Earthworm Jim 2
| Industry | Video game development |
|---|---|
| Founder | Doug TenNapel, David Perry |
| Products | Earthworm Jim series |
Earthworm Jim 2 is a 1995 run and gun platform video game serving as the follow-up to Earthworm Jim. This title represents the second and concluding installment in the Earthworm Jim franchise, created by the original team of Doug TenNapel, David Perry, and Shiny Entertainment. Initially released between late 1995 and early 1996 across various regions, it debuted on the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo Entertainment System before being adapted for other systems.
Gameplay
The sequel retains the fundamental goal from the first Earthworm Jim: navigating through stages to rescue Princess What's-Her-Name from the antagonist Psy-Crow. Nevertheless, it introduces greater gameplay variety.
While most stages incorporate traditional run-and-gun platforming elements, several levels present unique gameplay experiences.[1] Early segments such as "Anything but Tangerines" and "Level Ate" echo the original game's style but expand the arsenal and moveset, adding features like an auto-targeting firearm and the "Barn Blaster," which eliminates all enemies on screen.[2] New enhancements, including the chip butty power-up, boost Jim’s suit energy to 200%.[3] Additionally, Jim’s sidekick Snott introduces strategic possibilities by enabling swinging or parachuting on green surfaces.[2]
Certain levels diverge markedly from the typical gameplay. For instance, in "Villi People," players control Jim disguised as a blind cave salamander navigating intestinal tunnels while evading dangers, culminating in an absurd trivia challenge.[1] The "Inflated Head" stage tasks players with guiding Jim as he ascends while dodging spikes and attacks from Evil the Cat.[4] The isometric shooter segment "The Flyin' King" involves piloting a bomb-carrying balloon on a "pocket rocket" to confront Major Mucus.[1] Instead of a conventional boss battle, the finale "See Jim Run Run Jim Run" is a race against Psy-Crow.[2] The conclusion reveals that Jim, the Princess, and Psy-Crow are all cows in disguise.[2]
Versions and releases
Developed primarily for the Sega Genesis, the game was subsequently ported to the Super NES, with both versions launching almost simultaneously. Differences between these include alternate background visuals and weapon-switching mechanics exclusive to the Super NES edition. The Genesis version was also released in Japan solely through the Sega Channel. Rainbow Arts adapted it for MS-DOS within a compilation titled "Earthworm Jim 1 & 2: The Whole Can 'O Worms'". This edition featured enhanced CD-DA audio tracks, additional voice samples, and updated graphics but omitted the "Lorenzen's Soil" level. Versions for Sega Saturn and PlayStation, developed by Screaming Pink, Inc., incorporated improved sound quality and included all original stages with distinct background artwork. Although a version for the Atari Jaguar was planned, it was ultimately never released.
Subsequent ports comprised a 2002 release for the Game Boy Advance by Russian developer SuperEmpire Inc., which was based on the Super NES version but was criticized for subpar visuals, audio quality, and numerous gameplay bugs. The Genesis edition was reissued on the Wii Virtual Console in 2009. The MS-DOS version later became available again through DOSbox on platforms such as GOG.com and Steam, while the Super NES rendition was re-released via the Nintendo Classics service in March 2022.
Reception
The Genesis and Super NES editions were met with predominantly favorable reviews. Outlets such as IGN and GameZone commended these versions for surpassing the original, emphasizing their witty elements, inventive gameplay, and the inclusion of diverse "minigame" segments that deviated from traditional linear platforming formats. Reviewers from Electronic Gaming Monthly largely supported it as a strong sequel, highlighting the introduction of impressive new weapons and more eccentric level designs. GamePro praised the fresh level layouts, eclectic soundtrack, and enhanced animations, concluding that it outperformed its predecessor. Similarly, Next Generation remarked that the creative level design maintained engaging gameplay despite familiar mechanics. The Genesis release earned a 94% rating from Sega Saturn Magazine, which applauded its well-executed gameplay variety.
In contrast, the PlayStation and Sega Saturn ports faced criticism for failing to utilize the more advanced hardware to improve the game; Computer and Video Games assigned a low score of 3/10 to the PlayStation version, noting minimal enhancements. Sega Saturn Magazine described it as "a great game – a year ago," implying outdated content. While some critics admitted that the gameplay remained enjoyable, they questioned its replay appeal for players acquainted with earlier iterations. Nonetheless, GamePro welcomed alterations such as updated backgrounds and remixed music tracks that provided a refreshed experience.
The 2002 Game Boy Advance adaptation received harsh criticism due to an incomplete engine, graphical errors, an unreliable save system, and inconsistent gameplay quality. Both IGN and GameSpot deemed it essentially unplayable; notably, GameSpot nominated this version for "Most Disappointing Game" and "Worst Game" on the GBA platform in 2002. The Virtual Console release of the Genesis edition garnered mixed reactions concerning gameplay mechanics from sources including Nintendo Life.
Accolades
In 1995, Earthworm Jim 2 was nominated for the Video Software Dealers Association's "Video Game of the Year," ultimately losing to Donkey Kong Country 2. The following year, GamesMaster placed the Mega Drive version second in their "The GamesMaster Mega Drive Top 10." In 1998, Saturn Power ranked the Saturn version 90th among their Top 100 Sega Saturn Games. IGN positioned it at number 40 on its "Top 100 SNES Games of All Time," particularly praising the innovative Snott mechanic for enhancing gameplay dynamics.
Sequels
The Earthworm Jim series continued with titles such as Earthworm Jim 3D and Earthworm Jim: Menace 2 the Galaxy. Developed by various studios, these follow-ups introduced different gameplay approaches but generally received unfavorable reviews.
External links
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