"This game is the REASON why I keep gaming."

Intro:

Hello. First of all, keep in mind this game is all about FUNK.

This game is number #1 in my books, and will always remain number #1 untill I die. This game was originally created by Mark Voorsanger, otherwise known for making ''Toejam'' and Greg Johnson known for creating Earl, for the Sega Genesis(Megadrive) console. It wasn't entirely popular as opposed to some other Sega character icons, but alot of old school gamers do remember it.

Starting their work in 1989, Toejam and Earl 1, or TJ&E for short, was developed and released in 1991. They still maintain their website at http://www.tjande.com if you would like to know more about this game. The website is made and created by the same people who made the game so I'm sure you'd enjoy it.

Gameplay: (10/10)

This game is a masterpiece. Yes, masterpiece with a period afterwards. That's about all you need to say about this game -- you're two funky aliens who're on earth looking for the remaining pieces of their rocket ship.

You must complete 25 levels trying to find them, and if you didn't find them, you must go back and search each level untill you have.

This game really shines when it's in two player mode, split-screen'ed and in action. Two players can cooperate together to try and find the missing pieces of the rocket ship. In the game you find 'presents' which basically are, presents.

Open them and gain a special ability! The only bad side to this is that you have absolutely no chance of knowing what's inside. It could be a pair of wings, so you can fly over islands, or it could be removal of 1 instant life. It's a gamble.

Story: (9/10)

Maybe I haven't looked, but I haven't seen a console adventure game with this story-base before. This story is original and in its own personal way, it remains like that.

Picture this: You're 2 aliens, cruisin' through space driving your funky spaceship with surround-sound speakers, then suddenly Earl wants to drive. Uh oh, Toejam, knowing that Earl can't drive, isn't too happy that Earl takes this sudden dive for the sterring wheel.

Earl eventually loses control, and they crash land to earth. They're stranded, and now they must find their rocket ship pieces in order to patch together their only chance of getting back to planet Funkotron. Your objective? Help Toejam and Earl avoid danger while traveling around earth in the quest for the missing rocket ship pieces.

Graphics/Sound: (10/10)

Graphics are a classic, I've never heard ANYBODY complain about the graphics. Typical 16-Bit, but classic in every way. Well done graphics and excellent detail on the characters and enemies.

The sound, well, since having this game I've heard so many remixes(and imitations) of the different tracks during the game you would not believe how popular it's become! There's an additional section in the options where you can ''Jam out'' and just play whichever tunes you want and whenever you want -- while you control Toejam and Earl and make them dance to the music. Woohoo! We're not done yet..

Play Time/Replayability: (10/10)

It'll take you hours to complete it, no save option however. But that doesn't matter, considering most typical Genesis games don't have a save option. But regardless of this small flaw I still give this 10 out of 10 because of replay value. This game has EXTREME replay value. Don't think that once you've done and completed all 25 levels it's over.

You have two modes of play, Random or Fixed. Fixed is 25 levels that have been pre-planned into the games system and you can easily remember the locations of the rocket ship pieces without a problem. Random, on the other hand, is the totally different.

It basically randomly generates a new map(limitless, since it's randomly created) with random locations for enemies, water, sand, rocket ship pieces, etc. Setting to Random will give you a completely different experience. And it'll be new and different every single time you decide to play.

Final Recommendation:

This game(like all Genesis games, I believe) is no longer being made. You could most likely buy this game over an online internet gaming store, or through a local trade paper, etc.

I wouldn't know if this game is hard to get or not, because I haven't parted with my copy since I got it over 10 years ago. If you're a type of person who has played this game and loved it, then I suggest tracking a place or person down that has it and getting it! It's worth it! If you haven't played this game, however, I still recommend buying it and keeping it.

I would most likely assume that this game is rare, and pretty hard to find. But it isn't totally impossible to get again, I live in New Zealand, of all places, and I've seen quite a few copies in my time. It's surprised myself, but if you seek it out and get this game you won't be displeased with what you get. And remember, two player mode rules!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 05/13/03, Updated 05/13/03