Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The “Whole Can ’O Worms” compilation brings together two of the most inventive side-scrolling platformers ever created: Earthworm Jim and Earthworm Jim 2. Both titles showcase tight responsive controls that make maneuvering a super-powered worm in a human suit feel effortless and fun. Jim’s signature whip-like movements allow for precise aerial control, enabling players to whip enemies, swing across gaps, and explore hidden areas with satisfying fluidity.

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Earthworm Jim introduces a variety of level designs, from the classic run-and-jump segments to bizarre mini-games like fighting houseflies on a kitchen counter. Each stage brings a fresh mechanic or gimmick—riding a rocket, sliding down sewer pipes, or piloting a toy car in “Down the Tubes.” Earthworm Jim 2 expands on this creativity by adding new weapons such as the carpet bomb and transforming segments like the “Andy Asteroids” shooter sequence, which keeps the experience feeling brand new.

Both games strike a perfect balance between challenge and forgiveness. While some levels ramp up in difficulty—particularly later stages in Jim 2—the generous checkpoint system and finite continues ensure that players aren’t overwhelmed. Exploring every nook and cranny to collect power-ups and hidden items adds significant replay value, encouraging speedruns and mastery of each quirky level.

Graphics

The original Earthworm Jim games are often praised for their hand-drawn pixel art, and this compilation does not disappoint. Vibrant color palettes, expressive character animations, and richly detailed backgrounds make every level pop. From the gelatinous walls of Peter Puppy’s nightmare to the neon glow of Evil the Cat’s domain, the artistry remains a standout feature even decades after the games’ initial release.

Earthworm Jim 2 pushes the boundaries further with sharper sprite work and more varied environments. Each world introduces unique visual flourishes—from the creepy mansion of Snott to the cinematic filmstrip level where you dodge newspaper headlines. The seamless transitions between these bursts of creativity feel like flipping through a cartoon, reinforcing the games’ origins as animated parodies of traditional platformers.

On modern platforms, the compilation preserves the original resolutions while offering crisp scaling options. Frame rates are smooth and stable, ensuring that Jim’s frantic whip attacks and the myriad of on-screen hazards never stutter. Whether you choose to play on a handheld device or a large TV, the bold art direction still commands attention and highlights the care put into every pixel.

Story

At their core, Earthworm Jim and Earthworm Jim 2 are comedic adventures that parody the conventions of sci-fi and fantasy platformers. You play as Jim, an ordinary earthworm who gains superpowers when he dons a high-tech suit. Tasked with rescuing Princess What’s-Her-Name from various bizarre villains, Jim traverses worlds that lampoon everything from Hollywood to horror tropes.

Earthworm Jim’s narrative is told through slapstick cutscenes and tongue-in-cheek dialogue. Memorable characters like the dimwitted Peter Puppy and the telekinetic queen Bob the Goldfish create humorous set-pieces that keep the plot light and engaging. In Jim 2, the stakes feel a bit higher as Jim must track down the elusive Princess and thwart the plans of new foes such as Queen Slug-for-a-Butt, but the tone remains irreverent and self-aware.

Neither game takes itself too seriously, and that’s precisely their charm. The storyline serves as a springboard for absurd level designs and wacky boss encounters. Far from a dense narrative experience, these games rely on humor, sight gags, and quick-witted writing to carry players through each unpredictable twist.

Overall Experience

Earthworm Jim 1 & 2: The Whole Can ’O Worms is a nostalgia-driven gem that still holds up as an exemplar of 90s platforming ingenuity. Playing through both titles back-to-back highlights how the series evolved while retaining its distinctive humor and mechanical polish. For longtime fans, it’s a chance to revisit classic levels; for newcomers, it’s a crash course in creative level design and comic timing.

The compilation often includes quality-of-life enhancements such as save states and rewind features, making it more accessible than the original cartridge releases. Whether you’re wrestling with a tricky boss or experimenting with hidden shortcuts, these modern conveniences let you focus on the fun rather than repeating long sections after a single misstep.

Ultimately, Earthworm Jim 1 & 2: The Whole Can ’O Worms delivers two complete, laugh-out-loud platforming adventures in one package. With its unique blend of tight gameplay, charming visuals, and irreverent humor, this collection is a must-have for anyone who appreciates well-crafted retro titles or simply wants to experience one of the most imaginative duos in video game history.

Retro Replay Score

8/10