Sentences written about this title, gathered by type from the Japanese and English Wikipedia articles (as of 2026-8-30).
The game was developed simultaneously for the Genesis and Super NES using a "custom heterogeneous programming language" created by Shiny Entertainment.
The stated reason for the Genesis version having the extra level was that the "Genesis version was more easily compressed and had the room for the bonus level".
Subsequently, Nick Bruty stated in an interview that Sega asked Shiny Entertainment to add a level exclusively to the Sega version in exchange for reduced cartridge cost.
The game also had an MS-DOS port released in a package titled Earthworm Jim 1 & 2: The Whole Can 'O Worms (along with the MS-DOS port of Earthworm Jim 2) with redrawn graphics and missing the level "Intestinal Distress".
The Gameloft remake was also later released digitally on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network as "Earthworm Jim HD".
GamePro argued that the game has "the most innovative gameplay since Sonic first raced onto the Genesis", backing up the point by noting "In the first level, New Junk City, Jim leaps off old tires, climbs strange crevices and cliffs, swings from chains, and creeps through a maze of garbage - and that's the most traditional level in the game!
Regarding the game's overall appeal, a review from GameZone stated "Back when platformers were the king of genres, Earthworm Jim made its presence known as the 'cool kid on the block' by appealing to many demographics.
Next Generation reviewed the Genesis version of the game, and stated that "Sure, it's only a slick 16bit platform game.
Next Generation reviewed the Sega CD version of Earthworm Jim: Special Edition, and stated that "While a prepackaged, presold character, who's as cynically calculated for hip success as Earthworm Jim does rub us the wrong way, we admit there was a cracking good game to back him up, and this new CD version is even better.
IGN and GameSpot both said the surreal art style and animation stood the test of time, but felt some gameplay aspects and controls were dated in comparison to modern platformers.
Next Generation reviewed the Game Boy Advance version of the game, rating it three stars out of five, and stated that "Luckily, aside from some cheap hits, missed dodges, and blind jumps, everything else is pretty fun."
EGM gave it their "Game of the Month" award, and GamePro later awarded it Best Sega CD Game of 1995.
Development started as the first project of Shiny Entertainment, founded in 1993.
The first 3D action game in the series, developed by VIS Interactive rather than Shiny Entertainment.
GamePro argued that the game has "the most innovative gameplay since Sonic first raced onto the Genesis", backing up the point by noting "In the first level, New Junk City, Jim leaps off old tires, climbs strange crevices and cliffs, swings from chains, and creeps through a maze of garbage - and that's the most traditional level in the game!
Next Generation reviewed the Genesis version of the game, and stated that "Sure, it's only a slick 16bit platform game.
Similarly, the iPhone version of the game was criticized for its sloppy controls, mostly due to being touchscreen only.
It was released in the same manner as the original; first on the Sega Genesis, and then ported to many other systems.
Despite the extra power of the Game Boy Advance, this version still ran very poorly, with bad animation, and missing details, and was widely criticized.
They particularly praised the non-frustrating challenge and the strong personality of the graphics.
Similarly, the iPhone version of the game was criticized for its sloppy controls, mostly due to being touchscreen only.
They praised the game writing: "Intensely great gameplay.
Gameloft handled development, and online multiplayer for up to 4 players and new stages were added.
In the Cross Review of Famitsu in Japan, the Super Famicom version scored 30 out of 40, earning a place in the Silver Hall of Fame.
The game sold more than 1 million copies by 1995.
In February 2018, Gameloft's contract with Interplay ended and all of the ports developed by Gameloft were removed from digital stores.
An enhanced remake, Earthworm Jim PSP, by Atari was planned for a 2007 release for the PlayStation Portable, but was ultimately cancelled.
Electronic Gaming Monthly reviewed that the Game Gear version has impressive graphics by portable standards, but is crippled by the Game Gear's limited two-button control, frequent screen blurring, and frustrating difficulty.
An enhanced remake, Earthworm Jim PSP, by Atari was planned for a 2007 release for the PlayStation Portable, but was ultimately cancelled.
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