Earthworm Jim 2: Still Groovy After All These Years?

Remember a time when platformers weren't just about running and jumping? A time when developers threw every weird idea they had at the wall just to see what stuck? If you do, chances are you remember Earthworm Jim 2. Released hot on the heels of its groundbreaking original in 1995, this sequel doubled down on the absurdity, the challenging gameplay, and the sheer, unadulterated weirdness that made the original a hit.

But does this bizarre adventure starring a super-suited annelid hold up today? Let's pull on the super suit and dive back in.

Back in the Suit: A Quick Overview

Picking up where the first game left off (sort of), Earthworm Jim 2 once again tasks our hero with rescuing Princess What's-Her-Name from the clutches of the evil Psy-Crow. The premise is simple, but the execution is anything but. Shiny Entertainment, led by the creative minds of Doug TenNapel and David Perry, didn't just make more Earthworm Jim; they made a game that felt like a fever dream in the best possible way.

Released initially on the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo, it quickly made its way to PCs and later, consoles like the Saturn and PlayStation, each with its own quirks and variations. It was a game that reviewers often lauded as even better than the first, praising its relentless creativity.

More Than Just Run & Gun: The Wild Gameplay

While the core mechanics involve classic run-and-gun platforming with Jim's trusty blaster and whip/grapple, Earthworm Jim 2 constantly twists the formula. This is where the game truly shines – and sometimes frustrates.

Forget traditional levels; EJ2 throws you into scenarios you'd never expect:

• Villi People: Navigate intestinal tracts as a blind salamander. Yes, really.
• Inflated Head: Float upwards like a balloon, dodging spikes and enemies.
• The Flyin' King: An isometric shooter where you defend a bomb.
• See Jim Run Run Jim Run: The final level isn't a boss fight, but a frantic race against Psy-Crow.

Jim's companion, Snott, isn't just for show – he's a mechanic! Use him to swing across gaps or as a parachute. New weapons like the auto-aiming gun and the Barn Blaster add to Jim's arsenal, while power-ups like the "chip butty" (a sandwich, because why not?) restore health.

This constant genre-bending and rule-breaking was revolutionary at the time, a sign that games didn't have to stick to one formula. It was funny, unpredictable, and often required players to completely rethink how they approached a level.

The Many Faces of Jim: Versions & Ports

Like many popular games of the era, Earthworm Jim 2 saw numerous ports, and their quality varied wildly:

• Genesis/SNES: The original stars. Generally well-received, with minor differences in graphics and sound.
• PC (MS-DOS): Often found in "The Whole Can 'O Worms" compilation. Featured upgraded audio and visuals but famously omitted one level (the "Lorenzen's Soil" trivia level).
• Saturn/PlayStation: Developed by a different studio. Included all levels and upgraded audio, but some critics felt they didn't push the hardware enough compared to the originals. Still, generally solid ports.
• Game Boy Advance (2002): Based on the SNES version, this port is notoriously poor. Plagued by technical issues, slowdown, and a broken save system, it's often cited as one of the worst ports ever made. Avoid this one!
• Modern Digital: The Genesis version hit the Wii Virtual Console, and the MS-DOS version is available digitally (like on GOG.com), often bundled with the first game. The SNES version even popped up on Nintendo's online service.

If you're looking to play today, the Genesis, SNES, PC (via DOSBox), Saturn, or PlayStation versions are generally the way to go, depending on your platform and preference.

Why We Loved (or Questioned) It: Reception & Legacy

Upon release, Earthworm Jim 2 garnered widespread praise. Critics lauded its creativity, humor, and varied gameplay, with many calling it a worthy successor, if not outright superior, to the first game. The unique level design, especially the sheer absurdity of levels like "ISO 9000" with its killer file cabinets and trivia segment, was a major talking point.

However, the very things that made it unique could also be sources of frustration. The difficulty spikes, the trial-and-error nature of some gimmick levels, and the lack of a save feature (though ample continues were provided) meant it wasn't always a smooth ride. Replaying it today, some players find the reliance on those specific mini-games more jarring than they did as kids, as highlighted by retrospectives on its inclusion in modern mini-consoles.

Despite any modern critiques, Earthworm Jim 2 remains a beloved classic for many retro gamers. It represents a peak era of 2D sprite work, creative animation, and a willingness to be utterly bonkers. It earned accolades and appeared on "best of" lists, cementing its place in 90s gaming history.

Still Groovy Today? Playing EJ2 Now

So, is Earthworm Jim 2 still a blast to play? Yes, but maybe with a sprinkle of patience. The controls are tight, the animation is still top-tier, and the soundtrack is infectiously quirky. The humor holds up surprisingly well, a testament to its unique comedic timing.

Playing the MS-DOS version via DOSBox or a modern digital release like the one on GOG.com is a great way to experience it on PC. Console players can look for it on Nintendo's online services or track down original hardware and cartridges.

Be prepared for those sudden shifts in gameplay, though. One moment you're swinging with Snott, the next you're trying to survive a bizarre trivia show or race against a crow. It's a game that demands adaptability and a willingness to embrace the chaos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which version of Earthworm Jim 2 is the best?

The original Genesis and SNES versions are classics. The PC version has upgraded audio/visuals but misses a level. The Saturn/PlayStation versions are also good. Avoid the GBA port.

Is Earthworm Jim 2 a hard game?

It can be! While not unfairly difficult for the most part, some levels require specific timing or understanding of unique mechanics, leading to trial and error. The lack of saving means you'll rely on continues.

Can I play Earthworm Jim 2 on modern systems?

Yes! The MS-DOS version is available digitally on platforms like GOG.com. The SNES version has appeared on Nintendo's online services for Switch. Original cartridges/discs can be played on their respective consoles or emulators like DOSBox (Archive.org sometimes hosts abandonware versions, but check legality in your region).

The Legacy of the Limbless Hero

Earthworm Jim 2 is more than just a sequel; it's a prime example of 90s gaming creativity run wild. It’s a game that didn't care about convention, only about delivering laughs, challenge, and unforgettable moments. While later games in the series struggled to capture the magic, Earthworm Jim 2 stands tall as a bizarre, brilliant, and undeniably groovy classic that's still worth revisiting today. Just try not to get stuck in the intestines.