Earthworm Jim

{{main|Earthworm Jim (video game)}}

Playmates Toys, finding success with the license for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, wanted to start their own franchise.{{cite web|url=http://hardcoregaming101.net/earthwormjim/earthwormjim.htm |title=Earthworm Jim |publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101 |access-date=2013-09-08}} Inspired by the success of the Sonic the Hedgehog series with Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2, they decided that they wanted to start the franchise as a video game, a rare approach at the time. From there, the game's design actually started with creator Doug TenNapel's simple sketch of an earthworm that he presented to Shiny Entertainment.{{cite web |url=http://killscreendaily.com/articles/laughing-stock-doug-tennapel |title=Laughing Stock: Doug TenNapel - Kill Screen |publisher=Killscreendaily.com |date=2011-09-08 |access-date=2013-09-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622081730/http://killscreendaily.com/articles/laughing-stock-doug-tennapel/ |archive-date=2013-06-22 }} Impressed, David Perry and the rest of Shiny bought the rights to Earthworm Jim from TenNapel, and started developing the game. From there, TenNapel would work on doing the game design, creating level ideas, and voicing Jim's character, while Perry and the other programmers created other characters and game mechanics.

The game's crazy atmosphere, world, and characters were due to the fact that the company had previously always been restricted to doing licensed games, like 7up's Cool Spot, where they had to conform to the other company's preset limitations. In that respect, the game was actually created as a satire of platform video games at the time; for instance, "Princess What's-Her-Name" was a parody of how so many video games had throw-away female characters that exist only to be saved from danger.

The resulting game would be the original Earthworm Jim. The game would play as a 2D sidescrolling platformer with elements of a run and gun game as well. The player controls Jim and must maneuver him through the level while avoiding obstacles and enemies. The player can use Jim's gun as a method of shooting enemies, or his head a whip for whipping enemies. The whip move also allows the player to grab hold of, and swing from, certain hooks in the game. Some levels have additional requirements beyond merely getting to the end of the level. For example, the level "For Pete's Sake" involves making sure the computer-controlled Peter Puppy character gets through the level unharmed, which is accomplished by whipping him to make him jump over pits, and defeating enemies before they can damage him. Failure to do so results in Peter lashing out at Jim, taking health away from him.

The developers also created a wide variety of colorful villains for the game as well, including Psy-Crow, Queen Slug-for-a-Butt, Evil the Cat, Bob the Killer Goldfish, Major Mucus, and Professor Monkey-for-a-Head.

The game was very well-received on both the Genesis and the Super NES. It was awarded Best Genesis Game of 1994 by Electronic Gaming Monthly{{cite journal|year=1995|journal=Electronic Gaming Monthly's Buyer's Guide|title=EGM's Best and Worst of 1994}} and was rated the 114th-best game made on a Nintendo System in Nintendo Power's Top 200 Games list.{{Cite magazine|date=February 2006| title=NP Top 200|magazine=Nintendo Power|volume=200|pages=58–66}} The game was noted for its fluid animation, featuring a hand-drawn style that was unusual for 16-bit releases.{{cite news |first=Ryan |last=Davis |title=Earthworm Jim Review |work=Gamespot.com |date=June 8, 2001 |access-date=January 14, 2012|url=http://www.gamespot.com/earthworm-jim/reviews/earthworm-jim-review-2771794/}}{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/21/earthworm-jim-review |title=Earthworm Jim Review|website=IGN|date=2008-10-27 |access-date=2013-09-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323084613/http://wii.ign.com/articles/924/924151p1.html |archive-date=2012-03-23}}

A special version of the game, The Great Earthworm Jim Race, was broadcast in 1995 for the Sega Channel. The game featured an increase in difficulty level and a secret room which, when reached by the first 200 players, would display a password and a toll-free telephone number. Those that called the number were awarded special prizes, such as a book and action figures, as part of Jim's shortly-lived toyline from Playmates Toys.Sega Channel is Off to the Races. Electronic Gaming Monthly. Issue 69. Pg.28. April 1995. Shortly afterwards, the same development team started work on a sequel.

