Earthworm Jim

An earthworm mutated by a robotic super-suit who acts as the protagonist of the Earthworm Jim platformer video game series.

Action

30

Games

1990–2002

Years

23

Platforms

$68.47

Ø CIB

-17.2%

24M change

About

Earthworm Jim is the titular main character of the Earthworm Jim franchise, first appearing in the 1994 platform game Earthworm Jim. Originally an ordinary earthworm, he is transformed into a superhero after a high-tech space suit falls from the sky and mutates him. Throughout the series, including Earthworm Jim 2, he uses his suit's blaster and his own body as a whip to battle surreal enemies.

Created by Doug TenNapel and designed by Shiny Entertainment, the character became a prominent icon of 1990s gaming. His debut in the 1990 release of Earthworm Jim established the franchise's signature fluid animation and absurd humor. This was quickly followed by Earthworm Jim 2 (1990) and subsequent ports and editions, including another version of Earthworm Jim (1991) and the special packaging release Earthworm Jim [Cardboard Box] (1994).

The character's enduring appeal led to various re-releases and compilations across different console generations, such as Earthworm Jim 1+2 [25th Anniversary Cow Edition] (1990) and multiple iterations of the original Earthworm Jim (1994). These titles cemented the character's legacy as a staple of run-and-gun platformers. The franchise's distinct visual style, heavily influenced by traditional hand-drawn animation techniques, set a high standard for 16-bit era graphics and influenced character design in contemporary side-scrolling games.