The history of the Earthworm Jim video game series

Earthworm Jim is a cult video game that debuted in 1994. Developed by Shiny Entertainment and published by Playmates Interactive, the game quickly gained popularity due to its unusual protagonist and humor. I had an Earthworm Jim cartridge for SEGA and it was the coolest title of all that I had in the 2000s.

Without knowing English, it was intuitive that the game was filled with jokes and catchphrases. The music, sounds, graphics, and gameplay - everything was incredibly cool. There was nowhere to read about the game's history back then, and in my older age, I simply forgot about it. So below is a bit of info in a condensed form.

The game was conceived by Doug TenNapel, who also worked on character design. TenNapel created Jim, an ordinary worm who gains superpowers after a high-tech space suit falls on him. Earthworm Jim stood out from other games of its time with its unique animation style and unconventional approach to level design.

The gameplay currently looks quite standard - players control Jim as he navigates through various levels, fighting enemies and solving puzzles. Jim can hit with his head (pretty cool), shoot with various weapons (blasters, etc.). The game contains a lot of humor, satire on popular culture, and original characters like Peter Puppy, Evil the Cat, and Queen Slug-for-a-Butt. The last two characters are great parodies of villains. Overall, Earthworm Jim is a very well-executed video game series that contains references to memes, jokes, and 90s movies. Some say the game has the atmosphere of the Ren & Stimpy cartoon. Some find allusions and parodies. So playing it in adulthood is even more interesting.

Earthworm Jim received many positive reviews for its gameplay, graphics, and sound design. The game was ported to various platforms, including Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, Game Boy, and PC. The success of the first game led to the release of a sequel, Earthworm Jim 2, in 1995, as well as the creation of an animated series. There are several games, a cartoon series, and other content. But personally, I (probably due to nostalgia) really like the first part of the game. Judging by the fact that many playthroughs of the game in Ukrainian have appeared on YouTube - Jim has pleased many. By the way, there is no animated series in Ukrainian. Two seasons of the worm can currently be watched in English.

In 2021, a new game in the series, Earthworm Jim 4, was announced, which generated great interest among fans of the original. Although specific details about the game remain unknown, its development is being carried out with the participation of some original creators. As of now (2024), there is no information about release dates or project cancellation.

Earthworm Jim became an icon of the 90s, influencing many future platformers with its innovative mechanics and style. The game is an example of how creativity and an unconventional approach can create a real hit that will remain in players' memories for many years.

Platforms: Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, Game Boy, PC, and others.

The first game in the series, developed by Shiny Entertainment and published by Playmates Interactive. Worm Jim gains superpowers thanks to a high-tech space suit. The game became a hit due to its innovative animation and satirical approach to the platformer genre. My personal TOP SEGA releases.

Platforms: Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, PlayStation, PC, and others.

In the second part, Jim returns to adventures with new weapons. The game features various levels that differ in style and gameplay mechanics, including new puzzles and mini-games. Additionally, new characters appear, such as Peter Puppy and Snott, who helps Jim. The game continued the success of the original, receiving high ratings from critics. A classmate lent me the cartridge for the second part for just one evening. So I don't have nostalgia for this part. And overall, I like it a bit less. But that's personal ^_^

Platforms: Nintendo 64, PC.

The third part of the series, which transitioned to a three-dimensional format for the first time. Developed by VIS Entertainment and published by Interplay Entertainment. Jim enters a comic world where he needs to collect parts of his brain to return to normal. The game received mixed reviews due to control and camera issues, but still had its charm thanks to humor and level design. I didn't get to play this part in my childhood. And currently, it doesn't look very appealing to me. With the first 3D games, it's always like that. Although there are exceptions (Spyro, Crash Bandicoot).

Platforms: Game Boy Color.

This game was created specifically for the portable console Game Boy Color. It features new levels and enemies, but due to the platform's technical limitations, gameplay and graphics were significantly simplified compared to previous parts. The game received mixed reviews but became an interesting part of the series for fans. Personally, I enjoyed this simplified part more than the 3D one.

Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360.

HD remake of the original game with updated graphics and new game modes. Improved visuals and new levels that were not in the original. The remake was well received by both old and new fans of the series. Players on Reddit say that the gameplay has become easier than in the original.

This is a condensed list of video games from this series. Currently, the first and second parts of the game can be officially purchased from the publisher Interplay on Steam, GOG, Epic Games, and Amazon Luna.