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Earthworm Jim (series)
Encyclopedia
Earthworm Jim is a series of side-scrolling platforming video games. First released in 1994, the series is noted for its shooting/platforming gameplay and humorous and edgy style.
Earthworm Jim first appeared as a video game for the Sega Genesis in 1994. In the late 1990s, publisher Interplay
experienced financial difficulties that led to the closing of the company in 2004. In late 2007, after selling some of their intellectual property to Bethesda Softworks
, the company promises to reestablish itself as an "industry player".
announced that they had the rights to bring Earthworm Jim to a portable video game system. The game was 80% complete in August 2006 and was to be released in the winter of 2006. Many new elements were to be introduced, such as the ability to stop gameplay at any time and dance. On 18 June 2007, PSPFanboy stated on their website that they had contacted Atari and that it had been said that the game had been put on hold, probably due to Atari's financial difficulties and the sale of the games developer Shiny Entertainment
, and it is thought that the game is canceled.
's Nintendo 64
title, Clay Fighter 63 1/3 in 1997 and the Blockbuster
rental, 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.
Shiny
has also made references to Earthworm Jim in its later titles; their game Sacrifice features an earthworm-like god
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.
s of lucidity.
, who voices Homer Simpson
on the animated television show The Simpsons
, voiced Earthworm Jim in the animated series.
and animated series. Originally created by Professor Monkey-For-A-Head for Queen Slug-for-a-Butt, it was found by an earthworm named Jim when Psy-Crow lost it during delivery. Throughout the Earthworm Jim video games and television series numerous villains attempt to steal the suit from Jim, to no avail. The suit is claimed to be one of the most powerful weapons in the galaxy. It responds to the wearer's thoughts, granting them immense strength, agility, and durability. The suit is equipped with a Plasma Blaster and a single-person spacecraft
stored inside. Jim refers to it as the "Pocket Rocket". The suit's arms are able to stretch to form a protective shield in the shape of a manta ray
. According to the animated series, the suit receives power from a "Battery of the Gods," but has a renewable energy system in the games with extremely large macromolecules of fuel scattered throughout each game level. The suit appears to have a degree of sentience
, being able to wave and signal to Jim if they are separated, as well as being able to grab Jim and use him in different manners, such as a whip or jump rope. Starting with Earthworm Jim 2
, the suit has a green mucus-like creature named Snott living in its backpack. In the video games, Snott can be used to swing from place to place as well as to slow Jim's fall by acting a parachute. Snott guards the suit whenever Jim needs to leave it momentarily. Underneath its white pants, the Super Suit wears white boxers patterned with red hearts.
The Plasma Blaster is the main weapon of the Super Suit. Like the Super Suit, the Plasma blaster was created by Professor Monkey-For-A-Head for use by Queen Slug-For-A-Butt, but was lost along with the suit to Earthworm Jim. It is a small, hand held gun that fires bolts of "plasma" energy. The Plasma Blaster, unlike the "Pocket Rocket", is clearly visible at all times, being strapped in a holster to the left side of the Super Suit for easy access. The Plasma Blaster seems to be as durable as the Super Suit itself, being exposed to the extreme temperatures of space and planetary re-entry and even operating underwater and still functioning. In the games
, the plasma blaster has an ammunition counter. If the counter fell to zero the blaster was able to slowly recharge itself back to a maximum of 100 rounds, but the player was forced to collect Plasma Blaster icons to refill ammunition any higher. This would leave the player fairly vulnerable to enemy attacks. There were also Mega Plasma Blaster icons scattered about levels, allowing the player to shoot a long, powerful blast. In the Special Edition of the game, the plasma blaster could also be equipped with Homing Missile ammunition, which would target any nearby enemy without having to aim. In Earthworm Jim 2
different types of guns were added in addition to the plasma blaster. They included:
In the animated series, the Plasma Blaster was constantly used by Jim as the answer to all problems, falling under the category of "Plan A: Senseless Violence". His motto is "When all else fails, start blasting!" It was also discovered that the energy bolts fired have exactly the same charge as the particles around the central radius of a black hole
.
The Pocket Rocket is a single person spacecraft and Earthworm Jim's main mode of transportation whether to other planets or new locations. The Pocket Rocket is a small personal rocket ship stored inside the Suit and looks like a turbine engine with handle bars. Whenever Jim needs it, it is pulled from one of the suit's pockets, hence the name. It is unknown how the rocket fits inside the suit, as it is much bigger, but it is assumed that it fits into some sort of extra-dimensional space. The rocket, like the Super Suit, was created by Professor Monkey-For-A-Head for use by Queen Slug-For-A-Butt but was lost along with the suit to Earthworm Jim. While on the rocket, Jim seems to have no problem breathing in the cold-vacuum of space, even though the Pocket Rocket is not enclosed in any way. This may be due to either the rocket, Jim's Super Suit or just Jim's earthworm physiology
. However, in the animated series Peter Puppy can also be seen riding the rocket in space with no ill-effects, so it can be assumed the rocket supplies some sort of life support systems or that it is just an example of cartoon physics
. The Pocket Rocket seems to be as durable as the Super Suit itself, being battered by asteroids, being exposed to the extreme heat of planetary re-entry and even operating underwater and still functioning. In the line of Earthworm Jim action figures, the Pocket Rocket was the only vehicle ever produced.