{{main|Earthworm Jim 2}}

The premise of the sequel was largely the same as the original; traverse through the levels in order to save Princess What's-Her-Name and defeat the game's numerous enemies, namely Psy-Crow.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/13740/reviewsearthworm-jim-2-review/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120906141459/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/13740/reviewsearthworm-jim-2-review/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-09-06 |title=Nintendo Review: Earthworm Jim 2 |magazine=Official Nintendo Magazine |access-date=2013-09-08}} While the majority of levels was still based on run and gun and platform game elements, separate levels incorporate different gameplay elements as well.{{cite web|url=http://vc.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/12/earthworm_jim_2_virtual_console |title=Earthworm Jim 2 (Wii Virtual Console / Mega Drive) Review - Nintendo Life |date=4 December 2009 |publisher=Vc.nintendolife.com |access-date=2013-09-08}} Some levels, such as the opening level, "Anything but Tangerines", and the game's eighth level, "Level Ate", play largely the same as the original Earthworm Jim, with the exception of there being a larger variety of moves at the player's disposal.{{cite web|url=http://hardcoregaming101.net/earthwormjim/earthwormjim2.htm |title=Earthworm Jim |publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101 |access-date=2013-09-08}} For instance, there are more types of guns to use once found in a level, such as an auto-aiming gun, or the "brick-wall" gun which takes out every enemy visible on the screen. Additionally, Jim's friend "Snot" travels with him, and can be used to stick and swing to other slimy green surfaces, or as a parachute, upon jumping.

Other levels stray much farther from this formula. In the third level, "The Villi People", the player must guide Jim, defenseless in the disguise of a blind cave salamander, through intestinal passages, while avoiding exploding sheep and hazards embedded in the floor and walls. The latter part of the level suddenly switches to a game show/trivia format, where the player has to answer nonsensical multiple choice questions that commonly have no logically correct answer. Another level, aptly titled "Inflated Head", has Jim's head inflated much like a balloon, and the player must control Jim as he floats upward, avoiding touching sharp objects which cause him to fall back down to the start of the level.{{cite web|title=Earthworm Jim 2 - Review - allgame|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2483&tab=review|first=Scott Alan|last=Marriott|access-date=2010-04-27|archive-date=2014-11-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115225315/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2483&tab=review|url-status=dead}} Yet another plays as an isometric shooter, with Jim again on his "pocket rocket", where a balloon with a bomb must be directed to the end of the level, and defended from enemies. The last level of the game is not a typical boss fight, but rather, a race against Psy-Crow through an obstacle course, to get to Princess What's-Her-Name.

Earthworm Jim 2 was also well-received on the Genesis and Super NES, with some reviewers such as IGN and GameZone declaring it as better overall than the original.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamezone.com/news/earthworm_jim_sega_genesis_super_nintendo_entertainment_system/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116102024/http://www.gamezone.com/news/earthworm_jim_sega_genesis_super_nintendo_entertainment_system|url-status=dead|title=Earthworm Jim Sega Genesis / Super Nintendo Entertainment System|first=Jayson|last=Dubin|date=May 4, 2012|archive-date=November 16, 2012|website=GameZone}} The game's humor, innovative gameplay, and "mini-game"-style levels spread throughout the game were also held in high regard as a welcome change from the linear gameplay common at the time,{{cite web|title=Destructoid - Games time forgot: Earthworm Jim 2|url=http://www.destructoid.com/games-time-forgot-earthworm-jim-2-41082.phtml|first=Anthony|last=Burch|date=2007-08-29|access-date=2010-04-29}} although some reviewers had mixed reactions to some of various different gameplay mechanics.

