Originally scheduled to launch in 2017, ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove saw delays which sadly pushed the project back to 2018. With 2018 now almost behind us, eager fans have likely been wondering how the project was getting on, but a new release date of 1st March 2019 has now been confirmed - it won't be long before you're putting the "fun" in "funky" on the go.
The game sees the iconic '90s alien duo of ToeJam and Earl making a comeback, hoping to use the Rapmaster Rocket to impress the ladies. After a black hole-related incident, however, they find themselves exploring the floating remnants of Earth, hoping to restore their ship by travelling through procedurally-generated levels.
You'll be locating all sorts of presents with random effects - rocket skates, Icarus Wings, Boomboxes and more - to recover the ship's parts, and other characters and unlockable hats are said to offer "awesome hidden powers". You'll also stumble across more than 50 Earthlings who have the potential to cause you some serious issues - such as the Hula-Girl who'll hypnotise you into shaking your hips - so you'll need to figure out which of these are your friends, and which are foes.
Back In The Groove promises "all the classic moments" from the series' past mixed with modern improvements like online play - which supports up to four players. You'll also be able to enjoy local co-op with two players, minigames, and a rhythm-based dance-off where you can strut your stuff to remixes from the original games.
The game will arrive on Switch on 1st March 2019 for $19.99. Are you ready for some funky fresh fun on Switch next year? Let us know down below.
Comments 26
Oh man, I'm so excited for this. It feels like it was announced ages ago.
I was one of the few Sega fans who never really liked the Toejam & Earl games. I found them really boring to play. That said, if this new one gets good reviews I'll probably give it a go.
So is it before or after Half-Life 3 is released?
@patbacknitro18 I am pretty sure Half-Life 3 isn't going to be released next March.
@RyanSilberman Given the track record of this game, neither will it
Yes yes yes!!! So excited for this release. Even if it’s bad. I am a die-hard TJ&E fan (their inclusion in Mega Drive Classics are a major reason I’m considering ponying up despite me owning many of the games in collection on at least 2-3 systems).
Awesome!!! Can't wait
If the reviews are positive for this game, I expect someone to use "Jammin' " in their tagline (or possibly "Groovin' ").
Excited for this!
@Fake-E-Lee - Right there with you. Had D3 for a few days and already dumped 20 hours onto it. That moment your final set piece connects a build and jump from Tormet III to VII is so satisfying.
But was one of those old time fans of TJ&E back in the day. Still have a vinyl of remixes and my phone plays the intro to random callers (otherwise it's Gauntlet or Buck Bumble). Been waiting for this return to form for ages. The only game my mother and I played when I was a kid.
If I'm not mistaken, Limited Run Games will also be giving this game the physical release treatment for Switch.
This is how I like my TJ&E!!! So ready for this!
This was a nice reminder to go back and play the original cartridges I have sitting on a shelf in the game room
Cautiously optimistic. I've probably invested over a hundred hours of playtime in the original game over the years. Really glad they went back to something similar to the gameplay style of the original.
I remember being hyped for this when I bought a switch at launch.
Now I fear it’s going to be missed in the name of backlog.
But maybe not. Depends on pricing and sales.
I've never played Toejam and Earl before so I can't say that this game has much personal significance for me (I grew up a Nintendo kid, after all). However, since I'm getting the Sega Genesis Classics collection for Christmas, I hope to rectify this issue soon and see what all the hype's about.
@ilikeike Try to play it with someone else, if at all possible. Toejam and Earl really shines as a local multiplayer title.
The previous two games were wonderfully '90s games.
I hope this one will find an audience.
I still play the original from time to time so backed this on Kickstarter God knows how long ago now. Bring it on for some more multiplayer present stealing goodness 😁
@Ralizah Thanks for the info. I was already intending on blitzing through Streets of Rage and Sonic 2 with my brother, so I'll certainly add Toejam and Earl to our multiplayer itinerary!
Almost like Earthworm Jim.
It’s radically tubular!
I already have my groove.... when I am sleeping with the sexy ladies, after I show them my Mega Drive joystick.
It's so 90s...I love it
@patbacknitro18 it will be release before Super Mario Galaxy 3 becomes a thing.
I'll believe it when I see it. They've been hovering this game over our heads for years now.
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