.
A small macro-molecule that restores 4% health (lower on higher difficulties and 5% in Earthworm Jim 3D) to the super suit if it is damaged. Scattered around most levels.
A larger, orange macro-molecule that restores the Super Suit to 100% health. It is only scarcely found in most levels.
A special power-up that appears to be a sandwich
containing chips
and butter
, found only in Earthworm Jim 2. This allows to super suit to reach 200% health. However, normal Suit Atoms will not heal the suit until it is damaged beneath 100% again.
Found in the "Andy Asteroids?" levels of Earthworm Jim, this warp will give Jim's Pocket Rocket a sudden burst of speed.
Again, only found in the "Andy Asteroids?" levels, this item will give Jim a use of a temporary asteroid-proof shield that will also send Psy-crow aside.
Another "Andy Asteroids?" exclusive, it basically is a little blue bubble. Should the player collect 50 or more of these pods, they will gain a continue (a can of worms).
The Can O'Worms serves as a continue for EWJ 1 and 2.
An EWJ2 exclusive, and further on that, a two level ("Villi People/Jim's Now a Blind Cave Salamander!" and "Inflated Head") exclusive, they are used as method of payment for a question or a whack of the punch tower.
In EWJ 1 and 2, this serves as a 1-up.
An exclusive to the Mega-CD/Sega CD/PC "Special Edition" EWJ 1 port, they are homing missiles which blow away enemies with the force of a Mega Plasma shot.
This item will give the player more units of whichever blaster they are currently using. The number ammo units provided depends on the blaster.
An EWJ 1 exclusive, it looks like a normal ammo pickup, but it has power ripples pulsing around it. It provides one Mega Plasma shot.
An EWJ 2 Exclusive, Changes colour configuration of level.
Exclusive to the co-op mode of the Xbox 360 "HD" port of EWJ 1, allows whoever picked it up to fire unlimited Mega Plasma shots for a limited time.
Exclusive to the co-op mode of the Xbox 360 "HD" port of EWJ 1, makes whoever picked it up immune to damage for a limited time, though bottomless pits still pose a threat.
An EWJ 3D exclusive, it replaces the Jim head for a 1-up.
A special item in Earthworm Jim 2, when all three flags are collected, after the game is completed, the player may play any level he chooses. Each level has a flag with a picture of the Earth, A flag with a picture of an Earthworm, and a flag with the word Jim on it, spelling out the title characters full name: Earthworm Jim.
A special item exclusive to Earthworm Jim 3D, this is an item which are scattered all over each level. Collecting the marbles allows for secret areas to be opened and for Golden Udders to be found.
A special item exclusive to Earthworm Jim 3D, this is collected when enough marbles are obtained, or when a special mission is completed. Golden Udders unlock more areas of the game.
s Top 200 Games list. In April 2008, Interplay announced they would bring Earthworm Jim
and Earthworm Jim 2
to the Wii
s Virtual Console
. Earthworm Jim 3D was thought to be a solid platforming game with a good selection of levels and weapons, but with a terrible camera system and a lack of any big innovations.
Music from Earthworm Jim 2
was included in Game Central's Best of the Best CD compilation of video game music. It has also been requested at concerts where game composer Tommy Tallarico has had his music performed.
Earthworm Jim
is also in ClayFighter 63⅓ for the Nintendo 64.
The character Earthworm Jim has been recognized as one of the greatest animal protagonists in video game history.
Earthworm Jim first appeared as a video game for the Sega Genesis in 1994. In the late 1990s, publisher Interplay
Interplay Entertainment
Interplay Entertainment Corporation is an American video game developer and publisher, founded in 1983 as Interplay Productions by Brian Fargo. The company had been a quality developer until they started publishing their own games in 1988, like Neuromancer and Battle Chess. The company was renamed...
experienced financial difficulties that led to the closing of the company in 2004. In late 2007, after selling some of their intellectual property to Bethesda Softworks
Bethesda Softworks
Bethesda Softworks, LLC, is an American video game company. A subsidiary of ZeniMax Media, the company was originally based in Bethesda, Maryland and eventually moved to their current location in Rockville, Maryland...
, the company promises to reestablish itself as an "industry player".
