In Japan, Famitsu magazine scored the 1991 Super Famicom version of the game a 23 out of 40, and the 1994 Game Boy version a 21 out of 40.

Reception of the game is mostly positive, Famicom Tsūshin scored the Super Famicom version of the game a 31 out of 40.

On release, Famicom Tsūshin scored the Super Famicom version of the game a 26 out of 40.

On release, Famicom Tsūshin scored the Super Famicom version of the game a 28 out of 40, giving it a 7 out of 10 in their Reader Cross Review.

On release, Famicom Tsūshin scored the Super Famicom version of the game a 24 out of 40, however Monshō no Nazo was popular enough to hold the No. 1 position on the Famitsu chart for one year.

Earthworm Jim was awarded Best Genesis Game of 1994 by Electronic Gaming Monthly, and Famicom Tsūshin scored the Super Famicom version of the game a 30 out of 40.

On release, Famitsu magazine scored the Super Famicom version of the game a 20 out of 40.