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63-521: The game plays in a traditional point-and-click with a cursor to interact with objects and navigate around. The player controls two characters: space explorer Tommynaut and his sidekick Beak-Beak. Much like Klaymen in The Neverhood, Tommynaut has the ability to store items in his body. The player primarily controls him to do most of the grunt work like pulling levers, driving the Zipkicker and solving most of

126-510: A boss battle . The game incorporates a large variety of villains in the boss battles, including Hickboy, Psy-Crow, Queen Slug-for-a-Butt, Evil the Cat, Bob the Killer Goldfish, Major Mucus, and Professor Monkey-for-a-Head-exclusive Robotic Chicken. Two villains made their only appearance in this game: Chuck, a junkyard man with a tendency to vomit bizarre objects; and Doc Duodenum , a crazed organ of

189-594: A robotic suit and battles the forces of evil. The game was released for the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo Entertainment System , before being subsequently ported to several other video game consoles. It was well received by critics, and received a sequel, Earthworm Jim 2 , in 1995. In 2009, Gameloft developed and released a remake for mobile phones and Nintendo DSi which was later ported to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 as Earthworm Jim HD . In February 2018, Gameloft's contract with Interplay ended and all of

252-512: A Wii U version were exceeded when the funding ended on June 27, 2013. The game has a voice cast featuring Michael J. Nelson as Tommynaut, Rob Paulsen as Beak-Beak and the PresidANTs, Jon Heder as evil Vognaut, Veronica Belmont as Mother, Bob Baffy as Father, Charlotte Schofield as P, Yumi Iwama, Jeff Minnerly, Bob Doll as the Octovators, and Eddie Fantastic as Numnaut. The game's soundtrack

315-502: A character by Shoko Nakagawa (who appears in the films), and starring John Soares and Brooke Brodack . He has also published an online superhero-genre-spoofing webcomic titled Ratfist. In September 2012, Fox Animation optioned TenNapel's published Graphix novel Cardboard , with plans for actor Tobey Maguire 's Material Pictures, graphic novelist Doug TenNapel, and the Gotham Group to be executive producers. Fox planned to have

378-562: A compressed and scaled down version for the Game Boy . It was hindered by the lack of color, lack of graphical detail due to both processor and small screen size, choppy animations, and a lack of buttons, which made it hard to control. This version was also ported to the Game Gear , which included color graphics but still suffered from all of the other problems of the Game Boy version. A direct port of

441-501: A device in hopes to extract the P-tonium for his own gain. Beak-Beak is later killed in an attempt to rescue the baby. Enraged, Tommynaut fights his brother and manages to escape with P. After reuniting all 5 P-tonium crystals from P, the spirit of Mother thanks Tommynaut for saving her daughter. She then gives her blessings to use the crystals to power his home planet, which is more than enough to last for an eternity. Mother then transforms

504-448: A giant alien. In between most levels, a racing level called "Andy Asteroids" is played. Unlike the rest of the game, it places the viewpoint behind Jim. The player must direct Jim on his rocket, in a race against Psy-Crow, through a tube-like structure while collecting items and boosts and avoiding asteroids. If the player wins, the next level is started instantly. If the player loses, a boss fight against Psy-Crow must be won to progress to

567-430: A head and the suit acting as a body. Jim now must evade the game's many antagonists , who want the suit back. The game plays out with Jim succeeding in his quest to meet Princess What's-Her-Name. However, she is crushed by a cow that Jim launched into space at the beginning of the game. Playmates Toys , finding success with the license for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles , wanted to start their own franchise. Inspired by

630-557: A new purchase. However, later Gameloft remakes of the games received mixed reviews. Reception for the 2010 remake, Earthworm Jim HD , was less positive. IGN and GameSpot both felt that the surreal art style and animation stood the test of time, but felt that some gameplay aspects and controls felt dated in comparison to modern platformers. Similarly, the iPhone version of the game was criticized for its sloppy controls, mostly due to being touchscreen only. The game sold more than 1 million copies by 1995. Next Generation reviewed