Games
| Title | Year | Platform | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earthworm Jim Earthworm Jim Earthworm Jim is a run and gun platform video game starring an earthworm named Jim in a robotic suit who battles evil. Created by Doug TenNapel and designed by David Perry, the game was developed by Shiny Entertainment and Playmates Interactive Entertainment, released by Sega for the Mega... |
Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo Super Nintendo Entertainment System The Super Nintendo Entertainment System is a 16-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America, Europe, Australasia , and South America between 1990 and 1993. In Japan and Southeast Asia, the system is called the , or SFC for short... , MS DOS, Game Gear, Master System, Game Boy Game Boy The , is an 8-bit handheld video game device developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on , in North America in , and in Europe on... , Game Boy Advance Game Boy Advance The is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed, manufactured, and marketed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. It was released in Japan on March 21, 2001; in North America on June 11, 2001; in Australia and Europe on June 22, 2001; and in the People's Republic of China... , Nintendo DSiWare, Xbox Live Arcade Xbox Live Arcade Xbox Live Arcade is a type of video game download distribution available primarily in a section of the Xbox Live Marketplace, Microsoft's digital distribution network for the Xbox 360, that focuses on smaller downloadable games from both major publishers and independent game developers... , PSN, IPhone IPhone The iPhone is a line of Internet and multimedia-enabled smartphones marketed by Apple Inc. The first iPhone was unveiled by Steve Jobs, then CEO of Apple, on January 9, 2007, and released on June 29, 2007... , Android |
Earthworm Jim took a year to develop. The engine had to be re-developed and the graphics remapped for the Game Boy Advance port as none of the original engine could be ported. The MS DOS port has an enhanced CD audio soundtrack. The level "Intestinal Distress!" was removed from the SNES and MS DOS ports of the game. The game was also later ported to the Virtual Console Virtual console A virtual console – also known as a virtual terminal – is a conceptual combination of the keyboard and display for a computer user interface. It is a feature of some operating systems such as UnixWare, Linux, and BSD, in which the system console of the computer can be used to switch between... and remade as Earthworm Jim HD for Playstation 3 PlayStation 3 The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles... and Xbox 360 Xbox 360 The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles... . |
|
| Earthworm Jim Special Edition Earthworm Jim Earthworm Jim is a run and gun platform video game starring an earthworm named Jim in a robotic suit who battles evil. Created by Doug TenNapel and designed by David Perry, the game was developed by Shiny Entertainment and Playmates Interactive Entertainment, released by Sega for the Mega... |
Sega CD, Windows 95 Windows 95 Windows 95 is a consumer-oriented graphical user interface-based operating system. It was released on August 24, 1995 by Microsoft, and was a significant progression from the company's previous Windows products... |
Earthworm Jim Special Edition includes redrawn graphics, extended levels, an extra level "Big Bruty", a new weapon, and the same enhanced CD audio soundtrack found in the MS DOS port. | |
| The Great Earthworm Jim Race Earthworm Jim Earthworm Jim is a run and gun platform video game starring an earthworm named Jim in a robotic suit who battles evil. Created by Doug TenNapel and designed by David Perry, the game was developed by Shiny Entertainment and Playmates Interactive Entertainment, released by Sega for the Mega... |
Sega Channel Sega Channel Sega Channel was a project developed by Sega for the 16-bit Sega Mega Drive/Genesis console. Starting in December 1994, Sega Channel service was provided to the public by Time Warner Cable and TCI, which later was acquired by AT&T during its cable acquisition spree that formed AT&T... |
The Great Earthworm Jim Race is a special version of the original game broadcast in 1995. The game featured an increase in difficulty level and it featured a secret room which, when reached by the first 200 players, would display a password and a toll-free telephone number Toll-free telephone number A toll-free, Freecall, Freephone, 800, 0800 or 1-800 number is a special telephone number which is free to the calling party, and instead the telephone carrier charges the called party the cost of the call... . Those that called the number were awarded special prizes. |
|
| Earthworm Jim HD Earthworm Jim Earthworm Jim is a run and gun platform video game starring an earthworm named Jim in a robotic suit who battles evil. Created by Doug TenNapel and designed by David Perry, the game was developed by Shiny Entertainment and Playmates Interactive Entertainment, released by Sega for the Mega... |
Xbox Live, PSN | Earthworm Jim HD includes redrawn, fully HD graphics, some minor new features, multiplayer mode (up to four players), and 3 all-new bonus levels. This version doesn't include both the "Big Bruty" level from Special Edition and the secret level "Who turned off the lights" from original version. The new weapon from Special Edition is also not included. | |
| Earthworm Jim 2 Earthworm Jim 2 Earthworm Jim 2 is a platform video game originally developed by Shiny Entertainment and released in 1995 in Europe, and 1996 in the US, it is a sequel to the 1994 original Earthworm Jim. Again, the game was created by Doug TenNapel with design from David Perry and music from Tommy Tallarico... |
Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo Super Nintendo Entertainment System The Super Nintendo Entertainment System is a 16-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America, Europe, Australasia , and South America between 1990 and 1993. In Japan and Southeast Asia, the system is called the , or SFC for short... , MS DOS, PlayStation PlayStation The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console first released by Sony Computer Entertainment in Japan on December 3, .The PlayStation was the first of the PlayStation series of consoles and handheld game devices. The PlayStation 2 was the console's successor in 2000... , Sega Saturn Sega Saturn The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe... , Game Boy Advance Game Boy Advance The is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed, manufactured, and marketed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. It was released in Japan on March 21, 2001; in North America on June 11, 2001; in Australia and Europe on June 22, 2001; and in the People's Republic of China... |
MS DOS, PlayStation & Sega Saturn ports include an enhanced CD audio soundtrack. The level "Lorenzen's Soil" was removed from the MS DOS port. | |
| Earthworm Jim 3D Earthworm Jim 3D Earthworm Jim 3D is to date the last console game in the Earthworm Jim series. It is a sequel to Earthworm Jim and Earthworm Jim 2. Created by Interplay and based more on the television series than the canon of the previous games, Earthworm Jim 3D was released for Nintendo 64 and PC... |
Nintendo 64 Nintendo 64 The , often referred to as N64, was Nintendo′s third home video game console for the international market. Named for its 64-bit CPU, it was released in June 1996 in Japan, September 1996 in North America, March 1997 in Europe and Australia, September 1997 in France and December 1997 in Brazil... , Windows 98 Windows 98 Windows 98 is a graphical operating system by Microsoft. It is the second major release in the Windows 9x line of operating systems. It was released to manufacturing on 15 May 1998 and to retail on 25 June 1998. Windows 98 is the successor to Windows 95. Like its predecessor, it is a hybrid... |
The characters of Earthworm Jim had to be redesigned for the shift to 3D. When the game was almost three quarters done, it suffered from framerate problems and poor animation. A PlayStation PlayStation The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console first released by Sony Computer Entertainment in Japan on December 3, .The PlayStation was the first of the PlayStation series of consoles and handheld game devices. The PlayStation 2 was the console's successor in 2000... version was planned, but was cancelled for unknown reasons. |
|
| Earthworm Jim: Menace 2 the Galaxy Earthworm Jim: Menace 2 the Galaxy Earthworm Jim: Menace 2 the Galaxy is a platform game starring Earthworm Jim, released in 1999 for the Game Boy Color. Evil Jim has kidnapped Princess What's-Her-Name and Earthworm Jim must embark on yet another adventure to save her. The game box art is done in the same style as the Earthworm Jim... |
Game Boy Color Game Boy Color The is Nintendo's successor to the 8-bit Game Boy handheld game console, and was released on October 21, 1998 in Japan, November 19, 1998 in North America, November 23, 1998 in Europe and November 27, 1998 in the United Kingdom. It features a color screen and is slightly thicker and taller than... |
A Game Boy Color-specific level was developed for the game. | |
Cancelled game for PSP
In 2006, AtariAtari
Atari is a corporate and brand name owned by several entities since its inception in 1972. It is currently owned by Atari Interactive, a wholly owned subsidiary of the French publisher Atari, SA . The original Atari, Inc. was founded in 1972 by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney. It was a pioneer in...
announced that they had the rights to bring Earthworm Jim to a portable video game system. The game was 80% complete in August 2006 and was to be released in the winter of 2006. Many new elements were to be introduced, such as the ability to stop gameplay at any time and dance. On 18 June 2007, PSPFanboy stated on their website that they had contacted Atari and that it had been said that the game had been put on hold, probably due to Atari's financial difficulties and the sale of the games developer Shiny Entertainment
Shiny Entertainment
Shiny Entertainment was an American video game developer based in Laguna Beach, Southern California, and the creator of several popular titles such as Earthworm Jim, MDK, Sacrifice and The Matrix: Path of Neo. Shiny was founded by David Perry in October 1993...
, and it is thought that the game is canceled.
Future titles
On April 22, 2008, Earthworm Jim 4 was announced, though details were scarce and no solid platform or release date had been revealed. It was later announced by TenNapel himself that the rumors of Earthworm Jim 4 were untrue; however, he stated that he still had interest in the future of the series should the opportunity ever come.Cameos
Earthworm Jim also starred as a fighter on InterplayInterplay Entertainment
Interplay Entertainment Corporation is an American video game developer and publisher, founded in 1983 as Interplay Productions by Brian Fargo. The company had been a quality developer until they started publishing their own games in 1988, like Neuromancer and Battle Chess. The company was renamed...
's Nintendo 64
Nintendo 64
The , often referred to as N64, was Nintendo′s third home video game console for the international market. Named for its 64-bit CPU, it was released in June 1996 in Japan, September 1996 in North America, March 1997 in Europe and Australia, September 1997 in France and December 1997 in Brazil...
title, Clay Fighter 63 1/3 in 1997 and the Blockbuster
Blockbuster (movie rental store)
Blockbuster LLC is an American-based provider of home video and video game rental services, originally through video rental shops , later adding DVD-by-mail, streaming video on demand, and kiosks. At its peak in 2009, Blockbuster had up to 60,000 employees. There are around 1700 Blockbuster...
rental, 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
Secret character
A secret character can be a player character or a non-player character in a video game that must be unlocked by completing a goal within the game...
. Also in the game, he and Boogerman hold a strong rivalry between one another.
