Earthworm Jim 2

"Huh?"

I would like to start by saying that I have never found a game that made less sense than this one, not saying that's necessarily a bad thing. You play as everybody's favorite Earthworm in this sequel to the hit game Earthworm Jim. The character moves much like the original and looks much like the original except the graphics have improved. Well with no further ado, heres my review.

Graphics:
The makers were thinking ''this little game of mine, I'm gonna let it shiiinee!'' Great graphics!!! In my opinion the best out of its genre for the SNES. Cows in between every level really show off the graphical genius of this game, but doesn't allow the game to make any more sense.
10/10

Sound:
Amazing! Once again, best of its genre! Some levels really show it off, for example, there is this level where you need to protect puppies from hitting the ground, and the music there is spectacular. In other, longer levels, though, the songs can get unbearably repetitive. Sound effects of explosions, gunshots, the cows saying good job, and the occasional comment by Jim, are very well done.
Anyway 8/10 (when I say repetitive, I mean repetitive!)

Controls:
These can get very annoying. I sometimes find that I just can not get Jim to go where I want or do something in the direction I want, or shoot in the direction I want. I'll be pushing A and he'll start freaking out on me, throwing snot and doing back flips, it can get pretty scary. (note: this was a gross over exaggeration) On a good note, switching between weapons has never been easier, and although its whacked out, Jim really is responsive to you commands.
I think 5/10 is fair.

Story:
What story?
7/10

Ok, Ok so anyway it seems an Earthworm named Jim is trying to impress some princess, at least that's my understanding. Basically, the easiest way to understand the story is to look at the Disney version of Robin Hood. Robin shoots an arrow (representing the story line)and is tripped up. The arrow flies straight in the air, but he shoots another arrow at it, and it somehow comes all the way back to the target. Same thing here. A goal is presented then Jim wanders away and starts digging and swimming and blowing snot and who actually knows what hes doing, what's important is he makes it back to the story line, right? (I don't know, I really couldn't sit down and beat this game)

Gameplay:
uuuuuuummmmmm, yeeeeeeaaaaaaahhhhh. . .
Earthworm Jim 2, sets the standard of mediocre. The controls take away A LOT from the gameplay, as down the swimming levels. On the other hand, digging levels are fun, and so are seeing the multiple weapons, the eye candy of the game, and the great sounds. After a while, though, I found that I was only enjoying the special, outrageous levels, and all the ordinary levels were simply bland to the point of unplayable. Some bonus levels add fun to the game, but the bonus levels can get insanely frustrating, and when some of the points of beating the bonus level is to get one extra life, then what's the point?
I'm going to give this category a well deserved 4.5/10, because it really is under par, but steers towards mediocre.

Replay:
Varies. Some levels, I could play over and over again, while others, I'd have to leave simply because of the music (ITS DRIVING ME INSANE!!!). Some can be overly frustrating, while others are way too easy, there doesn't seem to be a middle road. I love looking at all the weird (and I mean WEIRD) things this game has to offer, and sometimes look back to see if I missed anything. Still, not very good replay value. A multi player would have boosted it (like a worms game, I mean COME ON!!!), but the space wouldn't allow it I guess. 6/10

The game is really good, and original, even for a sequel. The gameplay really kills it and prevents it from becoming a great game, and a memorable game. If you are going to play it, rent it, unless you can find it for rreeeeeeeeeaaaal cheap, as many Super Nintendo games are nowadays. Earthworm Jim 2 is definitely worth taking a look at, if only for the graphics, sound, and outrageousness. Overall 7/10.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 01/20/02, Updated 01/20/02