693-401: A new remixed Red Book CD audio soundtrack, as well as around 1,000 more frames of in-game animation. These versions were also the only ones to contain alternate endings when winning on the "Easy" or "Difficult" difficulties, in which a narrator (Doug TenNapel) rambles on about many (false) facts about worms or congratulates the player in a similar absurd manner respectively. The Special Edition

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756-515: A positive reception upon release. Earthworm Jim was awarded Best Genesis Game of 1994 by Electronic Gaming Monthly , GamePro gave the Genesis version a perfect score, and Famicom Tsūshin scored the Super Famicom version of the game a 30 out of 40. The game has been noted for its fluid animation, featuring a hand-drawn style that was unusual for 16-bit releases. GamePro argued that

819-493: A sketch-book!" In 1995, he left Shiny Entertainment and founded his own company, Neverhood, with several other former Shiny employees. Working for DreamWorks Interactive , Neverhood created The Neverhood for the PC and PlayStation. The sequel, entitled Skullmonkeys , followed in 1998. On television, TenNapel was the creator of the Project G.e.e.K.e.R. cartoon series for CBS . He

882-523: A war against dogs and insects using giant robots as weapons. The cats from Gear would eventually become the Nickelodeon series Catscratch . TenNapel did the cover art for several of Five Iron Frenzy 's albums, including a sculpture for their live album, Proof That the Youth Are Revolting . TenNapel has also created album covers and artwork for several Daniel Amos CDs, The 1999 tribute to

945-430: A warped sense of humor. One of their reviewers summarized that "This game was made by a gamer, and it shows." Regarding the game's overall appeal, a review from GameZone stated "Back when platformers were the king of genres, Earthworm Jim made its presence known as the 'cool kid on the block' by appealing to many demographics. Obtaining a moderate difficulty level and establishing itself with stylish humor, Earthworm Jim

1008-508: A whole load of fun, and that ' s what counts." The Sega CD enhanced port was also well received. GamePro and Electronic Gaming Monthly remarked that whereas most Sega CD ports simply add enhanced music, Earthworm Jim included many worthwhile additions such as new animations, new levels, and the new homing missile weapon. Electronic Gaming Monthly reviewed that the Game Gear version has impressive graphics by portable standards but

1071-462: Is "more important than ever that pro-family comic lovers support my work", stating his belief that LGBTQ people are waging a "culture war" against him. TenNapel supported Donald Trump 's presidency and regularly posts his political opinions on various social media platforms. Earthworm Jim (video game) Earthworm Jim is a 1994 run and gun platform game developed by Shiny Entertainment , featuring an earthworm named Jim, who wears

1134-501: Is a made-up word used to slander conservative people of faith with a mental condition, and is only used by SJWs". TenNapel was involved with Comicsgate , a right-wing campaign against perceived forced diversity and progressivism in the superhero comics industry. Sean Gordon Murphy had drawn a cover for one of TenNapel's works, Bigfoot Bill 2 , which he withdrew and issued an apology after being made aware of TenNapel's history of anti-LGBTQ comments. In response, TenNapel tweeted that it

1197-414: Is an American animator , writer, cartoonist, video game designer, and comic book artist whose work has encompassed animated television, video games, and comic books. He is best known for creating Earthworm Jim , a character that spawned a video game series, animated series , and a toy line. He is also the creator of the animated television series Catscratch (2005–2007), which aired on Nickelodeon , and

1260-457: Is crippled by the Game Gear's limited two-button control, frequent screen blurring, and frustrating difficulty. GamePro also felt the two-button control to be a serious problem, but concluded the Game Gear version to be "Overall ... fine for fans who want to take their EWJ show on the road." Reviewing the Windows 95 version, Maximum claimed "it's not only a damn fine platform game, it's probably

1323-526: Is included in the Sega Genesis Mini console. In 2009, Gameloft released digitally an updated remake of the game on a number of mobile/handheld platforms. The remake was made entirely from scratch, without using the original game's code, and featured overhauled and smoothed graphics, a remixed soundtrack, a re-recorded voice of Jim, and touchscreen controls. Completely new, computer-themed levels were added; however, some previous features were lost. While

