Earthworm Jim 3D borrows much of its gameplay from other platformers of the era, notably competing with Super Mario 64, Banjo-Kazooie, and Donkey Kong 64. New locations in Jim’s brain are opened up by collecting Golden Udders, and new levels in each location are opened by collecting Jim’s marbles. Like previous Earthworm Jim games, despite many platforming elements, Jim’s primary method of combat comes from shooting his blaster.