Earthworm Jim

アースワームジムGenesis, SNES, Sega CD, Windows +91994

  1. JP1995
  2. NA1994
  3. EU1994
  4. RUDendy

Earthworm Jim kept its English name in every region; in Japan the Super Famicom version was published by Takara as アースワームジム. Today it is easiest to play legally on Steam (the MS-DOS version, English only) or through Nintendo Switch Online with the Expansion Pack, which carries the Genesis version.

Earthworm Jim was developed by Shiny Entertainment and released for the Genesis and SNES in 1994. Doug TenNapel created the character, designed and drew the game and voiced Jim, while David Perry led the programming; Tommy Tallarico and Mark Miller composed the music.

The launch was backed by a marketing budget of about $5 million, and the game sold more than one million copies by 1995. Electronic Gaming Monthly named it the Best Genesis Game of 1994. The two console versions are not identical: the Genesis cartridge has an extra level, Intestinal Distress, while the SNES version has altered graphics.

In Japan, Takara published the Super Famicom version, and the Mega Drive game was offered only through the Sega Channel. A Special Edition for Sega CD and Windows followed with a new level, Big Bruty, and a CD-quality soundtrack. The game later reached the Game Boy Advance, the Wii Virtual Console, Steam and Nintendo Switch Online.12

Names and releases

RegionTitle on the boxPlatformDatePublisherSrc
NA Earthworm Jim SNES October 1994 Playmates Interactive Entertainment 1
NA Earthworm JimTCRF gives 2 August 1994; English Wikipedia gives October 1994 Genesis 1994 Playmates Interactive Entertainment 3
NA Earthworm Jim: Special Editionsome sources say June 1995 Sega CD May 1995 Interplay Productions 1
NA Earthworm Jim: Special Edition Windows Nov 30, 1995 Activision 1
NA Earthworm Jim Game Boy Advance Jun 11, 2001 — 1
NA Earthworm JimVirtual Console (Genesis version) Wii Oct 27, 2008 — 1
EU Earthworm Jim SNES Dec 16, 1994 — 1
EU Earthworm JimMega Drive; TCRF gives 5 August 1994, English Wikipedia November 1994 Genesis 1994 Virgin Interactive Entertainment 3
JP アースワームジムSuper Famicom; Japanese Wikipedia gives 1994 SNES Jun 23, 1995 Takara 1
JP Earthworm JimMega Drive only via Sega Channel in Japan Genesis Dec 1, 1995 — 1
WW Earthworm JimMS-DOS version on Steam MS-DOS Nov 4, 2009 — 1
WW Earthworm JimNintendo Switch Online (Sega Genesis library) Switch Sep 15, 2022 — 1

Also known as: アースワームジム JP2Червяк Джим RU4

Box art by region

  • Earthworm Jim box art, North America release
    NA Earthworm Jim
  • Earthworm Jim box art, Europe release
    EU Earthworm Jim

Box art © its publishers, shown to identify each release. Scans: libretro-thumbnails.

Version differences

  • ContentSNES

    The SNES version lacks the Genesis-exclusive level "Intestinal Distress"; Sega reportedly asked for the extra level in exchange for lower cartridge costs.1

  • GraphicsSNES

    The SNES version has altered graphics, with different backgrounds and special effects, and it is missing some sound effects.1

  • ContentSega CDWindows

    The Special Edition adds extended sections, a new level called "Big Bruty", a remixed CD soundtrack, about 1,000 extra animation frames, a homing missile weapon and alternate endings narrated by Doug TenNapel.1

All differences (5)

Where to play legally today

Reception

Earthworm Jim sold over a million copies by 1995, and Electronic Gaming Monthly named it Best Genesis Game of 1994. Critics praised its hand-drawn animation and humor (GameRankings: 81% for the Genesis version, 83% for the SNES).1

Sources

  1. 1en.wikipedia.org
  2. 2ja.wikipedia.org
  3. 3tcrf.net
  4. 4overclockers.ru
  5. 5gameinformer.com
  6. 6store.steampowered.com
  7. 7store.steampowered.com
  8. 8nintendolife.com

Checked: 2026-10-13Text reviewed: 2026-10-13

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