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1386-623: The Earthworm Jim team at Pencil Test Studios launched a Kickstarter campaign in May 2013 to fund a PC game project called Armikrog , described a spiritual successor to The Neverhood and also being animated using clay animation techniques. It was successful, and reached its stretch goal for a Wii U version. In 2018, TenNapel self-published the graphic novel Bigfoot Bill , launched as an Indiegogo , successfully funded and reaching various stretch goals. In May 2019, TenNapel and other members of

1449-662: The Nintendo 64 and PC , and Earthworm Jim: Menace 2 the Galaxy for the Game Boy Color , were produced in 1999. However, they were developed without the involvement of Shiny Entertainment and were mostly met with negative reviews. An enhanced remake, Earthworm Jim PSP , by Atari was planned for a 2007 release for the PlayStation Portable , but was ultimately cancelled. The game also inspired non-video game products, such as

1512-795: The Armikrog fortress into a giant robot that Tommynaut can use to navigate back to Ixen. Vognaut tries to kidnap P again before he is ejected out of the fortress and is crushed by its gigantic leg. The now transformed Armikrog ascends into space. Tommynaut is then reunited with Beak-Beak, who is now a ghost. Suddenly, a distress signal is being heard from Numnaut, who too is alive. Tommynaut, along with Beak-Beak and P, set their next course to Darshon's Orb. Mike Dietz and Ed Schofield, founders of Pencil Test Studios, teamed up with Doug TenNapel , with whom they worked on Earthworm Jim and The Neverhood , to use Kickstarter to crowdfund Armikrog . The Kickstarter's goal of $ 900,000, and stretch goal of $ 950,000 for

1575-608: The Game Boy Advance version of the game, rating it three stars out of five, and stated that "Luckily, aside from some cheap hits, missed dodges, and blind jumps, everything else is pretty fun." Earthworm Jim was rated the 114th-best game made on a Nintendo System in Nintendo Power 's Top 200 Games list. EGM gave it their "Game of the Month" award, and GamePro later awarded it Best Sega CD Game of 1995. In 2018, Complex rated

1638-692: The Game Gear version was also brought to the Master System , but only in Brazil. However, it only has 4 levels, and the boss in "What the Heck?" is missing. A conversion of the game was also being developed by German studio Softgold and planned to be published by Atari Corporation for both the Atari Jaguar and the Atari Jaguar CD , but it was never finished due to the departure of Normen B. Kowalewski from Atari, who

1701-481: The Genesis and Super NES using a "custom heterogeneous programming language" developed by Shiny Entertainment. Almost all levels were first programmed by Dave Perry on the Genesis and then converted to the Super NES by Nick Jones. "For Pete's Sake" was coded simultaneously on both platforms by Andy Astor, and "Andy Asteroids" and "Snot a Problem" were originally programmed on the Super NES by Nick Jones and then converted to

1764-500: The Genesis. The game's unique atmosphere, world, and characters were because the company had previously always been restricted to doing licensed games, like 7up 's Cool Spot , where they had to conform to the other company's preset limitations. In that respect, the game was actually created as a satire of platform video games at the time; for instance, "Princess What's-Her-Name" was a parody of how so many video games had throw-away female characters to be saved. The original version

1827-509: The P-tonium crystals, which were assumed to be imbedded in Father and Mother, the guardians of Armikrog and also P's parents. The assailant killed both parents before learning that the crystals were transferred to P instead. Father and Mother's spirits live on in Armikrog as a result. Tommynaut later discovers that the assailant is Vognaut, who is somehow alive and has grown larger due to an unknown mutation. The evil brother kidnaps P and straps her into

1890-483: The Sega CD version of Earthworm Jim: Special Edition , and stated that "While a prepackaged, presold character, who's as cynically calculated for hip success as Earthworm Jim does rub us the wrong way, we admit there was a cracking good game to back him up, and this new CD version is even better." Entertainment Weekly gave the game an A and wrote that the game is too similar to the Genesis and Super NES versions to warrant

