A Trip Down Memory Card Lane Ep.113 – Ohhh Shiny: The Groovy Origins of Earthworm Jim
In 1994, Shiny Entertainment released Earthworm Jim, the groovy platformer that made a worm in a supersuit a ’90s icon. Our episode follows David Perry and Doug TenNapel’s journey from contract work to creating one of the most distinct voices in gaming, exploring how humor, animation, and attitude made Jim stand out in a crowded mascot era. We discuss the studio’s inventive use of the Genesis hardware, the game’s offbeat art direction, and the way its weirdness connected with players who wanted something different. Along the way, we share memories of launching cows, navigating intestinal stages, and watching Jim’s rise to cartoon stardom. Join us as we celebrate the worm, the suit, and the studio that dared to get weird on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.