ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove!

 Switch
ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove! Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 93 Ratings

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  • Summary: ToeJam and Earl have crash-landed back on Earth in ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove!, a funky fresh roguelike adventure infused with old skool hip-hop and jam packed with awesome throwbacks to the 1991 classic. Original Funk Lord (and co-creator) Greg Johnson is back at the helm with theToeJam and Earl have crash-landed back on Earth in ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove!, a funky fresh roguelike adventure infused with old skool hip-hop and jam packed with awesome throwbacks to the 1991 classic. Original Funk Lord (and co-creator) Greg Johnson is back at the helm with the sequel that ToeJam and Earl fans have been waiting for.… Expand
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ToeJam & Earl: Back In The Groove . -Launch Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Gaming Age
    Feb 28, 2019
    100
    Even if you don’t have an ounce of affinity for the first game, or weren’t around to experience it to begin with, ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove still comes together as a modern roguelike that everyone can enjoy.
  2. Nintendo Enthusiast
    Mar 1, 2019
    90
    After years of relative obscurity, ToeJam & Earl is back in a big way. Back in the Groove likely won’t push the franchise beyond its cult status, but it is a good game that fans both old and new should check out. Pick up and play this one with a friend for the best experience.
  3. NintendoWorldReport
    Mar 1, 2019
    85
    Despite some apprehensive dalliances with repetition, I loved ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove. The sublime style drips with funk, and the cadence of roaming through floors using my presents to try to avoid failure and find my ship parts is one that made for a charming experience. It didn’t matter if I saw some of the same things several times over my multiple playthroughs. The whole thing is spectacularly goofy and weird, even if I eventually do figure out why the hell the yeti has a pencil.
  4. GamingTrend
    Mar 8, 2019
    75
    While still in need of some technical polish, ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove is a loving flashback to the good old 90s, filled with some lighthearted laughs and killer beats in an easygoing adventure setting. Fans of the original will definitely find something to love, and those who are new to the craziness can find some great fun here.
  5. Pure Nintendo
    Mar 24, 2019
    70
    I do wish the time-honored gameplay was offset a bit more by balanced, polished, and tighter design at times. But if you’re “ready for a blast of funky nostalgia” the sense of déja vu that comes from familiar fun won’t be a negative.
  6. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Aug 28, 2019
    65
    ToeJam & Earl's endearing retro motif is right up my alley, but there simply isn't enough charm here to elevate this new entry over its source material. [Issue #39 – May/June 2019, p. 29]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. The Sydney Morning Herald
    Feb 28, 2019
    50
    Back in the Groove might satisfy series fans that just want some new toys to play with, but the sluggish speed and obtuse design of the dated original remains.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. Mickmog
    Jan 18, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A joyful trip down memory lane. Used to play in the early 90s after a night dancing to the cult and wonderstuff through to 3 in the morning.... now play cuddled up with twin 10 year olds on this joyous update!! A tad more sober....… Expand
  2. TeeReview
    Mar 7, 2019
    10
    My previous review I turn back. ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove is a thrill. A completely revamped version of the original ToeJam & EarlMy previous review I turn back. ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove is a thrill. A completely revamped version of the original ToeJam & Earl (1991) - Complete with new features and adjustments to guarantee a fun experience.

    Edit: Bugs have been heavily tackled by this team and not ignored.    … Expand
  4. 3liWallach
    Mar 2, 2019
    10
    I never played the original Toejam and Earl, but find this one to be very fun and mesmerizing. The world created in Toejam and Earl reallyI never played the original Toejam and Earl, but find this one to be very fun and mesmerizing. The world created in Toejam and Earl really feels magical and sticks with you outside of the game realm. This game is the most fun I've had playing a video game ever.… Expand
  5. General_Tzu
    Aug 18, 2019
    10
    I enjoyed the first Toejam & Earl game, but never quite understood what the hell you were supposed to do. This switch version is eye poppingI enjoyed the first Toejam & Earl game, but never quite understood what the hell you were supposed to do. This switch version is eye popping gorgeous, has online player mode (rarely someone else playing), and is easy to learn. After playing through this, there are great incentives (unlockables) to keep playing. The game is just ridiculously fun and well crafted to reboot the franchise. This was definitely for the old players and not so much an attempt to bring in new players (IMO).

    Loved it, play it all the time.    … Expand
  6. Angelfuk83
    Dec 21, 2022
    9
    Uno de los juegos del sistema Génesis que más cariño le tenía, original y con una excelente banda sonora en forma de un remake bastante bienUno de los juegos del sistema Génesis que más cariño le tenía, original y con una excelente banda sonora en forma de un remake bastante bien hecho y con añadidos extras como personajes nuevos, modo multijugador, nuevos enemigos, etc... Bastante recomendable.… Expand
  7. spencerplewe
    Jul 15, 2022
    8
    A classic game remake done right with popping hand-drawn graphics, rocking hip-hop soundtrack, and and even bigger barrage of enemies andA classic game remake done right with popping hand-drawn graphics, rocking hip-hop soundtrack, and and even bigger barrage of enemies and power-ups to make this one of the craziest co-op treasure hunts ever.
    [Update: looking back a couple years later, and actually playing it with a friend, I now realize how kind of slow and uncompelling it really is.]    … Expand
  8. bladex
    Apr 14, 2020
    0
    they should rename this to CRASHjam and earl! if you want this game than DO NOT get the switch port. it constantly crashes when you use thethey should rename this to CRASHjam and earl! if you want this game than DO NOT get the switch port. it constantly crashes when you use the elevator, fall off the level and even when you go to save sometimes. endless mode is incredibly buggy too the fps is also constantly dropping DO NOT BUY THIS!!… Expand

See all 14 User Reviews

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50
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