ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth

"Tolerable refurbishment"

*Background spiel*
As many reviews have already stated, TJ&E3 is a hybrid between the original games. The first two appeared on the late Genesis platform some years back. When TJ&E1 came out, I was a genuine video game aficionado (my first video games ever were on the Atari 2600 and a 286 PC). I was fortunate enough to have already witnessed a marginal evolution in video game technology subsequent to my discovery of this franchise. TJ&E1 was a decent game. I did not place it in a glass case and worship it until my college years like some people claim to have done. It was one of the first games to use the split screen innovation. The graphics, sound, and originality were also appealing. All in all I liked the game. TJ&E2 was also appealing. Side scrolling was a 16-bit tradition, so it did not bother me. And every game was 2D, so you really could not complain. I liked them both (though to this day I do not approbate the cult following that has gained widespread recognition so quickly and almost overnight -- and it makes me laugh to see people paying over $30 for a dusty cartridge on Ebay).

*General aura*
When I first booted up and played TJ&E3, I was pleasantly surprised. The introductory flick was well done in terms of CGI, and I finally got to hear the two renowned characters speak in a tone that was both audible and coherent. A quant little smile formed on my face when the light of the first moments of the game were absorbed by my retinas.

*Graphics*
They're good. They're very good actually. I've been playing video games for a very long time. At one point in time they consisted of two colors, a dozen sounds, and one purpose (kill so many, gain so many, or go so far to win). So virtually every video game amazes me today. Many people have said that the graphics of this game flat out suck. Either they're insane or they're neophytes that started playing videos on a next gen system and have been spoiled by modern technology. Neophyte video game enthusiasts cannot truly appreciate them in the way that veteran players can. They just don't have the broad sense of aesthetic respect gained from growing parallel to the video game evolution. Trust me, the graphics are good. Not mind blowingly outrageous, but as good as one can expect. Anyone who doesn't appreciate this game is a spoiled brat, a grim reality which I'll elucidate later.

*Sound*
For the same reasons I think the graphics are good, I feel that the audio is amazing. Very clear, coherent, understandable, and crisp. I was also relieved to find TJ and Earl's voices to be the same as I once envisioned. The music of the older games reappears, but much more fine tuned than before. An improvement to say the least. Anyone who won't at least admit that they're clear needs a hearing aid.

*Control*
I have very little to comment on in terms of control. I got used to the controller format in about 2 minutes. I never had the slightest iota of trouble. Neither arduous to learn or remember; the controls are just ok.

*Environment*
A lot of people say the layout is confusing. Once again I found little opposition toward progression. The general concept of TJ&E1 was improved upon using current technology. The floating land masses, the ability to fall off, knocking on doors, people running around, elevators - all 3D, full of texture and topography, millions of colors, and admirable detail.

*Story*
This is the only attribute that disappointed me. It was somewhat unoriginal. But what should I have expected? There is not much flexibility with the previously established TJ&E storylines. Well, not enough as to be able to do anything too unpredictable (would we have accepted TJ and Earl in a first person shooter where they solve puzzles, hack computers, do asteroid belt shoot outs ala Star Wars? I think not). To do so would be even more unappealing than the same old thing. So minor kudos here, but with reluctance.

*Buy or Rent?*
If you like funny games with pointless themes, crude humor, nostalgia for reminding you of old school hip hop, and also crisp graphics, cute characters, and an all in all break from serious games -- this game is definitely rent worthy. If you're a die hard TJ&E fan, than rent before you buy. Never buy a game with minimal knowledge. Think of diminishing marginal return. As time goes on, the addition benefit from playing any game one more time decreases. So only buy it if you love it, or if you're compulsive, or if you ''must have every TJ&E game in existence.''

*In closing*
My best friend is in his mid 20s. He got TJ&E1 when it first came out. He grew up on it, and loves it to this day. He thought this game was awesome. My s/o grew up on TJ&E2, and she hates the third installment. It's the subjectivity game folks (in your mind, not on your Xbox!). You'll like it or you won't. The graphics and sound are worth a look-see. Those who think the graphics are anything less than good (for this or any Xbox game) are most likely one of the brats aforementioned. Odds are they did not see video game technology progress first hand, otherwise they wouldn't take such games for granted, they'd know to appreciate it thinking ''Look at what these kids have today. Sheesh, I remember when PacMan was the bomb.''

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 05/26/03, Updated 05/26/03