Written by Anthony L. Cuaycong
Title: ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove
Developer: HumaNature Studios Inc
Publisher: HumaNature Studios Inc
Genre: Adventure, Multiplayer
Price: $19.99
Also Available On: PS4, Steam, XB1
ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove - Humanature Studios’ brainchild has had a complicated past. Announced via a KickStarter campaign back in 2015, it foresaw a two-year turnaround timeline that wound being delayed for reasons unknown even to backers of the fully subscribed project. Thankfully, the developer’s solid reputation and the success of previous entries in the series enabled it to overcome radio silence and an aborted pivot to publication by Adult Swim Games. After yet another round of delays, it’s seeing the light of day with an eShop release early next month and a physical offering via Limited Run Games in the horizon. And here’s the good news: It’s well worth the wait.
Needless to say, ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove features playable characters well known to fans of the original offering in 1991. Which is well and good in and of itself. The clincher is that it highlights gameplay reminiscent of the Sega Genesis classic, in the process mostly eschewing the generic — and, at the time, controversial — underpinnings of sequel ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron. The result is a veritable throwback certain to please even modern-day gamers, particularly those with a bias for roguelike adventures. The island-hopping rappers are back, making use of power-ups boasting of distinct effects to hold enemies in abeyance, with colorful visuals and retro remixed tracks helping keep the mood vibrant. Cooperative play of up to four characters is a blast as well. Highly recommended.
THE GOOD
- Hews closely in treatment to 1991 original
- Wisely eschews genetic underpinnings of inferior sequel
- Colorful visuals and catchy music
THE BAD
- Nineties sensibilities may date it for modern-day gamers
- Price point on the high side given absence of complexity
- Relatively easy romp
RATING: 9/10
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