Reception for the game has been mixed, with critics generally feeling that while some parts had not aged well, the game was still enjoyable due to nostalgia and inclusion of new content, mainly the multiplayer mode. A short, comic book-style introduction was added to the game's introduction as well, which originally hailed from the game's strategy guide.

As such, TenNapel no longer voices Jim as he did in the original. In addition to the game's updated high definition graphics, the game's soundtrack was remastered and Jim's voice acting was re-recorded. None of the game's new content was approved by Doug TenNapel, original Earthworm Jim creator, nor was any of the original game's staff involved. The game does not use the original game's code, but rather, the remake was entirely recreated. This agreement lead to a port of the game, without new content, for the Nintendo Wii's WiiWare, and the high definition remake for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Gameloft signed an agreement in 2009 with Interplay Entertainment to have the rights to develop, publish, and distribute games related to the Earthworm Jim series. Achievements can also be unlocked in the multiplayer portion of the game, rewarding players for being 'No.

There are fifteen multi-player levels in total. The game contains new levels, not present in the original release, which can be played with up to four players both locally or over the internet, and involve teamwork-based puzzles and gameplay. The main addition to the gameplay is the inclusion of a 4 player cooperative online multi-player mode. New difficulty settings, both easier and harder than the original, were also included. Achievements were also added to the game. It does feature three new levels and other extra content, such as a boss fight against Pitch the Cat, a reference to ' Keyboard Cat'.

While levels are faithfully recreated in the remake, it does not feature the original's secret level 'Who Turned Out the Lights?', nor does it feature the 'Big Bruty' level that was only present in the special edition version of the game. The player can use Jim's gun as a method of shooting enemies, or his head as a whip for whipping enemies. The player controls Jim and must maneuver him through the level while avoiding obstacles and enemies. The game plays as a 2D sidescrolling platformer with elements of a run and gun game as well. The core gameplay is still left intact from the original.

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