However, the game was later ported to the more advanced PlayStation and Sega Saturn systems, and those versions were generally criticized more due to not having any significant improvements despite the more powerful hardware.{{cite web|title=Review: Earthworm Jim 2 Review - ComputerAndVideoGames.com|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=7771|first=Stephen|last=Fulljames|date=2004-06-27|access-date=2010-04-29}}

{{Main|Earthworm Jim 3D}}

Shortly after the release of Earthworm Jim 2, its original developer, Shiny Entertainment, was bought by Interplay Entertainment, and then put to work on other projects,{{cite web|url=http://hardcoregaming101.net/earthwormjim/earthwormjim3.htm |title=Earthworm Jim |publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101 |access-date=2013-09-08}} most notably the PlayStation platformer Wild 9 for three years.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1998/10/01/wild-9-ships-today |title=Wild 9 Ships Today |website=IGN |date=October 1998 |access-date=2013-09-08}} Subsequently, the franchise was given to VIS Entertainment, and it was decided that, like many platform game series at the time (Super Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog et al.), gameplay would transition from 2D to 3D. Although development commenced shortly after Earthworm Jim 2, a lengthy three-year development cycle lent itself to the occasional belief that the project was destined to become vaporware.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/15/earthworm-jim-3d |title=Earthworm Jim 3D|date=15 June 2000 |publisher=IGN |access-date=2013-09-08}}

Consequently, numerous problems and errors arose from this extended development cycle. One hurdle, early on, was the necessity to redesign the characters from side-scrolling 2D to free-roaming 3D,{{cite web|author=Gamasutra Staff| url = http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20060606/murdey_01.shtml| title = Digging For Worms: Why Doug Tennapel Doesn't Care What His Fans Think|date=2006-06-06| website = Gamasutra| access-date=2008-04-23}} while the frame rate and animation were still causing issues with game development more than 70% complete.{{cite web|title=Unearthing Jim|author=IGN Staff|date=1998-11-02 |website=IGN|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1998/11/03/unearthing-jim |access-date=2014-05-16}} Error-wise, much of the content shown in previews and promotional material was either graphically different or removed from the final game; while the game's final packaging depicts Evil the Cat as the boss of the "Fear" level, Professor Monkey-For-A-Head became the actual in-game level boss. Also, many locations displayed in early versions of the game, such as a level set in a house wherein Jim is ant-sized, are non-existent in the released copy.{{Citation needed|date=February 2012}}

Additionally, original series designer David Perry had sold the rights to the franchise. Perry and original series creator Doug TenNapel were at first involved in the game as minor consultants, but were dismissed for unexplained reasons. Both expressed that they hated what was done with Earthworm Jim 3D, but legally could not prevent anything from happening.{{cite web|author=Ken Horowitz |url=http://www.sega-16.com/2005/06/interview-david-perry/ |title=Sega-16 – Interview: David Perry |publisher=Sega-16.com |date=2005-06-10 |access-date=2013-09-08}} TenNapel said he felt the series was "ruined" by the game.{{cite web|url=http://alternativemagazineonline.co.uk/2010/04/09/interview-in-conversation-with-doug-tennapel-graphic-novelist/ |title=INTERVIEW – In Conversation With Doug TenNapel (Graphic Novelist) |date=9 April 2010 |publisher=Alternative Magazine Online |access-date=2013-09-08}}

The game was considered neither a critical nor a commercial success.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2717/digging_for_worms_why_doug_.php |title=Digging For Worms: Why Doug Tennapel Doesn't Care What His Fans Think |website=Gamasutra |date=2006-06-06 |access-date=2013-09-08}} Many reviews called the game uninspired, mediocre, and unable to compete with several other similar, more highly reviewed platform games at the time, like Super Mario 64, Rayman 2, or Banjo-Kazooie.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/earthworm-jim-3d/reviews/earthworm-jim-3d-review-2601110/ |title=Earthworm Jim 3D Review |publisher=GameSpot.com |date=2000-06-29 |access-date=2013-09-08}}

