Earthworm Jim Remake on PSP

**Shinobi128** · 23 May 2006, 04:00 PM

http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3150981

As was quietly revealed at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo, gaming's most beloved invertebrate is set to star in a new adventure that returns him to his 2D roots -- on the PSP, no less, and from the original development team at Shiny. Thanks to the return of characters like Princess Whatshername, Psycrow and Professor Monkey For A Head, the development team's charm is all over the new game. Old levels, such as New Junk City which appeared as the first level for the original game, have been re-designed with new layouts and new power-ups, but still retain a retro feel, while there will be plenty of new areas for players to explore as well.

One of the biggest changes for the series with the PSP game is that it takes place in 2D environments with polygonal characters and environments, placing it alongside games like Pandemonium! and Klonoa 2 in its look. At this early stage, the polygonal graphics look great and animate well, but they don't have quite the same "cartoony" look that the classic Earthworm Jim games are famous for, so the developers are considering going in a slightly more cartoony direction with black outlines on the characters or something of that nature.

Shiny intends for Earthworm Jim to be a rewarding experience for everyone, especially players who experiment. Simply goofing off with the controller might result in unlocking an Easter Egg called "Groove Time," wherein Earthworm Jim takes a minute out of his adventure to boogie down to disco tunes. "Groove Time" is more than just a break for Jim, though -- players can use it to enter cheat codes and interact with bosses in an undisclosed means. Adding in a bit of multiplayer support, two players will be able to compete with each other for high scores, and the game's 12 levels will contain plenty of secrets and different types of gameplay. The game is tentatively scheduled for release early next year; head over to our media page to check out the first screens and we'll be back with more on the game soon.

This came out of nowhere. New Earthworm Jim game instead please.

They're also taking out the "What the Heck?" level. There's no point to even getting this now.

**kuro** · 23 May 2006, 04:04 PM

No "What the Heck?" = No true fan purchases. Please say it's not so.

**Shinobi128** · 23 May 2006, 04:07 PM

Mentioned under an image when you click on the link:

The famous classic "Heck" level [not pictured here] will not be returning for the PSP game, although Benjamin Cholewinkski, the game's designer, promises that an adequate substitute will be provided for all us sinners. Hmm... Click the image to check out all Earthworm Jim PSP screens.

**Diff-chan** · 23 May 2006, 04:08 PM

Is that the Genesis-only level?

If so... I dont care... I had the SNES version.

Anyway, this will be another game I get if I ever get a PSP.

**Giga Power** · 23 May 2006, 04:11 PM

This kicks ass. Even without Heck. They better still have Evil the Cat in there somewhere though...

**Dolemite** · 23 May 2006, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by diffusionx

Is that the Genesis-only level?

If so... I dont care... I had the SNES version.

No- I have the SNES version as well and Heck is in there.

Best background level music ever. That sucks it's not in the PSP remake.

**Diff-chan** · 23 May 2006, 04:25 PM

What's the reason? Seems kind of arbitrary...

**Cheebs** · 23 May 2006, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by diffusionx

Is that the Genesis-only level?

If so... I dont care... I had the SNES version..

No, the Sega CD only level was "Big Bruty" or something like that. Heck was in the SNES.

I don't get it. Was "Heck" too offensive? Bah. No Heck + unnessesary 3D replacing charming sprites + same game I already own anyway + system I don't care for = no purchase.