Toejam & Earl: Back in the Groove Reviews
ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove is an extremely welcome update to the first game in the series that retains and expands upon everything that made that game a classic.
ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove is a literal return-to-form for the series, and longtime fans should be happy about that. While it might not be a hardcore roguelike or fully integrate its more modern design choices, it does exactly what it sets out to do: give players a true sequel to the original Genesis classic. It's hard to say how far this formula could have come in 28 years if the series hadn't taken detours into other genres, but for now I'm just happy that it's gone back to its roots.
ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove feels like the sequel the creators of the original game always wanted to make. It's a follow-up to the original concept, which ended up lost in the weeds for every previous sequel attempt. It's a roguelike sort of game, but one that wants you to laugh and have fun instead of constantly dread what's around each corner. That remains distinct, even after all these years. This isn't the most elaborate or intense game in its space, but it's the happiest to be there.
ToeJam and Earl may have gained cult status for their past escapades, but unless you’re a hardcore fan of the series, the magic doesn’t quite carry over to the 21st century. ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove is initially charming thanks to how offbeat it is, but it soon wears thin when you realise how barebones the gameplay is.
There were moments where it felt like I was playing the same game that came out when I was 11. But the look was just a bit more lavish, and the funky bass line was arranged just differently enough. Back in the Groove is the perfect mix of polish and nostalgia, and one that I can’t wait to play through again.
Solid roguelike elements keep the action engaging and tense. No previous experience (or nostalgia) with the series required
ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove is a hard sell.
This is exactly how a retro revival should be done and studios would be wise to take note.
As a revival of a very special Sega Genesis classic, ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove will certainly give fans the funky good times that they crave.
Bristling with energy and a bright, breezy '90s-inspired style, ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove harks back to a simpler time, when life was a little bit funkier. And fun. This is a fun game.
Toejam & Earl: Back in the Groove is definitely an odd title. It has a focus on exploration over combat, and embraces randomness in a way that keeps things exciting. While it’s likely not for everyone, it’s definitely a unique game in this day and age, and is worth a shot for that alone.
The new features and updates just miss the mark to carry the rest of what is one of the best attempts at bringing the 90s into the current time.
GREAT - I’m so happy to see this classic Sega franchise make a comeback. Crowdfunding is surely the best thing to happen to video games in the last decade and as we see more terrific indie games and franchise reboots created with this method. I’m still holding out for new Oasis and Shining Force titles. With Back in the Groove, the story, theme, and dialogue are all rather lackluster and dated, but that doesn’t detract from this being outstanding adventure game that is perfect for the entire family.
Sporting augmented graphics, remastered soundtrack, added items and earthlings, ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove is a remake done right.
The visuals are pretty, and the music is brilliant, but ToeJam and Earl: Back In The Groove! is the same game it was nearly three decades ago. This is fine I suppose, but it feels like more could have been done. It’s an enjoyable experience with friends, but a bit dull on your own.
Back in the Groove is the faithful return to form Funkotron fans have been rapping about for decades, capturing the magic that made the original so endearing the galaxy over. It may not expand on the OG formula much, but old skool spinmasters from the Sega Genesis era are sure to vibe with ToeJam & Earl’s funky fresh return.
ToeJam and Earl: Back in the Groove is a jamtastic sequel that more than lives up to the original.
Trying to specifically describe in words how Back in the Groove plays would be a challenge, mainly because while it has elements that may feel familiar in places it is all joined together with random silliness and perhaps a touch of chemically-induced inspiration...
ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove is a trip to the past and a game that the fans of the original wanted. It's really good, fun and the multiplayer is great. The downside is the loading time and playing it alone can be boring.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Back in the Groove is a reboot that maintains the franchise's classic feel with a few worthwhile tweaks. Whether it is for nostalgia or a new adventure, this is a shattered Earth worth exploring.