Remember the 90s? It was a time when video games weren't afraid to get weird. And few games embodied that glorious, unhinged spirit quite like Earthworm Jim SNES. This wasn't your average platformer; it was a bonkers, hand-drawn cartoon explosion crammed onto a cartridge, starring a worm in a super suit.
Developed by Shiny Entertainment and unleashed upon the world in 1994, Earthworm Jim quickly became a standout title on the Super Nintendo (and other consoles). Its unique animation style, bizarre humor, and challenging gameplay created an experience unlike anything else. Let's dive back into the muck and find out why this game still holds a special place in retro gamers' hearts.
A Wild Ride Through the Weirdest Levels
Earthworm Jim's premise is simple: an ordinary earthworm stumbles upon a super suit that falls from space. Now sentient and powerful, Jim must rescue Princess What's-Her-Name from her evil sister, Queen Slug-for-a-butt. The story is just an excuse for the sheer absurdity that follows.
The core gameplay is that of a run-and-gun platformer. You'll jump, shoot your plasma blaster, whip enemies with your own head, and even use that head as a propeller to glide. But it's the level design that truly sets Earthworm Jim apart. Forget generic forests and fire worlds; you'll traverse:
- New Junk City: A literal garbage heap filled with crow enemies and angry dogs.
- What the Heck?: A descent into... well, heck, complete with pitchfork-wielding demons.
- Down the Tubes: An underwater level where you navigate in a hamster ball.
- Intestinal Distress: Yes, you go inside a giant worm. It's as gross and cool as it sounds.
Each level is packed with secrets, hidden areas, and often features unique mechanics or mini-games, like bungee jumping using snot or racing Psy-Crow. This constant variety keeps the game feeling fresh, even if it sometimes throws you for a loop.
Groovy Animation and Unforgettable Characters
One of the most striking aspects of Earthworm Jim is its animation. Inspired by classic cartoons, the sprites are large, detailed, and incredibly expressive. Jim's idle animations are hilarious, and his movements are fluid. The enemies, from the simple crows to the more elaborate bosses, are equally well-designed with distinct personalities.
Speaking of bosses, Earthworm Jim features a memorable rogue's gallery, including:
- Psy-Crow: Jim's feathered bounty hunter rival.
- Major Mucus: A snotty, well, mucus blob.
- Evil the Cat: A demonic feline who resides in Heck.
The sound design is also top-notch, featuring funky music tracks and, most famously, Jim's voice clips ("Groovy!", "Excellent!"). It all adds up to a world that feels truly alive and wonderfully bizarre.
The Notorious Difficulty
Let's be honest: Earthworm Jim on the SNES is hard. Like, really hard sometimes. Enemies hit hard, platforms are tricky, and some levels (looking at you, "Totally Tubular" and "Intestinal Distress") require near-perfect execution. The lack of a save feature (relying on passwords for continues) can make progress feel like a grind, especially for modern players used to constant checkpoints.
However, for many retro fans, this difficulty is part of the charm. Beating a tough section feels incredibly rewarding, and mastering Jim's controls is key to survival. It demands patience and practice, much like the arcade games it drew inspiration from.
Reliving the Grooviness Today
Finding an original Earthworm Jim SNES cartridge might take some searching (and can be pricey!), but the game's legacy lives on. While the SNES version isn't officially available digitally, the PC version is often found on platforms dedicated to classic games, preserving that unique experience for new generations. (As an example of classic game preservation, you can sometimes find vintage PC titles on platforms like GOG or archives like Archive.org).
The Verdict: Still a Wormy Masterpiece?
Absolutely. Earthworm Jim SNES isn't just a nostalgic trip; it's a genuinely creative and entertaining game that holds up surprisingly well. Its difficulty can be a barrier, and some moments might feel dated compared to modern platformers, but its distinct art style, hilarious personality, and inventive level design make it a true classic.
If you missed it the first time around or want to revisit a piece of 90s gaming history that dared to be different, give Earthworm Jim a shot. Just be prepared for a wild, wormy ride!
FAQ
Q: Is Earthworm Jim SNES the best version of the game? A: The SNES and Genesis versions are generally considered the definitive console versions, with minor differences in graphics, sound, and level layouts. Many fans have a preference based on which console they owned.
Q: Is the game really that difficult? A: Yes, the game is known for its high difficulty curve, especially in later levels. It requires precise platforming and combat skills.
Q: Does Earthworm Jim SNES have a save feature? A: No, like many games of its era, it uses a password system to continue your progress after getting a Game Over.
Q: Why is Earthworm Jim considered a classic? A: Its unique hand-drawn animation, bizarre humor, inventive level design, and challenging gameplay set it apart from other platformers of the time, creating a memorable and influential experience.
