Commander Keen vs Earthworm Jim
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
You play as 8‑year‑old Billy Blaze, who dons his brother’s football helmet to become the intergalactic hero Commander Keen. Travel across space‑worlds, battle alien creatures, and recover lost plasma crystals to save humanity in a single‑player adventure. The game blends classic 2D platforming with a lighthearted sci‑fi story, featuring colorful pixel art and humor that appeals to both kids and nostalgic gamers. Developed by David A. Palmer Productions and published by Activision, it delivers a retro feel with modern polish.
Earthworm Jim follows an ordinary earthworm who is thrust into a high‑tech cyber‑suit after it crashes to Earth. With the suit’s arms, legs and body, Jim becomes a quirky hero navigating sci‑fi platform levels while fending off Psy‑Crow, Queen Slug‑for‑a‑Butt and other absurd foes. The game blends fast‑paced shooting, precise platforming and slapstick comedy as Jim tries to protect the enigmatic Princess What’s‑Her‑Name, only to watch her meet an unexpected fate. Its colorful art, off‑beat humor and tight controls have made it a cult classic among platform shooters.
- Charming retro graphics
- Humorous sci‑fi storyline
- Tight platforming controls
- Varied level design with secrets
- Innovative blend of shooting and platforming
- Memorable humor and characters
- Tight, responsive controls
- Iconic retro art style
- Limited replayability after all secrets are found
- No multiplayer or co‑op mode
- Audio can feel repetitive
- Limited to single‑player only
- Difficulty spikes in later stages
- Original release lacks modern quality‑of‑life features
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Alternatives to Commander Keen
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Blast off with Billy Blaze to rescue the Oracle Keepers in a retro sci‑fi platform adventure
Join 8‑year‑old genius Billy Blaze as Commander Keen to save Earth in a side‑scrolling sci‑fi adventure.
Join 8‑year‑old genius Billy Blaze as Commander Keen to save Earth from the Vorticons!
Eight‑year‑old genius saves Earth in a side‑scrolling sci‑fi adventure
Alternatives to Earthworm Jim
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Worm hero blasts through 12 quirky worlds in a GBC adventure.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are classic single‑player retro platformers at the same price, but Commander Keen scores higher with tighter level design and fewer difficulty spikes, while Earthworm Jim offers a more distinctive sci‑fi humor and iconic art style.
Key differences
- •Humor/theme: Earthworm Jim uses absurd sci‑fi comedy; Commander Keen leans on witty kid‑hero jokes.
- •Level design: Keen includes varied alien enemies, boss fights, and a Megarocket vehicle; Jim focuses on quirky obstacles like flying cows.
- •Replay value: Jim adds secret areas via collectibles; Keen’s replay is limited once all secrets are found.
- •Difficulty: Jim has noted difficulty spikes in later stages; Keen’s difficulty is more consistent.
- •Critical reception: Commander Keen has a higher critic score (80) than Earthworm Jim (76).
Pricing & value
Both cost $19.99 one‑time, offering comparable value.
Gameplay & fun factor
Commander Keen provides varied enemy patterns, boss fights, and a fast‑paced Megarocket vehicle, adding more gameplay variety.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both are single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Earthworm Jim includes secret areas and bonus content unlocked by collectibles, extending replay time.
Difficulty & accessibility
Earthworm Jim has noted difficulty spikes later; Commander Keen maintains a steadier difficulty curve.
Graphics & performance
Earthworm Jim’s retro pixel art is described as iconic and vibrant, giving it a stronger visual identity.
Critical reception
Commander Keen holds a higher critic score (80/100) versus Earthworm Jim (76/100).
Choose Commander Keen if…
Players who want tighter level variety, higher critical rating, and smoother difficulty progression.
Choose Earthworm Jim if…
Fans who prioritize distinctive humor, iconic 90s art, and extra secret content.
Common questions
Is there any multiplayer option?
No; both Earthworm Jim and Commander Keen are single‑player only.
Do either games offer modern quality‑of‑life features?
Neither lists modern QoL features; Earthworm Jim specifically lacks them, and none are mentioned for Commander Keen.
Which game has a higher critic rating?
Commander Keen has a critic score of 80/100, while Earthworm Jim scores 76/100.