Earthworm Jim [App Store]

One of the things that Gameloft do well is their platformer games. With Castle of Magic and Hero of Sparta under their belt, I couldn’t think of anyone else worthy of digging up and publishing one of my all time favourite games. Let’s re-compost the story one more time for the newbies…

You are a worm. You eat… well, everything a worm eats. One day, you mutate in to an overgrown earthworm superhero. You have the help of an extra terrestrial space suit that falls to Earth from battle in outer space. Enter bad guys Psy-Crow and Queen Slug-For-A-Butt whose plans are to do away with her sister Princess What’s-Her-Name. It’s up to you Mr. Earthworm Jim with your trusty space suit and blaster to rescue the Princess, not only because you can, but because you want to restore peace and balance on Earth! Superworm! Groovy.

This bizzare story unfolds over a massive 16 stages with even more whacky names like “Snot A Problem” and “Intestinal Distress”. Level design porting is top notch with a plethora of memorable characters that don’t look like dirt. Animation is very fluid indeed which greatly adds to the whole experience.  Sound has not been touched and left to the retro atmosphere of yesteryear. Control wise, it’s Gameloft’s standard affair with a directional pad for movement and virtual buttons to unleash your non skeletal arsenal. It does however require a bit of practice to master all of Jim’s moves. He can run, jump and use his head a whip with the best of them. Did I mention his head doubles as a helicopter as well? This makes navigating tricky platforms that little bit easier. Stay put for long enough, and he’ll drop his pants for you as well. Can you dig it?

Overall, Earthworm Jim is one of the most bizarre games out there, with a cast of crazy characters and top notch level design. It is a creative and charming platformer and hasn’t lost any of its retro feel. Another game worth eating up your spare change.

Wormtastic. 4 Stars.