1953-576: The band, When Worlds Collide , the Neverhood soundtrack Imaginarium: Songs from the Neverhood and others. Flink , a graphic novel by TenNapel, was released in late 2007 through Image Comics . Monster Zoo was released in early summer 2008 . In May 2009 his graphic novel Power Up was released. Between January and October 2009, TenNapel was a regular contributor to Breitbart News ' "Big Hollywood" section, covering topics from movie reviews and

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2016-410: The best the PC has seen to date." They particularly praised the non-frustrating challenge and the strong personality of the graphics. Computer Game Review remarked, "If you found Pitfall, The Mayan Adventure entertaining, you'll want to check this one out." Computer Games Strategy Plus named the computer release of Earthworm Jim the best arcade title of 1995. Next Generation reviewed

2079-433: The brothers are dead due to unknown causes, leaving Tommynaut and his best friend Beak-Beak to continue onward. After crash-landing on the planet, they end up locked inside a fortress called Armikrog. They find a baby girl named P and Tommynaut decides to care for her in hopes to find her parents. Upon further investigation, Tommynaut discovers that Armikrog was previously attacked by an unknown assailant who wished to possess

2142-492: The character that would star in Shiny Entertainment 's video game, toy line, and cartoon series. Shiny Entertainment head David Perry later commented on working with TenNapel, "I wish I could find 100 Dougs, then I realized I was lucky to have been able to work with one. He is crazy talented, both crazy and talented! He also generates an enormous amount of amazing content and ideas, I wouldn’t be surprised if he sleeps with

2205-580: The commercial received so many complaints from nauseated viewers that the commercial was pulled in some markets, including stations in Portland , Spokane , and Sacramento . The game's Special Edition was released for the Sega Genesis add-on, the Sega CD . It was based on the Genesis version, contained all of its levels, plus some extended sections to the levels and a single completely new level, titled "Big Bruty",

2268-553: The extended version of the "New Junk City" level from the "Special Edition" is included, "Big Bruty" ("Special Edition" new level) and "Who Turned Out the Lights?" (secret level from the original release) aren't present. It was later released as a download for the Nintendo DSi as DSiWare , which is also downloadable on the Nintendo 3DS system. The only new addition for the DSiWare version

2331-451: The extra level was that the "Genesis version was more easily compressed and had the room for the bonus level". Subsequently, Nick Bruty stated in an interview that Sega asked Shiny Entertainment to add a level exclusively to the Sega version in exchange for reduced cartridge cost. Nick states that they designed the level overnight, and completed coding and testing the level in a single day–the day

2394-444: The game 54th on their The Best Super Nintendo Games of All Time writing: "Earthworm Jim was unlike any other game out there at the time, and it’s still quite original today. Its weird, surreal storyline was only made all the better by the solid platforming and shooting that went on here. We still love Earthworm Jim. Ga-roo-vy!" In 2017, Gamesradar ranked the game 19th on their "Best Sega Genesis/Mega Drive games of all time." They felt

2457-456: The game has "the most innovative gameplay since Sonic first raced onto the Genesis", backing up the point by noting "In the first level, New Junk City, Jim leaps off old tires, climbs strange crevices and cliffs, swings from chains, and creeps through a maze of garbage - and that's the most traditional level in the game!" Electronic Gaming Monthly gave rave reviews for both the Genesis and Super NES versions, praising animations, long levels, and

2520-654: The game was sent to be printed to the consoles. The game was released in Japan physically only on Super Famicom on June 23, 1995, published by Takara , while the Japanese Mega Drive version was available exclusively via the Sega Channel service on December 1, 1995. The game's Genesis release was promoted with a television commercial in which an elderly woman tells a bedtime story about Earthworm Jim while eating live earthworms (actually plastic props). The networks airing

2583-445: The game's free-form shooting and platforming kept the game fresh and relevant and called the game "a jolly side-scrolling adventure". IGN listed Earthworm Jim 57th in their "Top 100 SNES Games of All Time." In 1995, Total! ranked the game 14th in its Top 100 SNES Games summarizing: "The game reeks of quality, plays like a dream, is hilariously funny and is packed with more original touches then anyone would have thought possible." In

