Earthworm Jim

Earthworm Jim

Overview & History

Released by SEGA Europe in 1995 exclusively for PAL regions, the Sega Master System port of Earthworm Jim is a remarkable technical achievement. Originally a 16-bit powerhouse on the Genesis and SNES, developer Shiny Entertainment's frantic run-and-gun platformer was meticulously downgraded to 8-bit hardware by Eurocom. The storyline follows Jim, an ordinary earthworm who accidentally stumbles into a ultra-high-tech "Super Suited" space armor dropped by a fleeing galactic crow. Empowered by the suit, Jim sets out across the galaxy to rescue the distressed Princess What's-Name from the clutches of the villainous Queen Slug-for-A-Butt, Psy-Crow, and Major Evil the Cat.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The Master System version retains the surreal, cartoonish aesthetic and fluid animations of its 16-bit big brother across six bizarre levels. Players navigate Jim through hostile environments like New Junk City, Down The Tubes, and For Pete's Sake—a grueling escort mission involving an explosive-loving dog. Jim's primary offensive maneuver is whipping enemies with his own invertebrate body, which also acts as a propeller for delicate hovering over bottomless pits. He also wields a plasma blaster with limited ammunition for ranged combat. Between traditional platforming stages, the game injects variety via hectic underwater submarine navigation and "Andy Asteroids" racing minigames where Jim must outfly Psy-Crow through an asteroid field to avoid boss encounters.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move Jim, duck, or aim the plasma blaster upward
• Action Keys: Attack (Whip / Shoot) and Jump (Press twice for head-copter hover)
• Enter: Start / Pause