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|composer=[[Burke Trieschmann]]
|composer=[[Burke Trieschmann]]
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'''''ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth''''' is an [[Action game|action]] [[video game]] released for the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] on October 23, 2002. Developed by [[ToeJam & Earl Productions]] and [[Visual Concepts]], and published by [[Sega]] and [[Microsoft]], it is the third installment in the ''ToeJam & Earl'' series. Players assume the role of one of three [[Extraterrestrials in fiction|extraterrestrial]] protagonists: ToeJam and Earl, who starred in the series' first two games, and Latisha, a new character. While using power-ups to combat enemies, players seek to collect the twelve "Sacred Albums of Funk" and defeat the antagonistic "Anti-Funk".
'''''ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth''''' is an [[Action game|action]] [[video game]] released for the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] on October 23, 2002. Developed by [[ToeJam & Earl Productions]] and [[Visual Concepts]], and published by [[Sega]] and [[Microsoft]], it is the third installment in the ''ToeJam & Earl'' series. Players assume the role of one of three [[Extraterrestrials in fiction|extraterrestrial]] protagonists: ToeJam and Earl, who starred in the series' first two games, and Latisha, a new character. While using power-ups to combat enemies, players seek to collect the twelve "Sacred Albums of Funk" and defeat the antagonistic "Anti-Funk."


The original two ''ToeJam & Earl'' games were a key [[Sega Genesis]] [[Media franchise|franchise]], but development of a third game was prevented by the poor North American commercial performance of the console's successor, the [[Sega Saturn]]. Versions of ''ToeJam & Earl III'' developed at different times for the [[Nintendo 64]] and [[Dreamcast]] were canceled, but the latter was completed for the Xbox. On release, the game met with poor sales and mixed reviews; while certain critics found its gameplay innovative, its humor, soundtrack and graphics were variously praised and derided. Opinions of the game's overall enjoyability and longevity were also mixed.
The original two ''ToeJam & Earl'' games were a key [[Sega Genesis]] [[Media franchise|franchise]], but development of a third game was prevented by the poor North American commercial performance of the console's successor, the [[Sega Saturn]]. Versions of ''ToeJam & Earl III'' developed at different times for the [[Nintendo 64]] and [[Dreamcast]] were canceled, but the latter was completed for the Xbox. On release, the game met with poor sales and mixed reviews; while certain critics found its gameplay innovative, its humor, soundtrack and graphics were variously praised and derided. Opinions of the game's overall enjoyability and longevity were also mixed.
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''ToeJam & Earl III'' follows the [[Extraterrestrials in fiction|extraterrestrial]] protagonists ToeJam and Earl, who starred in the series' previous games, and a new female character named Latisha.<ref name="eurogamer"/><ref name="funkotron"/> ToeJam is three-legged and red; Earl is overweight and orange. Both characters have been considered parodies of American hip-hop and urban culture.<ref name="funkotron"/><ref name="smh"/> Latisha has been variously described as "feisty" and "brimming with attitude" by critics.<ref name="mirror"/><ref name="PCworld"/>
''ToeJam & Earl III'' follows the [[Extraterrestrials in fiction|extraterrestrial]] protagonists ToeJam and Earl, who starred in the series' previous games, and a new female character named Latisha.<ref name="eurogamer"/><ref name="funkotron"/> ToeJam is three-legged and red; Earl is overweight and orange. Both characters have been considered parodies of American hip-hop and urban culture.<ref name="funkotron"/><ref name="smh"/> Latisha has been variously described as "feisty" and "brimming with attitude" by critics.<ref name="mirror"/><ref name="PCworld"/>


The three characters journey to Earth, in order to retrieve the stolen twelve Sacred Albums of Funk and return them to Lamont the Funkopotamus.<ref name="eurogamer"/> Levels take place on terrains that represent Earth's [[ecosystem]]s.<ref name="gamezone"/> The game's ultimate antagonist is the Anti-Funk, whose defeat will "save the world from all that is unfunky".<ref name="ign"/> The "funk" has been described as a parody of [[the Force]] from ''[[Star Wars]]'', with the Anti-Funk being the dark side.<ref name="gamespot"/>
The three characters journey to Earth, in order to retrieve the stolen twelve Sacred Albums of Funk and return them to Lamont the Funkopotamus.<ref name="eurogamer"/> Levels take place on terrains that represent Earth's [[ecosystem]]s.<ref name="gamezone"/> The game's ultimate antagonist is the Anti-Funk, whose defeat will "save the world from all that is unfunky."<ref name="ign"/> The "funk" has been described as a parody of [[the Force]] from ''[[Star Wars]]'', with the Anti-Funk being the dark side.<ref name="gamespot"/>


