Retro Replay Review

Introduction

Earthworm Jim 2 picks up right where its predecessor left off, whisking players back into the absurd and colorful world of Jim, the unlikeliest of heroes. Once a simple, ordinary worm, Jim’s life changed forever the moment he stumbled into that ultra-high-tech super suit. Now armed with new abilities and comedic flair, Jim returns in this sequel to save the day again—only this time with even crazier levels and more outrageous enemies.

Developed by Shiny Entertainment and originally released on the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo in 1995, the sequel builds on the mechanics and style that made the first game a cult classic. With improved level design, additional weapons, and an ever-expanding roster of bizarre characters, Earthworm Jim 2 aims to strike a balance between familiar run-and-gun platforming and zany innovation. For fans of the original, it’s a fresh but faithful follow-up; for newcomers, it’s an invitation to experience one of the quirkiest platformers of its era.

From the moment you press start, Earthworm Jim 2 feels like a celebration of creativity. Whether you’re diving into the psychedelic “Andy Asteroids” stage or navigating the twisting tubes of “The Nes-troid,” the game’s relentless humor and off-beat design make it instantly memorable. This review will break down the key aspects—gameplay, graphics, story, and overall experience—to help you decide if Jim’s sequel warrants a spot on your shelf (or in your digital library).

Gameplay

At its core, Earthworm Jim 2 remains a classic run-and-jump platformer, but it doesn’t shy away from shaking up the formula with inventive level mechanics. Each stage introduces a new twist—whether it’s inflating Jim into a balloon to float past hazards or piloting a spaceship that reacts to voice-chip commands. These surprises keep the gameplay loop fresh and prevent the experience from feeling repetitive, even after multiple playthroughs.

The arsenal at Jim’s disposal has also expanded. In addition to the signature plasma blaster, you’ll find five new weapons ranging from a homing missile launcher to a stretchy whip that can snag distant items. Mastering the blend of precise platforming and timely firepower becomes crucial as you face off against increasingly creative enemy designs. Boss battles, in particular, demand both reflexes and strategy—some foes require specific weapons or clever stage-based tactics to defeat.

Controls in Earthworm Jim 2 are responsive and well-tuned for both keyboard and gamepad play. Jim’s suit grants an extra boost in mobility, allowing you to cling to walls for short periods and perform multi-stage jumps. While some sections test your platforming mettle with tight timing windows, checkpoint placement is generally fair. A handful of stages can veer into frustrating territory, but the overall difficulty curve feels balanced and rewarding for both veterans and newcomers to the series.

Graphics

Visually, Earthworm Jim 2 is a feast of bold colors and cartoonish animations that hold up remarkably well by today’s standards. The hand-drawn sprites burst with personality—Jim’s exaggerated wobbles, the over-the-top facial expressions of bosses, and the kinetic background elements all contribute to a lively atmosphere. Each environment is distinct, from the lush greenery of “Jim’s Garden” to the neon glow of “Mental Mode,” ensuring that no two levels look or feel the same.

The sequel takes advantage of the hardware’s capabilities to deliver smooth scrolling and parallax effects, adding depth to each scene. Sprites remain sharp, and character animations are fluid—Jim’s iconic head-tilt and worm-y wiggle never fail to amuse. Even on original 16-bit systems, there are virtually no slowdowns, and modern re-releases preserve the crisp pixel art with upscaled visuals and optional filters.

Attention to detail extends beyond the main action. Background Easter eggs, such as hidden cameos of Shiny Entertainment staff or nods to the first game, reward observant players. The color palette is both vibrant and varied, preventing visual fatigue during extended play sessions. Overall, the graphics strike a perfect balance between retro charm and artistic creativity.

Story

The narrative in Earthworm Jim 2 leans heavily into surreal comedy and self-aware humor. After the first game’s events, Jim resumes his wormy existence, dodging crows and squelching through dirt—until destiny (and science fiction) intervenes once more with another cosmic suit upgrade. This absurd premise sets the tone for a plot that’s light on coherence but overflowing with gags, puns, and fourth-wall breaks.

Returning characters like Princess What’s-Her-Name and the irritable Psy-Crow make cameo appearances, often serving as punchlines rather than deep role-players. One standout sequence involves Jim crashing a talk show hosted by the nefarious Evil the Cat, leading to a surreal mix of platforming and timed dialogue exchanges. Boss encounters—such as the army of vengeful toilet plungers—are more about comedic spectacle than dramatic tension, but they fit perfectly within the game’s off-kilter world.

Despite its comedic focus, Earthworm Jim 2 does offer a loose through-line: Jim’s quest to maintain normalcy while wielding extraordinary power. Between levels, brief cutscenes and slapstick dialogue reinforce his everyman charm and the suit’s overblown abilities. While the story won’t win awards for depth, it never overreaches—it knows exactly what kind of madcap tale it wants to tell and commits wholeheartedly to the bit.

Overall Experience

Earthworm Jim 2 stands as a shining example of mid-’90s platforming ingenuity. Its blend of tight controls, imaginative level design, and irreverent humor creates a package that remains entertaining decades after its release. Whether you’re revisiting Jim’s world or discovering it for the first time, the game offers enough variety to keep you engaged through multiple playthroughs.

Replay value is high, thanks to hidden collectibles, secret paths, and alternate routes in certain stages. Speedrunners will appreciate the precise movement demands, while casual players can savor the visual gags and embrace the occasional challenge. Cooperative portability on modern consoles and handheld devices ensures that new audiences can enjoy the game’s charms without needing vintage hardware.

In the end, Earthworm Jim 2 is more than just a sequel—it’s a testament to creative risk-taking in game design. It refines the elements that made the original special while introducing fresh mechanics and insanely memorable set pieces. For anyone seeking a platformer that balances challenge, creativity, and comedy, Jim’s second adventure remains a must-play title.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10