Shiny
Shiny Entertainment
Shiny Entertainment was an American video game developer based in Laguna Beach, Southern California, and the creator of several popular titles such as Earthworm Jim, MDK, Sacrifice and The Matrix: Path of Neo. Shiny was founded by David Perry in October 1993...
has also made references to Earthworm Jim in its later titles; their game Sacrifice features an earthworm-like god
God
God is the English name given to a singular being in theistic and deistic religions who is either the sole deity in monotheism, or a single deity in polytheism....
called James, and there were additional references in the game MDK
MDK (video game)
MDK is a third-person shooter game developed by Shiny Entertainment and released in 1997 by Playmates Interactive Entertainment in North America and Interplay Entertainment in Europe for the PC, Macintosh, and subsequently PlayStation. It was one of the first PC games to require a Pentium or...
. Earthworm Jim also appears as a secret character in the first Battle Arena Toshinden
Battle Arena Toshinden
is a weapons-based fighting game for the PlayStation, Sega Saturn and PC in 1994. It was one of the first fighting games to boast polygonal characters in a 3D environment, and it is credited for taking the genre into "true 3-D" due to its introduction of the sidestep maneuver.It was an early killer...
game for PC.
Earthworm Jim
Earthworm Jim receives a super suit dropped by Psycrow on the way to delivering it to Queen Slug-for-a-Butt. He must rescue Princess Whats-her-name from her clutches.Earthworm Jim 2
Psycrow kidnaps Princess What's-her-name, and Jim must rescue her before she is married to Psycrow.Earthworm Jim 3D
Earthworm Jim is hit by a flying cow that sends him into a coma as well as causes him to "lose his marbles". Jim awakens within his own mind and discovers he has gone insane. To restore his sanity he must find the golden udderUdder
An udder is an organ formed of the mammary glands of female quadruped mammals, especially ruminants such as cattle, goats, sheep and deer. The udder is a single mass hanging beneath the animal, consisting of pairs of mammary glands...
s of lucidity.
Earthworm Jim: Menace 2 the Galaxy
Earthworm Jim fights the evil Professor Monkey-for-a-Head who lets Evil Jim steal his Inter-Dimensional-Transporter-of-Doom.Television series
An animated series based on the Earthworm Jim series of video games was also produced, and ran for 23 episodes in 2 seasons from 1995–1996 on the Kids' WB programming block on The WB Television Network. The show maintains much of the absurdist 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 villains trying to reclaim the super suit, or otherwise causing mayhem through the galaxy. Actor Dan CastellanetaDan Castellaneta
Daniel Louis "Dan" Castellaneta is an American actor, voice actor, comedian, singer and screenwriter. Noted for his long-running role as Homer Simpson on the animated television series The Simpsons, he voices many other characters on The Simpsons, including Abraham "Grampa" Simpson, Barney Gumble,...
, who voices Homer Simpson
Homer Simpson
Homer Jay Simpson is a fictional character in the animated television series The Simpsons and the patriarch of the eponymous family. He is voiced by Dan Castellaneta and first appeared on television, along with the rest of his family, in The Tracey Ullman Show short "Good Night" on April 19, 1987...
on the animated television show The Simpsons
The Simpsons
The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical parody of a middle class American lifestyle epitomized by its family of the same name, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie...
, voiced Earthworm Jim in the animated series.
Items
The Ultra-high-tech-indestructible-super-space-cyber-suit or simply Super Suit is the main plot point of the Earthworm Jim video gamesEarthworm Jim
Earthworm Jim is a run and gun platform video game starring an earthworm named Jim in a robotic suit who battles evil. Created by Doug TenNapel and designed by David Perry, the game was developed by Shiny Entertainment and Playmates Interactive Entertainment, released by Sega for the Mega...
and animated series. Originally created by Professor Monkey-For-A-Head for Queen Slug-for-a-Butt, it was found by an earthworm named Jim when Psy-Crow lost it during delivery. Throughout the Earthworm Jim video games and television series numerous villains attempt to steal the suit from Jim, to no avail. The suit is claimed to be one of the most powerful weapons in the galaxy. It responds to the wearer's thoughts, granting them immense strength, agility, and durability. The suit is equipped with a Plasma Blaster and a single-person spacecraft
Spacecraft
A spacecraft or spaceship is a craft or machine designed for spaceflight. Spacecraft are used for a variety of purposes, including communications, earth observation, meteorology, navigation, planetary exploration and transportation of humans and cargo....
stored inside. Jim refers to it as the "Pocket Rocket". The suit's arms are able to stretch to form a protective shield in the shape of a manta ray
Manta ray
The manta ray is the largest species of the rays. The largest known specimen was more than across, with a weight of about . It ranges throughout waters of the world, typically around coral reefs...
. According to the animated series, the suit receives power from a "Battery of the Gods," but has a renewable energy system in the games with extremely large macromolecules of fuel scattered throughout each game level. The suit appears to have a degree of sentience
Sentience
Sentience is the ability to feel, perceive or be conscious, or to have subjective experiences. Eighteenth century philosophers used the concept to distinguish the ability to think from the ability to feel . In modern western philosophy, sentience is the ability to have sensations or experiences...
