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Preview  Earthworm Jim
- By Mike Schneider [Editor In Chief]
E3 2001 Impressions:
I enjoyed the 16-bit Earthworm Jim games a good amount, and this GameBoy Advance version has seemed to retain the flavor of the series. The graphics are cartoony and pack a fair amount of detail, and look as good as the SNES version. The controls were simple and easy to use, with primary focus on shooting, jumping, and evading.
Of what I played of Earthworm Jim, there were essentially two types of gameplay:
1. A lot of 1 on 1 type encounters that felt like boss encounters. It was fairly straightforward – find the boss’ weakness, and do everything you can to kill him while learning his pattern to make things easier. During these encounters I found evading enemy fire to be a little too difficult.
2. Standard platforming action with your goal trying to be to move onto the next level. This always has been and always will be the meat and bones of the Earthworm Jim series, and is by far the most enjoyable aspect.
Even with a tiny GBA cartridge, Earthworm Jim can be heard making outrages squawking noises when getting hit by enemies, and the music in the game impressively helps everything retain the EW feel.
Overall, I had fun with Earthworm Jim, but I’m not convinced it has a ton of lasting power. As a port of the SNES/Genesis classic though, Earthworm Jim is right on the mark.
The game is totally ready to go, and will be available for launch. If you like platforming action/shooting, be looking for it; it’s highly recommended.
- Mike, 5.18.01
Some may be familiar with “The Worm,” aka Dennis Rodman – if so, that’s fine – but that’s not “The Worm” who’s receiving his own GBA game. It is true that one can draw many similarities between Dennis Rodman and Earthworm Jim – they’re both smart-alecks, they both have impressive vertical jumps, and they both get viciously attacked by other inhabitants. Heck, they’ve even both appeared in games… Getting back to Earthworm Jim though, he’s had quite the storied history, and appeared on numerous systems – Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Saturn, N64, and Game Boy Color. Most gamers would likely agree that his best days were on the Genesis and SNES – and thus, for most gamers, there’s a lot to be happy about: Earthworm Jim for GBA is a port of the classic SNES/Genesis version that graced stores many, many years ago.
The game begins with Jim being nailed by an outer space suit – one that gives him super-duper powers. However, others have their eyes on his newfound suit – most notably the evil Psy-Crow – who also happens to be your arch nemesis. The suit comes fully equipped with a rapid-fire gun, and enables Jim to make his body into a fully functional whip that when used, features a funny animation. Another very funny, very amusing aspect of the game is the characters whom Jim will interact with; they’re extremely creative, and full of life. You’ll meet beings such as Professor Monkey-for-a-Head, or Queen Pulsating, Bloated, Festering, Sweaty, Pus-filled, Malformed, Slug-for-a-Butt.
Like the SNES and Genesis versions, Jim will traverse through seven different environments – broken down into many parts – in his zany quest to stop evil. Reminiscent to a figment of an immature 5th graders’ mind, the world of Earthworm Jim comes completely to life with locations such as Snot A Problem and Intestinal Distress. On top of all this are Jim’s wonderful idle animations, with random poses such as his pants dropping for no reason.
Finally, Pipe Dream Interactive and Majesco have offered an exclusive with this GBA version: there are mini-games available upon beating the game; such as racing Psy-Crow across the galaxy while simultaneously collecting items. The mini-games should be a nice addition that’ll add some replay value to the 1-player adventure.
As a 2D game, the EW Jim franchise fortes have consisted of extremely fast and fluid side scrolling fun, challenging jumps that aren’t overly frustrating, intense action, and plenty of potty mouth humor. If these aspects are preserved, Earthworm Jim for GBA should be on every gamer’s “must have” list.
- 5.02.01
- 5.18.2001 |
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INFO |
Developer: Game Titan
Publisher: Majesco Sales Inc
Number of Players: 1
Release Date:
06.11.2001
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