Interplay To Make A Zillion Things Starring Earthworm Jim

[Dr.Finger]

It's retro gaming day here on the Av. Do you remember Earthworm Jim? That quirky game from the early 90s starring an anthropomorphic annelid in a space suit. Well thanks to Interplay it's coming back. Oh boy, is it coming back. From Gamasutra (http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/GamasutraNews/%7E3/275667801/news_index.php). Following recent news that it would be bringing Earthworm Jim to Virtual Console, Interplay has announced it is partnering with franchise creator Doug TenNapel to revive the brand with a new game, cartoon and film.

No details of the new game, currently titled Earthworm Jim 4 were given, but Interplay says TenNapel -- who was also behind critical hits like The Neverhood -- will serve as a creative consultant for the game.

The company also says TenNapel will be developing a new animated series, following an earlier series that ran on The Kids WB! for two seasons, as well as a feature film.So pretty much they're going to slap Earthworm Jim's mug on any flat surface they can find and push it out the door.

[bKangy]

Earthworm Jim: if you didn't love it before, you better do this time, you ungrateful bastard.

[Variable Gear]

Why is this happening so much lately?
this wasn't supposed to be an answer, but it sure seems that way. ;P
Publishers don't know what they could have had until it's passed them by, and then they try to revive an old franchise in an often laughable way. It makes me sad, honestly, even though it could mean more great games involving my favorite characters and worlds.

[Dr.Finger]

Why is this happening so much lately?
this wasn't supposed to be an answer, but it sure seems that way. ;P
Publishers don't know what they could have had until it's passed them by, and then they try to revive an old franchise in an often laughable way. It makes me sad, honestly, even though it could mean more great games involving my favorite characters and worlds.It's the same thing in most media. The people that grew up on Earthworm Jim, Knight Rider, Transformers and Justice League International are now the people making decisions about these forms of media, so they're looked upon very kindly as a result.

[Variable Gear]

It's the same thing in most media. The people that grew up on Earthworm Jim, Knight Rider, Transformers and Justice League International are now the people making decisions about these forms of media, so they're looked upon very kindly as a result.

That's a good point. Hopefully most gamers won't have their minds melted by the PR Kool-Aid so that they can see these releases for what they are. I'm not referring to the comic franchises, because I'm not experienced in that field.

[Itchyeyes]

This whole Interplay thing will be interesting to watch. I can understand a little bit of cashing in on nostalgia right now. They've got a very deep hole to dig themselves out of and they may have to sacrifice a brand or two to do it. The question is whether or not this is a trend that will continue or if once they have the company on stable ground they'll turn to more innovative and interesting prospects.

[Disgustipated]

You see, I know this excites Heretic Machine. It's practically Furry Worm porn.

[LongStepMantis]

So they basically deny his existence for a decade, then come out of the gate firing EJ-related anything at everyone they can see.

Where was this idea for the last umpteen years of people saying "Why don't they make any new EJ games?" ;)

Jokes aside, I'm just hoping any new EJ games won't be ass. That is all.

[Heretic Machine]

The game will get made, and suck horribly because of the badly managed Interplay, the film won't get made at all, and the series will die after one season (if it's lucky).

Video game tie-ins... lulz.

You see, I know this excites Heretic Machine. It's practically Furry Worm porn.

Maybe if they licensed the right to use Krystal from Star Fox... or better yet, Gadget Hackwrench... Then we can talk.

[LongStepMantis]

Maybe if they licensed the right to use Krystal from Star Fox... or better yet, Gadget Hackwrench... Then we can talk.

That reminds me of an old buddy of mine...he had way too many pictures of Gadget...the "not suitable for kids" kind. Thanks for reminding me of that.

Jerk. :p

[Heretic Machine]

That reminds me of an old buddy of mine...he had way too many pictures of Gadget...the "not suitable for kids" kind. Thanks for reminding me of that.

Jerk. :p

Sounds like me and your buddy might get along. Though, such things are probably not appropriate for friendly conversation. But what the hell:


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/1517575349_b5bc3e635c_o.jpg

Someone call Pyro, I want a sad Gadget in the snow, STAT!

[LongStepMantis]

Sounds like me and your buddy might get along. Though, such things are probably not appropriate for friendly conversation. But what the hell
*gadget in the rain*
Someone call Pyro, I want a sad Gadget in the snow, STAT!

I'll just state the same thing i always said to him.
"No matter how much you want it, the sheer mechanics would be impossible."
;)

[Evil Avnovice]

So Interplay, those SNES Earthworm Jim titles? The Virtual Console Defense Force tool wants those.

[Snarboo]

Which version of EWJ is being brought to the VC? The SNES version is missing the level Intestinal Distress, which was in the Genesis version. There was also a level exclusive to the Sega CD called Big Bruty.

EWJ 2 was the same for both systems as far as I can tell. And the less said about EWJ3D the better.

[TheFlyingOrc]

Good. I love TenNapel.

[Gorvi]

So Interplay, those SNES Earthworm Jim titles? The Virtual Console Defense Force tool wants those.
They answered pretty quick. (http://www.siliconera.com/2008/04/22/earthworm-jim-coming-to-the-wii-virtual-console/) ;)

[Snarboo]

Well that answers my question. :)

[Shodan2020]

So, Interplay is trying to bankrupt a second time?

I loved EJ 1 and 2 for the Genesis.. but that's about it. I have a feeling that these new games will be badly mishandled.

[Evil Avnovice]

They answered pretty quick. (http://www.siliconera.com/2008/04/22/earthworm-jim-coming-to-the-wii-virtual-console/) ;)

I've seen the news. But those are the Genesis versions. :p

[Panthera]

Groovy.


Someone had to say it.

[Spigot]

I curse you for mentioning The Neverhood in that opening blurb. I would love a true sequel to The Neverhood (I don't really count Skullmonkeys).

[ZeroType]

When will we see a new Vector Man? Bubble Mega Man rip off for the win!

[SteelAttack]

Groovy.


Someone had to say it.
Oh, man. I entered this thread just to say that! :(

[Killzig]

I'm amazed people actually seem to care. The chances of IPLY actually releasing something even halfway decent are slim to none.

[Wasson_]

...he's known as Earthwyrm Sven in his native Scandinavia.

[dirtbag]

So, Interplay is trying to bankrupt a second time?

I loved EJ 1 and 2 for the Genesis.. but that's about it. I have a feeling that these new games will be badly mishandled.

Yeah, I thought Interplay had been pretty much liquidated. The last time I heard rumors of a return, they had no assets and no apparent ability to create or publish anything.

While I have some fond memories of some really great Interplay games, sometimes the dead need to just stay dead.