ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 15
  3. Negative: 2 out of 15
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  1. Video Chums
    Feb 28, 2019
    74
    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. However, those devoid of funk likely won't be up for the down stroke.
  2. Hobby Consolas
    Feb 28, 2019
    73
    Fans of the original game will find exactly what they missed all these years. It should be more appealing on the graphical side, but it's an OK adventure for those who seek a slow-paced experience.
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Apr 10, 2019
    70
    Faithful to its roots, perhaps even to a fault, T&E’s new adventure is still a welcome dose of childhood to those of a certain age. [Issue#161, p.97]
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  5. Vandal
    Mar 1, 2019
    70
    Back in the Groove is a great game if your fan of the original, very traditional and close to its gameplay. Unfortunately, this also means that we miss some things that make it more appealing in 2019.
  6. God is a Geek
    Feb 28, 2019
    65
    ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove is a weird and wonderful world filled with colourful characters, but some of the movement feels archaic.
  7. TheSixthAxis
    Feb 28, 2019
    60
    ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove is a hard sell. If you loved the originals, then there might be enough here to spirit you back to the days of the Mega Drive, but without knowing the source material, you are left with a good looking but fairly generic walkabout game.
  8. Push Square
    Feb 28, 2019
    60
    ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove is a relentlessly faithful retread of the 90s classics. Fans of the funky alien duo are sure to enjoy it, but clumsy gameplay and some frustrating design choices date it in a bad way. Mixing elements of the two Mega Drive titles works well, and the oddball stylings and music are as good as ever. However, it just feels a bit tired, and maybe could've benefitted from a modern shot in the arm. If you love ToeJam & Earl, this is well worth a look, but fans of other PS4 roguelikes might be less impressed.
  9. GameSpot
    Mar 7, 2019
    50
    For every wistful reminder of bygone days and the pleasures of the era, there's a lingering fault or drawback that could have been smoothed over or mended. The issue with Back in the Groove's unwavering faithfulness to its predecessor is inextricable from what makes it occasionally so much fun: It's both captured the good and brought the bad back with it.
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  1. Mashable
    Mar 1, 2019
    It's an absolute joy, and one you can share with up to three other friends online or at your side (though I sadly didn't get to try co-op yet). There are plenty of games that do ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove's basic schtick, but the charming world, outlandish characters, and weird-but-cool presents system deliver an amusing and surprisingly sticky twist. Just so long as you can get down with the funk.

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2019

User Reviews

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User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 36
  3. Negative: 11 out of 36
  1. BillyBillyBoBil
    Nov 9, 2019
    10
    ToeJam and Earl Back in the Groove is a brilliant creation only possible from the genius minds of the development team. Every aspect from theToeJam and Earl Back in the Groove is a brilliant creation only possible from the genius minds of the development team. Every aspect from the story, to the gameplay, to the graphics is masterfully crafted to give anyone a one of a kind experience.… Full Review »
  2. nicolasldc
    Jun 21, 2019
    10
    As an old fan of the series, T&J BiG feels just as fun as the 90s original. It is expanded, full of personality and prettier.
  3. bombshelboy
    Mar 12, 2019
    7
    I enjoyed this game for sure, but the long load times hurt it's score, the lack of polish hurts it's score, and the limited replay value hurtsI enjoyed this game for sure, but the long load times hurt it's score, the lack of polish hurts it's score, and the limited replay value hurts it's score.

    With that though, it's a good remake of the original. I like the addition of new characters after you beat the game, though I am disappointed in the fact that there's only a few. Unlocks in general are pretty limited.    … Full Review »
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