It's hard not to be enamored with the Earthworm Jim universe. The previous two installments aren't perfect, but they existed in a totally unique world with just the right balance of cleverness, atmosphere, and oddball humor. However, those two games are in 2D; Jim's transition to a new dimension didn't come out so well. This game is your basic half-baked 3D platformer with EWJ characters and setups.
The technical aspects of the game --even taking its age into account-- are inexcusable. Collision is rough, combat is clunky, quests and levels are repetitive, the platforming segments are choppy and unforgiving, and the graphics are just 'meh'. The camera system is lackadaisical and schizophrenic, and boss battles are oftentimes frustrating and bland.
What did this game get right? The IP. If this were just any other game, and it might as well be, this probably wouldn't even be up for download. This game's pedigree grants the quirky moments some resonance, and they don't seem too out-of-place here. However, this game feels like it's trying too hard and doesn't quite make it.
It's extraordinarily rough around the edges. Even back when it was released, it wasn't up to snuff. Now, it's painfully so. Casual fans should stay away; this game is only meant for hardcore EWJ fans or those with strong wills to put up with inadequate programming and design.