{{Main|Earthworm Jim: Menace 2 the Galaxy}}

A final, fourth Earthworm Jim game was released shortly after Earthworm Jim 3D in 1999. It was developed neither by the original team, nor the Earthworm Jim 3D team, but by David A. Palmer Productions{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/earthworm-jim-menace-2-the-galaxy/ |title=Earthworm Jim: Menace 2 the Galaxy |publisher=GameSpot.com |date=1999-11-10 |access-date=2013-09-08}} and published by Crave Entertainment. The game played similarly to the first two games, but gameplay was greatly simplified, concentrating on exploring levels to collect items, rather than the constantly changing gimmicks present in the original two games. Levels typically involved goals such as collecting 100 or more coins to progress through levels, and if the player causes Jim to take too much damage, the player must start the level over again, with zero items collected.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/11/18/earthworm-jim-menace-2-the-galaxy |title=Earthworm Jim: Menace 2 the Galaxy|website=IGN |date=1999-11-17 |access-date=2021-10-16}} The game was poorly received as well, with reviewers complaining about the tedium of the collecting, and the game lacking the charm and style of the original games.{{cite web |last=Alan |first=Brett |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=20314&tab=review |title=Earthworm Jim: Menace 2 the Galaxy - Review |publisher=allgame |date=2010-10-03 |access-date=2013-09-08 |archive-date=2014-11-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114115728/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=20314 |url-status=dead }}

{{Main|Earthworm Jim (cancelled video game)}}

The series lay dormant for the first half of the decade. Rumors of a new Earthworm Jim game for the PlayStation Portable started in 2006. Referred to as Earthworm Jim, it was originally believed to be a remake of the original Earthworm Jim due to footage of Jim in a level very reminiscent of the "New Junk City" level from the first game. The game was formally announced at E3 2006 by Atari, who had obtained from Interplay a five-year license of the right to develop Earthworm Jim games for handheld devices.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/11/e3-2006-earthworm-jim-crawls-again|title=E3 2006: Earthworm Jim Crawls Again |website=IGN |date=2006-05-10 |access-date=2021-10-16}} However, the game was reported to still be made by members of the original two titles, Earthworm Jim and Earthworm Jim 2, including Shiny Entertainment founder Dave Perry, Doug TenNapel, Nick Bruty, and Tommy Tallarico.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-worm-has-returned/ |title=The worm has returned |publisher=GamesRadar |date=2012-06-23 |access-date=2013-09-08}} The developers later announced that the game would be mostly new content, with elements of the earlier games included. Past characters to return in the game included Princess What's-Her-Name{{cite web|author=Andy Robinson|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/144656/earthworm-jim-wiggles-in-new-psp-screens/ |title=News: Earthworm Jim wiggles in new PSP screens |publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames.com |date=2006-08-17 |access-date=2013-09-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222220220/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/144656/earthworm-jim-wiggles-in-new-psp-screens/ |archive-date=2014-02-22 }} and Peter Puppy. The game was to retain the gameplay of the original two titles, playing as a 2D sidescrolling platform game with elements of a run and gun, but now with 3D computer graphics.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/earthworm-jim-hands-on/ |title=Earthworm Jim hands-on |publisher=GamesRadar |date=2013-06-14 |access-date=2013-09-08}} It would be two-dimensional gameplay with three-dimensional graphics, much in the vein of Sonic Rivals or Klonoa: Door to Phantomile.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2006/08/16/screenshots-of-earthworm-jims-psp-revival/ |title=Screenshots of Earthworm Jim's PSP revival |publisher=Siliconera |date=2006-08-16 |access-date=2013-09-08}} Similar to the original two games, the gameplay consisted of maneuvering Jim through levels through running and jumping, and defeating enemies with a machine gun, and by using his head as a whip.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/earthworm-jim-hands-on/?page=2 |title=Page 2 - Earthworm Jim hands-on |publisher=GamesRadar |date=2013-06-14 |access-date=2013-09-08}}

