ToeJam & Earl: Review in the Groove for Nintendo Switch

ToeJam & Earl seemed to be one of those brands of video games destined to remain a vestige of his time. The awesome characters, the early hip hop vibe and the 90s slang-dated culture. On top of that, it was a classic cult property that seemed to lose only quality on every outing. Nevertheless, Genesis fans have a strong love for the original.

So when ToeJam & Earl: Back in the throat was announced, the old school players rejoiced. The original creator, Greg Johnson, was bringing our great aliens back to their roots. And, believe it or not, it just looks like a 2019 version.

Fossil fuels

In a totally fictitious move, cool, cool aliens, ToeJam and Earl, accidentally create a black hole when they visit Earth. That sucks them, as well as our planet, creating 25 levels of floating islands generated randomly. It's up to our hip hop heroes and their friends to collect 10 pieces of their spaceship to go home.

Like the 1991 ToeJam & Earl, Back in the throat is a top-down adventure, crawler-dungeon and roguelike. In spite of this description, it's a game that does not fit perfectly into a preconceived box. It's really his own experience.

Your time in the game is mainly about exploring levels, shaking trees and avoiding enemies. There are dangers to avoid as well as gifts to collect. These gifts can be used to spot the elevator at the top level, give you quick peaks or even alert your presence of enemies. Money can also be collected to buy gifts or favors from friendly men.

As you discover more of the map, you will find other random elements. These include hidden paths, rhythmic mini-game dances and doors leading to a side-scrolling funky zone. It's really an adventure in the sense that you do not know what to expect. If you did not grow up with the Genesis title, you might be a little lost at first. However, the optional tutorial does a decent job explaining things.

Hangin 'Wit' Mah Homies

While ToeJam & Earl can be played as a solo experience, it really shines in the cooperative game. The local sofa cooperative offers a classic split screen experience that return fans will appreciate. It works well too, because players can largely fend for themselves to cover more of the map. This is one of the most enjoyable cooperative experiences you will have with the Nintendo Switch.

Not only that, but there will also be support for four players via a launch patch. That's why it's good Back in the throat also has a large number of characters. There are six to start and three more to unlock while you play. The characters have their own stats, giving everyone a unique feel. For example, Classic ToeJam is useful if you are like me and want to have a good radius when searching for items.

I can not stop, I do not want to stop

It would be a bad service not to mention the unique presentation of ToeJam & Earl: Back in the throat. The distinctive artistic style exudes the funky atmosphere of the game as a whole. At the same time, it looks fresh while remaining true to the feel of the original title. If there's ever been a TV show, it's pretty much what it should look like.

The music is a good dose of funky jams and hip hop rhythms, as can be expected. There are also some audio keys like the occasional muzak when you take the elevator.

After years of relative darkness, ToeJam & Earl is back in broad outline. Back in the throat It is unlikely that the franchise exceeds its cult status, but it is a good game that fans, old and new, should discover. Pick it up and play with a friend for an optimal experience.

Publication date: March 1, 2019

Number of players: up to 4 players

Category: Adventure

Publisher: HumaNature Studios

Developer: HumaNature Studios

A revision code has been provided by the publisher.

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ToeJam & Earl: Groove Review for Nintendo Switch | Jammin '! was last modified: February 28, 2019 by David Giltinan