, being able to wave and signal to Jim if they are separated, as well as being able to grab Jim and use him in different manners, such as a whip or jump rope. Starting with Earthworm Jim 2
Earthworm Jim 2
Earthworm Jim 2 is a platform video game originally developed by Shiny Entertainment and released in 1995 in Europe, and 1996 in the US, it is a sequel to the 1994 original Earthworm Jim. Again, the game was created by Doug TenNapel with design from David Perry and music from Tommy Tallarico...
, the suit has a green mucus-like creature named Snott living in its backpack. In the video games, Snott can be used to swing from place to place as well as to slow Jim's fall by acting a parachute. Snott guards the suit whenever Jim needs to leave it momentarily. Underneath its white pants, the Super Suit wears white boxers patterned with red hearts.
The Plasma Blaster is the main weapon of the Super Suit. Like the Super Suit, the Plasma blaster was created by Professor Monkey-For-A-Head for use by Queen Slug-For-A-Butt, but was lost along with the suit to Earthworm Jim. It is a small, hand held gun that fires bolts of "plasma" energy. The Plasma Blaster, unlike the "Pocket Rocket", is clearly visible at all times, being strapped in a holster to the left side of the Super Suit for easy access. The Plasma Blaster seems to be as durable as the Super Suit itself, being exposed to the extreme temperatures of space and planetary re-entry and even operating underwater and still functioning. In the games
Earthworm Jim
Earthworm Jim is a run and gun platform video game starring an earthworm named Jim in a robotic suit who battles evil. Created by Doug TenNapel and designed by David Perry, the game was developed by Shiny Entertainment and Playmates Interactive Entertainment, released by Sega for the Mega...
, the plasma blaster has an ammunition counter. If the counter fell to zero the blaster was able to slowly recharge itself back to a maximum of 100 rounds, but the player was forced to collect Plasma Blaster icons to refill ammunition any higher. This would leave the player fairly vulnerable to enemy attacks. There were also Mega Plasma Blaster icons scattered about levels, allowing the player to shoot a long, powerful blast. In the Special Edition of the game, the plasma blaster could also be equipped with Homing Missile ammunition, which would target any nearby enemy without having to aim. In Earthworm Jim 2
Earthworm Jim 2
Earthworm Jim 2 is a platform video game originally developed by Shiny Entertainment and released in 1995 in Europe, and 1996 in the US, it is a sequel to the 1994 original Earthworm Jim. Again, the game was created by Doug TenNapel with design from David Perry and music from Tommy Tallarico...
different types of guns were added in addition to the plasma blaster. They included:
- Mega Plasma Blaster (EWJ2 version) - Much like the original, but with a bigger gun and a larger blast.
- Homing Missile Gun (EWJ2 version) - Similar to the previous version, but now with missiles shaped like small houses ("Home"-ing missile).
- Three-Finger Gun - Jim's fingers becomes three separate guns, giving the player a wider range of fire.
- Barn Burner Gun - Large brick gun that destroys all enemies on screen, but packs a nasty recoil. Jim is knocked to the ground momentarily after each use.
- Bubble Gun - Much like the toy, a gun that shoots soap bubbles. It is useless against enemies and should be avoided.
- Digging Gun - Resembles the normal Plasma Blaster, but could shoot a continuous stream of energy to move dirt around on Planet Burbank.
In the animated series, the Plasma Blaster was constantly used by Jim as the answer to all problems, falling under the category of "Plan A: Senseless Violence". His motto is "When all else fails, start blasting!" It was also discovered that the energy bolts fired have exactly the same charge as the particles around the central radius of a black hole
Black hole
A black hole is a region of spacetime from which nothing, not even light, can escape. The theory of general relativity predicts that a sufficiently compact mass will deform spacetime to form a black hole. Around a black hole there is a mathematically defined surface called an event horizon that...
.
The Pocket Rocket is a single person spacecraft and Earthworm Jim's main mode of transportation whether to other planets or new locations. The Pocket Rocket is a small personal rocket ship stored inside the Suit and looks like a turbine engine with handle bars. Whenever Jim needs it, it is pulled from one of the suit's pockets, hence the name. It is unknown how the rocket fits inside the suit, as it is much bigger, but it is assumed that it fits into some sort of extra-dimensional space. The rocket, like the Super Suit, was created by Professor Monkey-For-A-Head for use by Queen Slug-For-A-Butt but was lost along with the suit to Earthworm Jim. While on the rocket, Jim seems to have no problem breathing in the cold-vacuum of space, even though the Pocket Rocket is not enclosed in any way. This may be due to either the rocket, Jim's Super Suit or just Jim's earthworm physiology
Physiology
Physiology is the science of the function of living systems. This includes how organisms, organ systems, organs, cells, and bio-molecules carry out the chemical or physical functions that exist in a living system. The highest honor awarded in physiology is the Nobel Prize in Physiology or...
. However, in the animated series Peter Puppy can also be seen riding the rocket in space with no ill-effects, so it can be assumed the rocket supplies some sort of life support systems or that it is just an example of cartoon physics
Cartoon physics
Cartoon physics is a jocular system of laws of physics that supersedes the normal laws, used in animation for humorous effect. Normal physical laws are referential , but cartoon physics are preferential ....
