Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Earthworm Jim delivers a fast-paced 2D side-scrolling experience that strikes a remarkable balance between action and platforming. Players control Jim, a humble earthworm who, thanks to an indestructible space suit, gains the ability to fire a blaster at oncoming threats. The game’s core mechanics revolve around precision jumping, strategic shooting, and inventive use of Jim’s flexible body—whipping it at enemies, grappling onto hooks, or spinning it like a rotor to hover briefly over treacherous terrain.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Beyond the standard run-and-jump levels, Earthworm Jim sprinkles in a variety of gameplay twists to keep each stage feeling fresh. You’ll find yourself escorting a vulnerable ally, dodging hazards in a bungee-jumping contest, and even zooming through interstellar highways in high-speed racing sequences. These diversions break up the platforming rhythm and showcase the developers’ flair for comedic surprises and creative level design.

Control responsiveness is a standout feature: Jim reacts instantly to directional inputs, and the suit’s special moves are intuitive to pull off once you’ve practiced them. The difficulty curve ramps up steadily, offering just enough challenge in boss encounters and enemy swarms to keep you engaged without ever feeling unfair. Regular checkpoints and occasional power-ups ensure that even less experienced players can make steady progress.

Graphics

For its era, Earthworm Jim’s pixel art is nothing short of spectacular. The character animations are fluid and packed with personality—Jim’s head whip snaps convincingly, while his suit’s thruster spin is rendered with a satisfying blur. Every foe, from the menacing Psy-Crow to the lowliest grunt, boasts a distinct silhouette that’s easy to identify in the heat of battle.

Environments range from gritty back alleys on Planet Earth to bizarre, otherworldly landscapes that defy logic. Vibrant color palettes help each stage stand out: warm oranges and reds in volcanic areas, cool blues in underwater levels, and neon greens in alien laboratories. Background elements scroll smoothly, creating a sense of depth that enhances immersion.

Special effects such as explosions, electrical sparks, and impact flashes are handled with tasteful restraint, ensuring the action remains readable even when the screen gets crowded. On the original hardware, these visuals were a technical marvel, and they still hold up thanks to the game’s consistent art direction and clever use of limited resources.

Story

Earthworm Jim doesn’t put its narrative front and center, but what story it does tell is pure, absurdist comedy. It all begins when Psy-Crow, in hot pursuit of a stolen ultra-high-tech space suit, accidentally drops it on our protagonist back on Earth. A curious worm takes refuge inside the suit’s neck ring, triggering a light-speed evolutionary boost that transforms him into a bona fide hero.

Meanwhile, Queen Slug-for-a-Butt—jealous of the comely Princess-What’s-Her-Name—orders Psy-Crow to reclaim the suit at any cost. Jim, overhearing these villainous machinations, decides to save the day and win the princess’s heart. The dialogue is peppered with one-liners and tongue-in-cheek banter, giving each level a sense of purpose and humor without slowing down the action.

Cutscenes between stages are brief but memorable, often parodying sci-fi tropes or simply delivering a quick visual gag. Though there’s no sweeping epic narrative here, the game’s lighthearted tale provides just enough context to keep you invested in Jim’s worm-turned-superhero journey.

Overall Experience

From start to finish, Earthworm Jim is an unrelenting joyride of inventive platforming and cheeky humor. Its blend of tight controls, varied level objectives, and whimsical presentation creates an experience that appeals to both seasoned gamers and newcomers. The game’s pacing never drags; every level introduces a new twist or gimmick, ensuring that curiosity outweighs frustration.

While modern players might find some of the difficulty spikes challenging, the generous checkpoint system and forgiving hit detection soften the blow. Replay value is high thanks to hidden secrets scattered throughout the stages, encouraging you to revisit levels and test your mastery of Jim’s arsenal of moves.

Ultimately, Earthworm Jim stands as a shining example of how creative design and a strong sense of personality can elevate a platformer above the pack. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or discovering Jim’s bizarre universe for the first time, the game delivers a wildly entertaining ride that’s hard to put down.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10