18-Mar-2003 The original Mega Drive ToeJam & Earl adventure was so laid back it was almost horizontal. This Xbox sequel has the same easy, lazy attitude but injects a much needed shot of bling bling into the pace.
It's a funk and gospel-filled puzzle adventure (yes, you read that right), with a superb sense of humour and the kind of offbeat gameplay that shows up every other identikit shooter, stealth 'em up and extreme sports title as imagination-devoid shams.
GIVE TO RECEIVE Work alone or cooperatively with a mate as you explore an enormous game world split into itty-bitty stages. The levels are unashamedly old skool, but perfectly balanced to ensure you encounter a new challenge or have to learn and use a new skill on each one. Skills are learned by snaffling the presents scattered around the world.
Pick up a new present and you can either take the risk - open it and see what's inside - or have it identified for you in order to avoid any nasty surprises. You can then use that gift to explore each level.
The gifts are mental. Spring shoes help you cross yawning chasms, boom-boxes disrupt the hula girls' lethal gyrations, and decoys draw enemies toward them and away from you.
I HAVE POWERS As well as the presents, each member of the funk-tastic trio has his own set of four skills. Big 'n' burly Earl has more innate funk power than his buddies, natural hustler ToeJam gets a rebate every time he spends money ordering presents from the mailboxes and Latisha is fast on her feet.
What's cool is that you can switch players at special warp points in each main world while still carrying over all your presents and character points. Different areas demand different sets of skills so if you're struggling in the desert with Earl's bulk, call up Latisha to cross those dunes quicker!
More than the funk-fuelled gameplay, this groovy offering is pure fun, with a cheeky sense of humour that very few games can match. With its warped visuals and original gameplay, ToeJam & Earl III is sure to confuse your average frag-obsessed goon no end, but for funkier minded Xbox owners, this is pure bliss.
As anyone who's ever spent a prolonged period in the Home Counties will know, planet Earth can be a fantastically un-funky place. During their Mission, ToeJam and Co. have to convert the dufus Earthlings to the way of the funk using Funk Fu. Tougher humans take more blasts of funk power, but once converted they'll give you cash and gifts, and you'll recognise them by the shiny disco ball above their bonce.
TJ’s third leg is probably great for impressing the ladies at parties
ToeJam takes a dip after converting the hula-hula girl on the beach
The three heroes have different strengths of Funk Fu power
// Level Up The Funky Way
As you prowl the many levels on the look-out for the funkless freaks, you earn experience points, a lot like in a role-player. At set increments you can go see the man in the carrot suit (don't ask) and trade these points for a promotion in your funk rank. Start as a dufus and work up to grandmaster. As your rank increases, so do the potency of your skills and ability to use gifts.
Use the boom box to deal with enemies too tough for your funk rank
As your powers become ever more potent, earthlings just won’t be able to resist the dance
Copyright 2006 - 2009 Future Publishing Limited, Beauford Court, 30 Monmouth Street, Bath, UK BA1 2BW England and Wales company registration number 2008885