. The Pocket Rocket seems to be as durable as the Super Suit itself, being battered by asteroids, being exposed to the extreme heat of planetary re-entry and even operating underwater and still functioning. In the line of Earthworm Jim action figures, the Pocket Rocket was the only vehicle ever produced.
Video game series exclusive items
The following items only appeared in the Earthworm Jim video game seriesEarthworm Jim
Earthworm Jim is a run and gun platform video game starring an earthworm named Jim in a robotic suit who battles evil. Created by Doug TenNapel and designed by David Perry, the game was developed by Shiny Entertainment and Playmates Interactive Entertainment, released by Sega for the Mega...
.
- Suit Atom
A small macro-molecule that restores 4% health (lower on higher difficulties and 5% in Earthworm Jim 3D) to the super suit if it is damaged. Scattered around most levels.
- Ultra Suit Atom
A larger, orange macro-molecule that restores the Super Suit to 100% health. It is only scarcely found in most levels.
- Chip ButtyChip buttyA chip sandwich, chip barm, chip roll, chip butty, chip muffin, piece-n-chips or hot chip sandwich is a sandwich made with bread or bread roll and hot chips , often with some sort of sauce such as tomato sauce or brown sauce...
A special power-up that appears to be a sandwich
Sandwich
A sandwich is a food item, typically consisting of two or more slices of :bread with one or more fillings between them, or one slice of bread with a topping or toppings, commonly called an open sandwich. Sandwiches are a widely popular type of lunch food, typically taken to work or school, or...
containing chips
French fries
French fries , chips, fries, or French-fried potatoes are strips of deep-fried potato. North Americans tend to refer to any pieces of deep-fried potatoes as fries or French fries, while in the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand, long, thinly cut slices of deep-fried potatoes are...
and butter
Butter
Butter is a dairy product made by churning fresh or fermented cream or milk. It is generally used as a spread and a condiment, as well as in cooking applications, such as baking, sauce making, and pan frying...
, found only in Earthworm Jim 2. This allows to super suit to reach 200% health. However, normal Suit Atoms will not heal the suit until it is damaged beneath 100% again.
- Atomic Accelerator
Found in the "Andy Asteroids?" levels of Earthworm Jim, this warp will give Jim's Pocket Rocket a sudden burst of speed.
- Asteroid Shield
Again, only found in the "Andy Asteroids?" levels, this item will give Jim a use of a temporary asteroid-proof shield that will also send Psy-crow aside.
- Fuel Pod
Another "Andy Asteroids?" exclusive, it basically is a little blue bubble. Should the player collect 50 or more of these pods, they will gain a continue (a can of worms).
- Can O'Worms
The Can O'Worms serves as a continue for EWJ 1 and 2.
- Mealworm
An EWJ2 exclusive, and further on that, a two level ("Villi People/Jim's Now a Blind Cave Salamander!" and "Inflated Head") exclusive, they are used as method of payment for a question or a whack of the punch tower.
- Jim Head
In EWJ 1 and 2, this serves as a 1-up.
- Mini Rockets
An exclusive to the Mega-CD/Sega CD/PC "Special Edition" EWJ 1 port, they are homing missiles which blow away enemies with the force of a Mega Plasma shot.
- Ammo Bullet
This item will give the player more units of whichever blaster they are currently using. The number ammo units provided depends on the blaster.
- Mega Plasma
An EWJ 1 exclusive, it looks like a normal ammo pickup, but it has power ripples pulsing around it. It provides one Mega Plasma shot.
- Television
An EWJ 2 Exclusive, Changes colour configuration of level.
- Plasma Fury
Exclusive to the co-op mode of the Xbox 360 "HD" port of EWJ 1, allows whoever picked it up to fire unlimited Mega Plasma shots for a limited time.
- Shields
Exclusive to the co-op mode of the Xbox 360 "HD" port of EWJ 1, makes whoever picked it up immune to damage for a limited time, though bottomless pits still pose a threat.
- 1-UP Heart
An EWJ 3D exclusive, it replaces the Jim head for a 1-up.
- Password Flag
A special item in Earthworm Jim 2, when all three flags are collected, after the game is completed, the player may play any level he chooses. Each level has a flag with a picture of the Earth, A flag with a picture of an Earthworm, and a flag with the word Jim on it, spelling out the title characters full name: Earthworm Jim.
- Marbles
A special item exclusive to Earthworm Jim 3D, this is an item which are scattered all over each level. Collecting the marbles allows for secret areas to be opened and for Golden Udders to be found.
- Golden Udder
A special item exclusive to Earthworm Jim 3D, this is collected when enough marbles are obtained, or when a special mission is completed. Golden Udders unlock more areas of the game.
Animated series exclusive items
The following items only appeared in the Earthworm Jim animated seriesEarthworm Jim (TV series)
Earthworm Jim is an American animated television series which appeared on Kids' WB! for two seasons from September 9, 1995 through December 13, 1996. It is based on the video game series of the same name...
