|
This is a run and gun platform video game starring an earthworm named Jim in a robotic suit who battles evil. Upon its release it was praised for its detailed animation, polished gameplay and wacky humor. The game was so successful that it inspired a whole range of toys, as well as its own TV cartoon series. What makes Earthworm Jim games a lot of fun is the excellent characterization of the hero. Like The Simpsons, Earthworm Jim (who was a lowly earthworm until he was one day accidentally given superhero powers) deftly walks the line between slapstick humor and social commentary-you could even call it subversive. The gameplay is very strange, to say the least. Launching cows, swinging on hooks with your head, and other bizarre twists add to the insanity. You control Jim at all times of the game. In the level sections, you can run around, use your gun, swing on hooks, and get powerups for the blaster Jim starts with. The in-between levels, called Andy Asteroids, place Jim in a semi-3D race against the evil Psycrow. If Psycrow wins, Jim must fight him in one-on-one combat in order to progress to the next level. Throughout the game there were many added features, such as mini-bosses whose weaknesses you would need to find through trial and error. Crystal treadmills, underwater pod races, and more strange things also make an appearance. Jim comes equipped with a big red gun, which he can fire in a number of directions, to dispatch any foe that comes his way. Then, there's his body, which can be used to whip monsters out of the way, or can be used to swing across hooks and ravines. Or should the worst come to the worst, he can use his head like a helicopter to guide himself away from a particularly nasty fall. There are the usual power ups to grab, such as plasma, or power ups. Jim's gun does drain energy, and recharges, given half a chance. In 1995, a Special Edition was released with new features including a new CD Audio soundtrack, bigger levels, more secrets, more weapons, more animation, more enemies, more wackiness, AAAAAND...more hamsters, of course! It also had redrawn, 256 colour graphics and an Earthworm Jim desktop theme. |