By August 2006, the game was reportedly 80% complete, and many video game journalists had hands-on playable builds of the game, such as GameSpot,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/earthworm-jim/previews/earthworm-jim-hands-on-6155723/ |title=Earthworm Jim Hands-On |publisher=GameSpot.com |date=2006-08-14 |access-date=2013-09-08}} GamesRadar,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/earthworm-jim-hands-on/?page=3 |title=Page 3 - Earthworm Jim hands-on |publisher=GamesRadar |date=2013-06-14 |access-date=2013-09-08}} and IGN.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/08/10/earthworm-jim-hands-on |title=Earthworm Jim Hands-on |website=IGN |date=2006-08-09 |access-date=2021-10-16}} It was scheduled for an early 2007 release. However, Atari quietly put the game "on hold" by mid-2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2007/06/19/ataris-earthworm-jim-project-is-in-stasis/ |title=Atari's Earthworm Jim project is in stasis |publisher=Siliconera |date=2007-06-19 |access-date=2013-09-08}} The game was later reported as cancelled{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamezone.com/news/the_reason_why_earthworm_jim_psp_was_canceled/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403024557/http://www.gamezone.com/news/the_reason_why_earthworm_jim_psp_was_canceled|url-status=dead|title=The Reason Why Earthworm Jim PSP was Canceled|first=Jayson|last=Dubin|date=May 4, 2012|archive-date=April 3, 2015|website=GameZone}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/user-movie/earthworm-jim-psp-cancelled/277770 |title=Video - Earthworm Jim PSP (Cancelled) |publisher=GameTrailers |date=2011-05-25 |access-date=2013-09-08}} due to financial troubles.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezone.com/editorials/why-was-earthworm-jim-for-the-psp-canceled |title=Why Was Earthworm Jim for the PSP Canceled? |publisher=GameZone |date=2010-02-23 |access-date=2013-09-08}} Financial problems at Atari caused it to sell off its internal development studios, including Shiny Entertainment, which it owned at the time, and ultimately to cease development on all of its game projects, including Earthworm Jim, by the end of 2007.{{cite web|url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/279/0000950123-08-007500.pdf |title= ATARI INC. -- Form 10K Annual Report for Fiscal Year Ending 31 March 2008 |publisher=Atari Inc. |date= 1 July 2008 |access-date=8 Oct 2020}} See page 2: '' [B]eginning in 2005, because of cash constraints, we substantially reduced our involvement in development of video games, and announced plans to divest ourselves of our internal development studios. During fiscal 2006 and 2007, we sold a number of intellectual properties and development facilities in order to obtain cash to fund our operations. By the end of fiscal 2007, we did not own any development studios. During fiscal 2008, we stopped developing games, even through independent developers.

{{main|Earthworm Jim 4}}

Interplay announced an Earthworm Jim 4 in 2008, but little has surfaced since.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/23/earthworm-jim-returns |title=Earthworm Jim Returns |work=IGN |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=April 22, 2008 |access-date=November 26, 2019}} Series creator Doug TenNapel later denied work on it had ever started in 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/tennapel-earthworm-jim-4-not-in-development-172521.phtml |title=TenNapel: Earthworm Jim 4 not in development |website=Destructoid |date=30 April 2010 |access-date=2013-09-08}} However, Interplay referred to the game as "still in development" as of May 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.develop-online.net/news/37789/Fallout-in-doubt-as-Interplay-fears-collapse#after_ad |title=Fallout in doubt as Interplay fears collapse | Game Development | News by Develop |website=MCV |date=30 May 2011 |publisher=Develop-online.net |access-date=2013-09-08}} In 2019, it was re-introduced as an exclusive release for the Intellivision Amico, stated then as to be developed by the original team from the 1990s; the game was announced to release as a launch title for the Amico in the 2020s.{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2019/05/01/earthworm-jim-for-intellivision-amico/ |title='Earthworm Jim' returns after 20 years as an Intellivision exclusive |work=Engadget |last=Fingas |first=Jon |date=May 1, 2019 |access-date=May 2, 2019}} In early 2023, video game website Time Extension reached out to members of the development staff for an update on the game; while none outright confirmed its cancellation, Jones stated that he had not done any work beyond initial brainstorming sessions years prior, similar to Perry, who had assumed the game was on hold.{{cite web | url=https://www.timeextension.com/news/2023/01/so-whats-happening-with-earthworm-jim-4 | title=So, What's Happening with Earthworm Jim 4? | date=16 January 2023 }} This led to their general belief that the game had been cancelled.{{cite web | url=https://www.timeextension.com/news/2023/05/intellivision-amico-exclusives-shark-shark-and-astrosmash-are-coming-to-switch | title=Intellivision Amico 'Exclusives' Shark! Shark! And Astrosmash Are Coming to Switch | date=24 May 2023 }}