- Battery of the Gods - One of the main plot points of the animated series, the battery of the gods is a power source created by the gods with almost limitless power. It was used by Professor Monkey-For-A-Head to power the super suit. When the original suit was lost, the Professor was unable to build a suit with the same level of power without another Battery of the Gods. Since the only place to get one is the Fabled, Long-Sought Home of the Gods, very few people have access to them. Jim was aided in his quest for a new battery by The Fabled, Long-Sought Phonebook of the Gods, where the gods granted him a new battery after seeing his skill and playing the nose flute. The battery itself looks like a large 9-volt battery with an orange wrapper. The Battery of the Gods was planned to be a power-up for the cancelled game Earthworm Jim PSP
- The Fabled, Long-Sought Phonebook of the Gods - One of the few ways to find the Fabled, Long-Sought Home of the Gods. Jim was able to return to get a new battery for the super suit because he, for some reason, possessed this phone book. Outwardly, it seems to be a normal phone book.
- The Sword of Righteousness - An enchanted talking sword, the Sword of Righteousness claims to be a trainer of true heroes. He was found by Jim in an ancient sandwich vending machine and began training him shortly after. Jim followed the sword's instructions exactly, with disastrous results, until the sword revealed that no one he has ever trained has ever won a fight. Jim thus reverted back to his old fighting style and threw the sword into outer space.
- The Orb of Quite Remarkable Power - A powerful orb which grants the user almost unlimited power. Much like a Green Lantern ringPower ring (weapon)A power ring is a fictional object featured in comic book titles published by DC Comics. It first appeared in All-American Comics #16 .-Origin:...
the orb can make energy constructs of the user's thoughts, thus making its only limitation the user's imagination. For some reason the Orb is not very well protected and kept on The Planet of Easily Frightened People, where it was easily stolen by Psy-Crow.
- The Eggbeater - An eggbeaterMixer (cooking)A mixer is a kitchen appliance intended for mixing, folding, beating, and whipping food ingredients. Mixers come in two major variations, hand mixers and stand mixers....
Jim borrowed from his next door neighbor, Mrs. Bleverage, to help defeat Bob the Killer Goldfish. Jim subsequently left the eggbeater on La Planeta de Agua (Arriba!) and had to take Mrs. Bleverage on a long journey to retrieve it. After finally retrieving the eggbeater from Jim's foes, it is shown that it is not Mrs. Bleverage's eggbeater, as hers has a brown handle. He proposes another long journey to recover the true eggbeater (which was actually in his pocket all along, which he finds out while on Insectika).
Reception and legacy
The Earthworm Jim series has been praised for its detailed graphics, well developed platforming and wacky humor. Earthworm Jim was rated the 114th best game made on a Nintendo System in Nintendo PowerNintendo Power
Nintendo Power magazine is a monthly news and strategy magazine formerly published in-house by Nintendo of America, but now run independently. As of issue #222 , Nintendo contracted publishing duties to Future US, the U.S. subsidiary of British publisher Future.The first issue published was...
s Top 200 Games list. In April 2008, Interplay announced they would bring Earthworm Jim
Earthworm Jim
Earthworm Jim is a run and gun platform video game starring an earthworm named Jim in a robotic suit who battles evil. Created by Doug TenNapel and designed by David Perry, the game was developed by Shiny Entertainment and Playmates Interactive Entertainment, released by Sega for the Mega...
and Earthworm Jim 2
Earthworm Jim 2
Earthworm Jim 2 is a platform video game originally developed by Shiny Entertainment and released in 1995 in Europe, and 1996 in the US, it is a sequel to the 1994 original Earthworm Jim. Again, the game was created by Doug TenNapel with design from David Perry and music from Tommy Tallarico...
to the Wii
Wii
The Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo on November 19, 2006. As a seventh-generation console, the Wii primarily competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3. Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of the two others...
s Virtual Console
Virtual console
A virtual console – also known as a virtual terminal – is a conceptual combination of the keyboard and display for a computer user interface. It is a feature of some operating systems such as UnixWare, Linux, and BSD, in which the system console of the computer can be used to switch between...
. Earthworm Jim 3D was thought to be a solid platforming game with a good selection of levels and weapons, but with a terrible camera system and a lack of any big innovations.
Music from Earthworm Jim 2
Earthworm Jim 2
Earthworm Jim 2 is a platform video game originally developed by Shiny Entertainment and released in 1995 in Europe, and 1996 in the US, it is a sequel to the 1994 original Earthworm Jim. Again, the game was created by Doug TenNapel with design from David Perry and music from Tommy Tallarico...
was included in Game Central's Best of the Best CD compilation of video game music. It has also been requested at concerts where game composer Tommy Tallarico has had his music performed.
Earthworm Jim
Earthworm Jim
Earthworm Jim is a run and gun platform video game starring an earthworm named Jim in a robotic suit who battles evil. Created by Doug TenNapel and designed by David Perry, the game was developed by Shiny Entertainment and Playmates Interactive Entertainment, released by Sega for the Mega...
is also in ClayFighter 63⅓ for the Nintendo 64.
The character Earthworm Jim has been recognized as one of the greatest animal protagonists in video game history.