using the original game's code, and featured overhauled and smoothed graphics, a remixed soundtrack, a re-recorded voice of Jim, and touchscreen controls. Completely new, computer-themed levels were added. However, some previous features were lost. While the extended version of the "New Junk City" level from the "Special Edition" is included, "Big Bruty" ("Special Edition" new level) and "Who Turned Out the Lights?" (secret level from the original release) are not present.<ref name="wireless.ign.com">{{cite web|url=http://wireless.ign.com/articles/103/1037313p1.html|title=Earthworm Jim Review|work=IGN|access-date=4 October 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102084417/http://wireless.ign.com/articles/103/1037313p1.html|archive-date=2 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=IGN: Earthworm Jim HD|url=http://uk.ps3.ign.com/objects/026/026621.html|website=IGN|access-date=7 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100423001902/http://uk.ps3.ign.com/objects/026/026621.html|archive-date=2010-04-23|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was later released as a download for the [[Nintendo DSi]] as [[DSiWare]], which is also downloadable on the [[Nintendo 3DS]] system.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Nintendo :: Official Website :: What DSiWare games can't be transferred to the Nintendo 3DS? |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/3ds/en_na/gi_index.jsp?menu=applications%20and%20features&submenu=ctr-gi-apps-dsiware-wont-transfer |publisher=[[Nintendo]].com |access-date=2011-08-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209001731/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/3ds/en_na/gi_index.jsp?menu=applications%20and%20features&submenu=ctr-gi-apps-dsiware-wont-transfer |archive-date=2013-02-09 |url-status=live }}</ref> The only new addition for the DSiWare version was an extra minigame that involved the player using the system's camera on their own face, in order to mimic the same faces Jim would make on-screen.{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}} The Gameloft remake was also later released digitally on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network as "Earthworm Jim HD".<ref name="xboxlive.ign.com">{{cite web|url=http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/109/1095982p1.html|title=Earthworm Jim HD Review|work=IGN|access-date=4 October 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817192647/http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/109/1095982p1.html|archive-date=17 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="gamespot.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/earthworm-jim-hd/reviews/earthworm-jim-hd-review-6267072/|title=Earthworm Jim HD Review|work=GameSpot|access-date=4 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922020615/http://www.gamespot.com/earthworm-jim-hd/reviews/earthworm-jim-hd-review-6267072/|archive-date=2013-09-22|url-status=live}}</ref> It featured a [[comic book]]-like introduction, three new computer-themed bonus levels, and a 4-player multiplayer mode with special levels based on already existing ones.

==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>

==Legacy==
A sequel, ''[[Earthworm Jim 2]]'', was released in 1995. It was released in the same manner as the original; first on the Sega Genesis, and then ported to many other systems. It too was generally well received. Two further games, ''[[Earthworm Jim 3D]]'' for the [[Nintendo 64]] and [[Microsoft Windows|PC]], and ''[[Earthworm Jim: Menace 2 the Galaxy]]'' for the [[Game Boy Color]], were produced in 1999. However, they were developed without the involvement of Shiny Entertainment and were mostly met with negative reviews. An enhanced remake, ''[[Earthworm Jim (cancelled video game)|Earthworm Jim PSP]]'', by [[Atari, Inc. (1993–present)|Atari]] was planned for a 2007 release for the [[PlayStation Portable]], but was ultimately cancelled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2007/06/19/ataris-earthworm-jim-project-is-in-stasis/|title=Atari's Earthworm Jim project is in stasis - Siliconera|work=Siliconera|date=June 19, 2007 |access-date=4 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006092852/http://www.siliconera.com/2007/06/19/ataris-earthworm-jim-project-is-in-stasis/|archive-date=2014-10-06|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://hardcoregaming101.net/earthwormjim/earthwormjim3.htm|title=Hardcore Gaming 101: Earthworm Jim|access-date=4 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006090211/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/earthwormjim/earthwormjim3.htm|archive-date=2014-10-06|url-status=live}}</ref>

The game also inspired non-video game products, such as the ''[[Earthworm Jim (TV series)|Earthworm Jim]]'' television series, a comic book series, and a line of action figures.<ref name="wii.ign.com"/> Earthworm Jim is playable as a standard character in ''[[ClayFighter 63⅓]]'', and as a secret character in the "Sculptor's Cut" version of that game.

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote|Earthworm Jim}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/19970327085921/http://www.activision.com/ewormjim/ewjim.html Activision page]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/19970630001346/http://www.kinesoft.com/games/earthworm-jim.html Kinesoft Development Corp. page]
*[http://toonopedia.com/earthwrm.htm Earthworm Jim] at [[Don Markstein's Toonopedia]]. [https://www.webcitation.org/6i1K7HYKk?url=http://toonopedia.com/earthwrm.htm Archived] from the original on June 4, 2016.
*{{moby game|id=/earthworm-jim}}
*{{moby game|id=/earthworm-jim-special-edition}}

{{Earthworm Jim}}
{{Doug TenNapel}}
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