Inventive and funny cartoon-style adventure
The original Earthworm Jim is a truly classic platformer from the mind of David Perry, industry legend behind such games as Savage, MDK and Wild 9 and which combined an irreverent sense of humour with inventive action to great effect. This sequel expands and develops on its predecessor's ideas to create that rarest of things, a follow-up that is at least as good as, if not better, than the original. The basic premise of the game remains similar, in that it is a run 'n' gun style platformer, a cross between James Pond and Gunstar Heroes perhaps, with Jim out to rescue his princess in a series of wildly diverse and inventive side scrolling levels that are immensely fun to play. However, where the game scores is in its variety, with some clever variations on the formula that really are entertainingly bonkers and which are guaranteed to raise a smile while challenging your gaming skills at the same time. For example, one level sees you controlling Jim like a balloon, thanks to his inflated head, in a vertically scrolling environment, while another plays out like a shooter. It's this level of sheer bravura that makes Earthworm Jim stand out and the game constantly surprises you with its inventiveness. Visually, the game is equally impressive, with wonderfully diverse levels that are filled with detail and make excellent use of vibrant colour schemes and which lend the game much of its personality. When you throw in the humour, supremely smart level design and varied gameplay, you have what is truly a great example of the genre.
