ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove is a video game developed by HumanNature Studios and published by HumaNature Studios, LLC. It is a sequel to the original ToeJam & Earl game released back in 1991 for the Sega Genesis.
The game follows the same characters of ToeJam, a three-legged alien rapper, and Earl, his friend, and fellow alien, as they crash on Earth and must collect scattered pieces of their spaceship to return home. The game features an isometric view and procedurally generated levels, where you'll explore various environments, from beaches to cities while avoiding Earthlings, such as crazed joggers, phantom mailmen, and others.
ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove is a mix of adventure, exploration, and action gameplay. You'll encounter various power-ups, such as rocket skates, boom boxes to stun enemies and hot tubs to restore health. It also has a multiplayer mode, where up to four players can play together, either online or locally.
The game released on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. It serves not only as a tribute to the original game but also as an excellent addition for those new to the series.
Gameplay mechanics:
The game's mechanics remain similar to the original game, with players roaming around the levels, finding power-ups, discovering secrets and avoiding hazards to collect spaceship parts. However, this time around, the game features a world map that allows you to unlock and explore different levels at your leisure.
Different playable characters:
Back in the Groove features different playable characters in addition to the signature characters of ToeJam & Earl, such as Latisha, Lewanda, and Peabo. Each character has its unique abilities and stats that affect gameplay, making for unique playthrough experiences.
Music and sound effects:
The soundtrack and sound effects of the game are reminiscent of the original game, featuring funky music inspired by '90s hip hop and funk styles.
Overall, ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove is a fun and humorous game that pays homage to the original while introducing new features that make the experience feeling fresh.