Earthworm Jim

"Possibly the best version of the original Earthworm Jim out there. A classic."

Any self-respecting gamer has played Earthworm Jim, specifically for the SNES or Genesis, at least once in their lifetime. If nothing else, you probably thought it was interesting, right? I mean, it IS a game about a worm in a specialized suit, fighting to save a princess. This isn't your ordinary, run-of-the-mill action title. Hell, I love this game so much I'd even say that it gives Mario a bit of a run for his money.

In this reviewers humble opinion, Earthworm Jim is one of the best games ever made -- and that's saying a lot, with all the great games out there. What makes this game such a prize is the fact that it's not only innovative and quirky, but also extremely well-made in the gameplay and graphics department. This game has everything going for it, except 3-D graphics, which any hardcore gamer knows are not essential for a great gaming experience. I've heard people complain that they wish they had an Earthworm Jim game in 3-D -- and look what they got? Earthworm Jim 3-D...a terrible, terrible game.

So, when I stumbled across the PC version of the original game, I quickly snatched it up, even though I already owned the Genesis version. I mainly wanted to see if there were any differences, improvements, etc. And lo and behold their WERE -- a whole new level,to be exact! The BIG BRUTY level, while extremely interesting and certainly lots of fun to play through, especially for hardcore-Jim fans, is extremely out of place, at least in my eyes. Maybe it's because I've played the Genesis version a million times, in which the second level is WHAT THE HECK? But also, I think a major reason that the level somewhat clashes is due to the fact that it's actually somewhat puzzle-oriented -- not really in the conventional sense, but in a different way. Instead of facing your enemies head-on in the BRUTY level, you instead have to lure them with your scent, and then get them to follow you, therefore tricking them and letting you get past them to advance in the level. But really, I can't complain about an extra level -- it's great stuff, and any Jim-fan will agree, I'm sure.

There is an automatic save feature after every level in this game, which is a great feature. It also gives the player free-access to any level they have already beaten, even the Andy Asteroid's levels. This alone gives the game an edge over the other ports of Earthworm Jim out there, which required you to play the game in one sitting or with the aid of a password...*ahem* (the Gameboy Advance version).

I also want to add that the sound is actually improved in this game, sounding much more crisp, and giving access to all of the music tracks when put in a conventional CD-player. The sound-effects also share the same crispness, which is also a definite plus, as they really help give the game a ''cartoony'' feel.

I know people are really concerned with replay value in their games, so I figured I should mention that Earthworm Jim has all the same secrets, side-paths and extra power-ups of the original ports, including the WHO TURNED THE LIGHTS OUT? secret level. There is plenty to find for newbies and veterans alike -- this version is actually preferable for veterans however, because of the new BIG BRUTY level.

If you haven't played Earthworm Jim before, then please, jump on the bandwagon and find out what everyone is talking about. This game is somewhat of an oldie, but it is certainly ageless in its quality and innovation. You'll find yourself humming the tunes, saying the jokes, and playing the game over and over again, purely for the sake of experiencing it again. No joke -- play this game. Steal it from one of your friends, if you have to.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 02/18/04