While no new, original games were released in the 2000s, the franchise was still used in the last years of the decade. With the trend of games from the 1990s being re-released digitally, the two original Earthworm Jim games were re-released on platforms such as the Wii's Virtual Console, PlayStation Network, and Xbox Live.{{cite web| author = Jack DeVries| url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/21/cows-will-launch-on-the-virtual-console-this-year| date = 2008-04-21| website = IGN| title = Cows Will Launch on the Virtual Console This Year| access-date = 2021-10-16| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080424223452/http://wii.ign.com/articles/868/868200p1.html| archive-date = 2008-04-24}} The original was also ported to iOS for play on iPhones as well.

In 2010, a remake of the original game, titled Earthworm Jim HD, was released on PlayStation Network for the PlayStation 3, and Xbox Live for Xbox 360. The game was very similar to the original, but had redone, improved graphics, and new multiplayer exclusive levels. In 2018 Earthworm Jim HD was removed from PlayStation Network and Xbox Live.

Earthworm Jim is included on the NA/PAL version of the Sega Genesis Mini, which was released on September 19, 2019.{{cite web |url=https://genesismini.sega.com/ |title=Sega Genesis Mini |access-date=November 26, 2019 |archive-date=August 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817185456/https://genesismini.sega.com/ |url-status=dead }}

Earthworm Jim also starred as a fighter on Interplay's Nintendo 64 title Clay Fighter 63 1/3 in 1997 and the Blockbuster rental title Clay Fighter 63 1/3: Sculptors Cut in 1998. In the original, Jim was a default character, however in the Sculptor's Cut, he was required to be unlocked. Also in the game, he and Boogerman hold a strong rivalry between one another.

A line of Earthworm Jim toys and action figures was released in late 1995.{{cite news|title=Earthworm Jim Toys to Hit UK!|work=Sega Saturn Magazine|issue=2|publisher=Emap International Limited|date=December 1995|page=11}} In 1995 03vel Comics published a 3-issue comic based on the character.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/earthworm-jim-unknown-trivia/|title=15 Things You Forgot About Earthworm Jim|date=21 April 2017|website=ScreenRant|access-date=20 May 2019}} In May 2019 Doug TenNapel raised money through Indiegogo to self-publish a new Earthworm Jim graphic novel called Launch the Cow. The comic book successfully raised more than $100,000 in its first 24 hours on Indiegogo and nearly $900,000 over the course of its crowdfunding campaign.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/earthworm-jim-the-comic-book#/|title="EARTHWORM JIM: The Comic Book." |date=12 July 2019|website=IndieGOGO|access-date=8 Oct 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tennapel/earthworm-jim-launch-the-cow-comic-and-new-print/description|title="EARTHWORM JIM: The Comic Book and New Print." |date=12 August 2020|website=Kickstarter.com|access-date=8 Oct 2020}} A crowdfunding campaign for a second new comic book, Earthworm Jim 2: Fight the Fish, was announced in August 2020; this also eclipsed the $100,000 threshold in its first day.{{cite web|url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tennapel/earthworm-jim-2-fight-the-fish/description|title="EARTHWORM JIM 2: Fight the Fish." |date=12 August 2020|website=Kickstarter.com|access-date=8 Oct 2020}}

Shiny has also made references to Earthworm Jim in its later titles; their game Sacrifice features an earthwormlike god of earth called James, and there were additional references in the game MDK. Earthworm Jim also appears as a secret character in the first Battle Arena Toshinden game for PC.

{{main|Earthworm Jim (TV series)}}

Universal Cartoon Studios made an animated series based on the franchise, and it ran for 23 episodes in 2 seasons from 1995 to 1996 on the Kids' WB programming block on The WB Television Network (now merged with UPN to form The CW).{{cite web|title=Interplay, TenNapel Partner For Earthworm Jim Game, Cartoon Revival|date=2008-04-22|website=Gamasutra|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18353|author=Gamasutra Staff|access-date=2008-04-24}} The show maintains much of the absurd and surreal humor of the original games, as well as introducing its own features. Most of the episodes revolve around one of Jim's many enemies trying to reclaim the super suit or otherwise cause mayhem throughout the galaxy. Actor Dan Castellaneta, known for voicing various characters on The Simpsons, including its main protagonist, Homer Simpson, voiced Jim in the animated series.{{cite news|title=BBC Staff|date=2003-07-04|publisher=BBC|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/3041572.stm|author=IGN Staff|access-date=2008-04-24}}

