Earthworm Jim
Earthworm Jim is a great game period. The graphics are tremendously good using tons of animation and boat-loads of colors. Plus a lot of twisted (but kid friendly) humor. What other game lets you launch cows? And you just can't beat the charm of playing an earthworm named Jim who lives in a mechanical suit.
The gameplay was masterfully created. The stages are huge with lots of nooks and crannies to explore. In search of those elusive lives and special ammo. In addition there's a lot of mini-puzzles and obstacles to overcome. For example let's look at the first stage mid-boss. You can't nail him with your gun, so you realize you have to bounce those wooden crates in his direction. You dodge the falling items waiting for a crate to drop. Then whip it over to the spring. Where the box launches up and slams into the boss. There's a lot of thinking and skill required for this game if you plan to beat it.
Plus it's one of the few games that rivals its Super Nintendo counterpart. Everything, but the voices are exact in both versions. And that's only because of the Genesis's weak sound system (which makes the voices sound a bit tinny and mechanical). Other than that, Genesis owners have a true gem on their hands with Earthworm Jim.
| Category | Rating | How & Why? |
| Graphics | 9 | Great Animation & Colors / Twisted Humor in Character & Stage Designs |
| Music | 8 | Good Soundeffects and Voice-Overs (though a bit tinny) / Memorable Soundtrack |
| Gameplay | 8 | Great Platform Action / Lots of Mini-Puzzles and a Variety of Obstacles / Can Shoot, Whip, and Swing from Hooks / 3D-ish Bonus Stages |
| Innovation | 9 | Great Animation + Good Sense of Humor = Earthworm Jim |
| Replay | 8 | Lots of Territory to Cover / Stages Gradually Increase in Difficulty / In-Game Humor is a Good Change of Pace |
Overall 8.4
Written by ShinjiZ for GameyPlace.com on April 25, 2001