So what makes a 'Special Edition' of something so... well, special? I mean, normally the words are given to a film which has been restored to how the Director originally envisaged it. As the extended versions of Aliens and The Abyss show, these 'Special Editions' can be a good thing, but occasionally, as seen in Close Encounters Of The Third Kind, the extras are hardly worth bothering with.

When Shiny were planning a Mega-CD version of Earthworm Jim, though, they already had a few ideas in mind. In addition to the original levels, Shiny have thrown in a couple of new stages and extra weapons. What's more, they have also tagged a new ending on to the game, and bunged in a new soundtrack for good measure. Gawd bless 'em, that's what we say.

Shiny's besuited insect appears in an enhanced version, which includes extra levels and new weapons.

Guide Jim across fifteen platform stages to where the evil Psycrow is holding his girly hostage.

Jim's complement of weaponry has also been expanded, with his basic ammo supply giving way to a neat line in homing bullets. The icons for these resemble tiny test tubes, and give Jim a homing bullet for every one collected. Using them can be a double-edged sword, though, as unless Jim hits his attacker first time, they'll loop around the screen for a while before getting their beatings and hitting the nearest bad guy. The huge blasters found in the cart game are now less common, though, but this is because Shiny see their homing devices as more efficient.

Would you swap your old Earthworm Jim for new, whiter-than-white Earthworm Jim: Special Edition? This new CD version of Shiny's classic platformer retains the basic mission and levels of the cartridge game, but adds an entirely new level called 'Big Bruty', which is a world built up entirely from planks and contains a huge pink blob whose appetite knows no bounds - and who splits into several smaller version if dropped from a great height!

The existing levels have also been tweaked, with new old foes dropped into different areas of the game, with the Snowman baddy in 'What The Heck' now attacking in an extended part of the stage as opposed to the hidden warp zone he used to inhabit. Similarly, huge chunks of new play area have been slotted into the old levels, adding even more challenge.

When Interplay announced a CD version of Earthworm Jim, I thought it was a pointless exercise and all we could expect was a fancy intro preceding the cartridge game. However, Shiny have used the new version to benefit from hindsight and, not only does it feature a crop of new ideas and stages, but they have also taken the chance to add a password system and a host of new weaponry.

These little additions enhance what was already one of the best platformers to grace the Megadrive, and the superb action is also complemented by a stunning soundtrack which makes full use of the CD's storage. If you're a Mega-CD owner who has so far held back from buying Earthworm Jim, you now have the perfect excuse for adding him to your collecction. Not that you needed one...

I agree that Earthworm Jim is one of the best Sega platformers ever, and should have a place in every gamesplayer's collection, but I don't think this CD conversion offers anything stunningly different.

The levels look identical, and the minor extensions and modifications are not enough for previous owners. The all-new level is slightly dull too. Of course, graphically, sonically and playably, the original product was a blockbuster, and anyone who missed it should jump at this collector's edition.

Graphics 95%
P. The graphics are as good as they ever were, but rearranged in places. Superb animation and detailed and varied backdrops. Brilliant.

Sound 96%
P. The most expanded area of the new version. The CD's plentiful storage is used to the full and adds better music and more effects.

Playability 92%
P. Hey, this is Earthworm Jim remember: this is the ultimate in the genre. It makes Donkey Kong Country look like the tarted up plodder it is.

Lastability 94%
P. An extra level for your money, new bonus stages and the variety and playability of the cart game. What more could you want?

Value For Money 92%
P. A normal price for an exceptionally good CD. The best game for the Mega-CD in... ooooh, bloody ages.

Overall 93%
What could have been a mundane conversion turns out to be a fresh-faced update. More levels and more weapons makes Earthworm Jim: Special Edition an essential buy for the Mega-CD.