After more than two decades, Earthworm Jim is finally making his triumphant return to the video game world. The original Earthworm Jim development team has reunited to give fans the long-awaited sequel they have been craving for what seems like a lifetime. But while most people would think the '90s icon would jump into the modern era on a next-gen system like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, the radical earthworm will actually be exclusive to the lesser-known Intellivision Amico.
This seems like a strange choice, as many gamers probably don't know what the Amico is. The Intellivision Amico is an upcoming home console that will focus mostly on casual and retro-style gaming. The new system is a cheaper, family-friendly alternative to other next-gen systems and will include many classic games and a few new titles as well. Every game will cost $9.99 or less, making it affordable for gamers on a budget. The Amico was originally set to hit stores this holiday season but has recently been delayed until early next year. Earthworm Jim 4 is set to come out shortly after the Amico's launch.
Most older gamers are probably familiar with the Earthworm Jim, but some younger ones might not be aware of the series. This might be why the radical worm is being limited to such a niche console. Many Earthworm Jim fans have families and don't have time to sink hours into video games like they used to. The Intellivision Amico is targeted towards families and the casual market, which a lot of old school fans fall under. If a parent is looking for a new video game system that they can enjoy with their family and see a familiar name like Earthworm Jim alongside a lower price, they may be more likely to buy it over a rival console. Having a classic IP like this that is exclusive to the Amico is a smart move from Intellivision.
Retro gaming is bigger than ever, so now is a great time to bring back an old school hero like Earthworm Jim. The Intellivision Amico is already trying to appeal to the retro community by supporting classic titles like Burgertime and Missile Command, so adding another awesome, nostalgic character can do nothing but good for the system. Other '90s video game characters like Toejam & Earl will be returning on the Amico, alluring retro fans to the console. Having a solid library is key to any consoles' success, so the Amico having exclusive rights to so many retro classics could help sell the system.
Only a few video game characters were as big as Earthworm Jim was during the 1990s. More than a few fans are ecstatic to see the crime-fighting earthworm returning after two long decades out of the spotlight. Having the sequel to the iconic series exclusive to the Intellivision Amico might be the system's biggest selling point. With Earthworm Jim 4's release date still a ways away, fans will have to wait patiently until the eccentric superhero makes his long-awaited return sometime next year.