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2646-499: The lack of an inventory system and outdated interface. GameSpot's Matt Espineli gave a 4/10 rating, with criticism stemmed from underdeveloped characters, inconsistent sound design and confusing puzzle elements. In 2017, TenNapel admitted that the developers ran out of resources to put the final polish in Armikrog . Doug TenNapel Douglas Richard TenNapel ( / t ə ˈ n eɪ p əl / tə-NAY-pəl ; born July 10, 1966)

2709-525: The level "Intestinal Distress". The game was ported by Rainbow Arts . In 2001 Game Titan ported the Super NES version to the Game Boy Advance . Despite the extra power of the Game Boy Advance, this version still ran very poorly, with poor animation, and missing details, and was widely criticized. The game was re-released digitally on some platforms in the late 2000s as well. The original Genesis version

2772-400: The next level. Other variations in gameplay occur throughout the game as well, such as a competitive bungee-jumping and fighting level, and an underwater maze that must be traversed both within a time limit and without crashing too many times. Jim is a normal earthworm , until a special "super suit" falls from the sky and allows him to operate much like a human, with his worm body acting as

2835-546: The original Earthworm Jim team announced a new Earthworm Jim game, to be released as an exclusive for the upcoming Intellivision Amico . He also self-published the graphic novel Earthworm Jim: Launch the Cow , again on Indiegogo. TenNapel was born in Norwalk, California and raised in Denair, California . He has been married to Angie since 1990. The couple have four children. TenNapel

2898-452: The picture developed under its WedgeWorks subsidiary. WedgeWorks director Chris Wedge ( Ice Age ) was producing, and considered directing the film as well. As of 2020, no update has been given on the film, especially given the acquisition of 21st Century Fox assets by The Walt Disney Company . TenNapel has used Kickstarter to produce a bound collection of his sketches, named Sketchbook Archives . TenNapel and other former members of

2961-580: The player to grab hold of, and swing from, certain hooks in the game. Some levels have additional requirements beyond merely getting to the end of the level. For example, the level "For Pete's Sake", involves making sure the computer-controlled Peter Puppy character gets through the level unharmed, which is accomplished by whipping him to make him jump over pits, and defeating enemies before they can damage him. Failure to do so results in Peter lashing out at Jim, taking away from his health. Levels commonly culminate with

3024-407: The ports developed by Gameloft were removed from digital stores. The game plays as a 2D sidescrolling platformer with elements of a run and gun game as well. The player controls Jim and must maneuver him through the level while avoiding obstacles and enemies. The player can use Jim's gun as a method of shooting enemies, or his worm body as a whip for whipping enemies. The whip move also allows

3087-456: The puzzles. Beak-Beak has the ability to fly in certain areas and enter tight space that only he has access to. He can also digest small objects and pass them to Tommynaut by regurgitating them out. On the planet of Ixen, the populace is in the midst of extinction without the power of P-tonium to sustain them. They send brother astronauts Vognaut, Numnaut and Tommynaut to a planet called Spiro 5 in hopes to find these crystals. Unfortunately, two of

3150-413: The rights to Earthworm Jim from TenNapel and started developing the game. From there, TenNapel would work on doing the game design, creating level ideas, and voicing Jim's character, while Perry and the other programmers created other characters and game mechanics. Perry recounted that the giant hamster "was drawn by one of our guys at three o'clock one morning". The game was developed simultaneously for

3213-466: The same year, Flux magazine placed Earthworm Jim 7th on its Top 100 Video Games. They praised the game writing: "Intensely great gameplay. Wiggy, hilarious animation. Complex, richly rendered backgrounds." A sequel, Earthworm Jim 2 , was released in 1995. It was released in the same manner as the original; first on the Sega Genesis, and then ported to many other systems. It too was generally well received. Two further games, Earthworm Jim 3D for

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3276-493: The state of the comics entertainment industry to criticisms of the Obama administration and the environmental movement . In July 2010, his graphic novel Ghostopolis was released. In 2009, it was announced the book would be adapted into a film starring and produced by Hugh Jackman , but no update has been given since then. TenNapel produced an episodic spoof of Japanese Super Sentai -style shows called Go Sukashi! based on

