Earthworm Jim

"Everyone’s Favorite Gun Toting Annelida"

INTRO: As crazy as it sounds, a game about an action hero worm was one of the most hyped up games to come to the Genesis. This is partly because of great graphics, and partly because of it's obscenely stupid premise. But as a platformer goes I feel that it is one that is overrated. Frustrating control and that feeling you have played this before just in different package. Admitally though Earthworm Jim's package is weird and unique one.

GRAPHICS: The graphics really are some of the best to come out on the Genesis. Everything thing is brightly colored and well detailed. The levels are quite varied too. You will go from alien trash worlds to bunjie jumping levels. There is also lot of different animations. At almost all times something is going on in the background. Which really gives the game a lot character and in turn why it is so popular.

SOUND: Just like the graphics, the sound is filled with a multitude a weird little bits. the developers were very imaginative when coming up with them. This of course furthers the games already top notch atmosphere.

CONTROLS: Although everything works fine I do have couple complaints in this department. First off some of platforming parts are really hard. Giving you the feeling the control sensitivity is a little out of wack. It is also very annoying that you can't switch your weapons on the fly. You have to completely use your pickup to revert to basic gun. This can put you in an uncompromising situation.

GAMEPLAY: Earthworm Jim is a fairly straight forward action platformer. Once you get past the great atmosphere and presentation you will find the game to be pretty basic. You run from platform to shooting all enemies and occasionally doing a jumping puzzle. But those are few and far between. That is a shame too because they were the best part of the game despite bing the most difficult.

BOTTOM LINE: Earthworm Jim is definitely a fun game when you first put it in. As well as being an original on a whole but it quickly becomes nothing special after a single play through.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 05/08/07