The original two Earthworm Jim games of the series have been praised for their detailed graphics, well-developed platforming, and wacky humor.{{cite web| author=Daemon Hatfield|url = http://psp.ign.com/articles/707/707465p1.html|date=2005-05-10| website = IGN| title = E3 2006: Earthworm Jim Crawls Again| access-date = 2008-04-24}} The original game was received very well, being rated the 114th best game made on a Nintendo system in Nintendo Power's Top 200 Games list. Earthworm Jim 2 was also received very well. Both were better received than many of the other projects Interplay was working on around the same time, such as Boogerman, which was criticized as being "cretinous, disgusting, and patronizing",{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-13-most-hateful-video-game-mascot-characters-of-the-90s/?page=2 |title=Page 2 - The 13 most hateful video game mascot characters of the '90s |publisher=GamesRadar |date=2012-06-23 |access-date=2013-09-08}} and Cool Spot, a project Perry and Tallarico worked on, which was criticized for being dedicated to marketing 7-Up and for having a "lack of personality".

The music from Earthworm Jim has been praised, with music from Earthworm Jim 2 being included in Game Central's Best of the Best CD compilation of video game music.{{cite web|url=http://music.ign.com/articles/794/794173p1.html|title=Game Central's Best of the Best CD|author=IGN Music|date=2007-06-06|website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070815082222/http://music.ign.com/articles/794/794173p1.html|archive-date=2007-08-15|url-status=dead|access-date=2008-04-23}} It has also been requested at concerts where game composer Tommy Tallarico has had his music performed.{{cite web|url=http://spong.com/detail/editorial.jsp?eid=10109685&cid=&tid=&pid=&plid=&page=6&cb=405|title=Interviews// Tommy Tallarico|author=Svend Joscelyne|date=2007-10-23|publisher=Spong|access-date=2008-04-24}}

The first two games were compiled into a package called Earthworm Jim 1 & 2: The Whole Can 'O Worms for the PC. Next Generation reviewed the package, rating it four stars out of five, and stated that "This is what the PC really needs sometimes – a nice, fast-action game that will distract the player from the more mundane pursuits of word processing or data entry, without requiring the commitment of a huge RPG or strategy title."{{cite magazine|title=Finals|magazine=Next Generation|issue=21|publisher=Imagine Media|date=September 1996|page=154}}

Earthworm Jim 3D started a downward trend for the series' popularity, being considered neither a critical nor commercial success,{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/|title=GamesRadar+|website=gamesradar}} with many reviewers claiming the game was uninspired, mediocre, and unable to compete with many other similar, higher reviewed platform games at the time, such as Super Mario 64, Rayman 2, or Banjo-Kazooie. Earthworm Jim: Menace 2 the Galaxy was even more poorly received, with reviewers claiming it had lost the charm of what made the originals good, and pretty much "killed the series".

IGN recognized the character Earthworm Jim as a notable animal protagonist in video games.{{cite web| author=News & Features Team|url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/11/17/essential-games-for-the-animal-within|date=2006-11-17| website = IGN| title = Essential Games for the Animal Within| access-date = 2021-10-16}}

{{Clear}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20170711063933/http://www.interplay.com/games/earthwormjim.php Official Earthworm Jim section at Interplay]
• [http://tennapel.com Doug TenNapel the creator of Earthworm Jim]
• [http://toonopedia.com/earthwrm.htm Earthworm Jim] at Don Markstein's Toonopedia. [https://www.webcitation.org/6i1K7HYKk?url=http://toonopedia.com/earthwrm.htm Archived] from the original on June 4, 2016.

{{Earthworm Jim}}

{{ClayFighter}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Video game franchises

Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1994

Category:Video games adapted into comics

Category:Universal Pictures franchises