3339-505: The success of the Sonic the Hedgehog series with its first and second installments, they decided that they wanted to start the franchise as a video game, a rare approach at the time. From there, the game's design actually started with Douglas TenNapel 's a simple sketch of an earthworm that he presented to Shiny Entertainment . Impressed, programmer David Perry and the rest of Shiny bought

3402-501: Was a financial and critical success for Interplay and Shiny Entertainment. Even though I feel the sequel is the best of the series, the original still is able to stand out on its own." The review also went on to praise the soundtrack from Mark Miller as well. Next Generation reviewed the Genesis version of the game, and stated that "Sure, it's only a slick 16bit platform game. And anyone looking for anything revolutionary will be disappointed - there's nothing strictly new here. But it's

3465-488: Was also a consulting producer on the ABC series Push, Nevada with Ben Affleck . Towards the end of the 2000s, he also created two shorts for Frederator Studios and Nicktoons , "Solomon Fix" (computer generated 3D) and "Squirly Town" (traditional 2D). As a graphic artist and cartoonist, TenNapel released his first comic book in 1998: Gear , a surreal epic based on his real-life cats, Simon, Waffle, Gordon and Mr. Black, in

3528-464: Was an extra minigame that involved the player using the system's camera on their own face, in order to mimic the same faces Jim would make on-screen. The Gameloft remake was also later released digitally on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network as "Earthworm Jim HD". It featured a comic book -like introduction, three new computer-themed bonus levels, and a 4-player multiplayer mode with special levels based on already existing ones. The game received

3591-465: Was composed by Terry Scott Taylor , who composed the music for The Neverhood soundtrack. Armikrog received "mixed or average" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic . Critics appreciated the fun art style and catchy music. As a fan of The Neverhood, Destructoid's Caitlin Cooke praised the game saying that it has a certain charm that only Doug TenNapel can deliver. She did however criticise

3654-561: Was itself a loose adaptation of TenNapel's comic book limited series Gear . TenNapel began as an animator on Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: The Animated Series . He soon began working in the video game industry on projects like 1993's Jurassic Park and The Ren & Stimpy Show: Stimpy's Invention for the Sega Genesis and The Jungle Book for the SNES and Sega Genesis. In 1994, he created Earthworm Jim ,

3717-406: Was later ported to Windows 95 by Activision . Another special edition of the game was released exclusively through the Sega Channel for a contest dubbed The Great Earthworm Jim Race . This version included a secret room which, when reached by the first 200 players, would display a password and a toll-free telephone number . Those who called the number were awarded prizes. Eurocom ported

3780-460: Was personal friends with Andrew Breitbart prior to the latter's death. TenNapel has attracted criticism for his remarks on the LGBTQ community and its issues, including vocal opposition to same-sex marriage and intentionally misgendering a transgender journalist who criticized the Earthworm Jim video game. He has dismissed this criticism, and has written that "transphobe (like homophobe)

3843-516: Was released for the Genesis in October 1994. A version for the Super NES was released shortly after the original and is largely the same as the Genesis version. The Super NES version has altered graphics, with alternate backgrounds and special effects, but lacked some sound effects and one of the levels from the Genesis version (titled "Intestinal Distress"). The stated reason for the Genesis version having

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3906-583: Was released through Wii 's Virtual Console service in Europe on October 3, 2008, in North America on October 27, 2008 and in Japan on December 16, 2008. The Genesis version was also re-released on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on September 15, 2022. The MS-DOS version was re-released through DOSbox emulation on GOG.com on October 7, 2008, and on Steam on November 4, 2009. Earthworm Jim

3969-455: Was the lead developer of the port, sometime between or at the end of 1995. The alpha prototype, which consisted of basic character animations, and the source code of the conversion are currently lost. The game also had an MS-DOS port released in a package titled Earthworm Jim 1 & 2: The Whole Can 'O Worms (along with the MS-DOS port of Earthworm Jim 2 ) with redrawn graphics and missing

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