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
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The game has been called both a [[platform game]]<ref name="eurogamer"/> and an [[action-adventure game]].<ref name="gamespot"/> [[GameSpot]] asserts that it combines elements of ''[[ToeJam & Earl]]'' and its platformer sequel, ''[[ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron]]'',<ref name="gamespot"/> while ''[[GameNOW]]'' and ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' liken it to the former game.<ref name="gamenow"/><ref name="egm"/> The game features both single- and two-player modes; in both, players control one of the three protagonists. ToeJam moves quickly and jumps high, but has weak attacks; Earl is tougher and has more powerful attacks, but is slow and jumps lower than ToeJam; Latisha ranks between the two in terms of athleticism, and gains additional [[power-up]]s later in the game.<ref name="gamezone"/> In the game's two-player mode, the camera moves between single and split-screen as players maneuver their characters away from each other. Characters can share power-ups when in close proximity.<ref name="gamezone"/>
The game has been called both a [[platform game]]<ref name="eurogamer"/> and an [[action-adventure game]].<ref name="gamespot"/> [[GameSpot]] asserts that it combines elements of ''[[ToeJam & Earl]]'' and its platformer sequel, ''[[ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron]]'',<ref name="gamespot"/> while ''[[GameNOW]]'' and ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' liken it to the former game.<ref name="gamenow"/><ref name="egm"/> The game features both single- and two-player modes; in both, players control one of the three protagonists. ToeJam moves quickly and jumps high, but has weak attacks; Earl is tougher and has more powerful attacks, but is slow and jumps lower than ToeJam; Latisha ranks between the two in terms of athleticism, and gains additional [[power-up]]s later in the game.<ref name="gamezone"/> In the game's two-player mode, the camera moves between single and split-screen as players maneuver their characters away from each other. Characters can share power-ups when in close proximity.<ref name="gamezone"/>


The game's randomly generated levels are connected together by hubs.<ref name="ign"/> Additional levels can be downloaded from [[Xbox Live]].<ref name="gamezone">{{cite web |last=Raymond |first=Justin |date=November 4, 2002 |url=https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/toejam_earl_iii_mission_to_earth_xb_review/ |title=ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth - XB - Review |website=GameZone |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090522221537/http://xbox.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r18830.htm |archivedate=May 22, 2009 |deadurl=no |accessdate=February 4, 2018}}</ref> Level exploration is based around collecting items: the player searches for the Sacred Albums of Funk, and for keys that grant access to more levels.<ref name="eurogamer"/><ref name="guardian"/> Enemies include rabbit ninja, a "demented chicken",<ref name="eurogamer"/> and "psycho cheerleaders",<ref name="ign"/> which the player combats with Funk-Fu and Funk Notes. Funk Notes are projectiles that render enemies "funkified", or harmless;<ref name="ign"/> more powerful than Funk-Fu, they require the player to gather ammunition.<ref name="eurogamer"/> The player may also find wrapped presents, which contain power-ups such as rocket skates, spring shoes and food;<ref name="gamespot"/> these variously grant greater defensive abilities, access to certain areas, and additional [[Health (gaming)|health]].<ref name="gamezone"/> Another power-up involves a simple [[rhythm game]], and leaves nearby enemies "funkified" if the player successfully copies on-screen rhythms.<ref name="ign"/>
The game's randomly generated levels are connected together by hubs.<ref name="ign"/> Additional levels can be downloaded from [[Xbox Live]].<ref name="gamezone">{{cite web |last=Raymond |first=Justin |date=November 4, 2002 |url=https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/toejam_earl_iii_mission_to_earth_xb_review/ |title=ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth - XB - Review |website=GameZone |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090522221537/http://xbox.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r18830.htm |archivedate=May 22, 2009 |deadurl=no |accessdate=February 4, 2018}}</ref> Level exploration is based around collecting items: the player searches for the Sacred Albums of Funk, and for keys that grant access to more levels.<ref name="eurogamer"/><ref name="guardian"/> Enemies include rabbit ninja, a "demented chicken,"<ref name="eurogamer"/> and "psycho cheerleaders,"<ref name="ign"/> which the player combats with Funk-Fu and Funk Notes. Funk Notes are projectiles that render enemies "funkified," or harmless;<ref name="ign"/> more powerful than Funk-Fu, they require the player to gather ammunition.<ref name="eurogamer"/> The player may also find wrapped presents, which contain power-ups such as rocket skates, spring shoes and food;<ref name="gamespot"/> these variously grant greater defensive abilities, access to certain areas, and additional [[Health (gaming)|health]].<ref name="gamezone"/> Another power-up involves a simple [[rhythm game]], and leaves nearby enemies "funkified" if the player successfully copies on-screen rhythms.<ref name="ign"/>


== Development ==
== Development ==
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It was reported the following month that the developer was planning to create the game for [[Sony]]'s [[PlayStation 2]], perhaps to coincide with the console's release.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Sam |date=June 1, 1999 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/toejam-and-earl-go-playstation-2/1100-2460613/ |title=ToeJam & Earl Go PlayStation 2 |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |accessdate=February 4, 2018}}</ref> Ultimately, however, the developer became involved with Sega's [[Dreamcast]] through [[Visual Concepts]]—a Sega developer in charge of [[Video game development parties#Third-party developers|third-party]] game development.<ref name="gamasutra"/> Johnson and Voorsanger began development of the third game with the intention to re-make ''ToeJam & Earl''; according to Johnson, the game would include the same elements as the first game, but with improved graphics. However, this notion was curtailed by Visual Concepts, who felt that the result would be too old-fashioned, and too niche in appeal.<ref name="gamasutra"/> Johnson later said that he was unsure, at the time, whether to cater to fans who wanted a remake of the original or attempt to capture a new audience.<ref name="nation">{{cite web |author=Xbox Nation staff |url=http://www.xbnmag.com/article2/0,2053,1266033,00.asp |title=Duke of Earl (Page 2) |website=Xbox Nation |publisher=Ziff Davis |year=2002 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040405233824/http://www.xbnmag.com/article2/0,2053,1266033,00.asp |archivedate=April 5, 2004 |deadurl=yes}}</ref>
It was reported the following month that the developer was planning to create the game for [[Sony]]'s [[PlayStation 2]], perhaps to coincide with the console's release.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Sam |date=June 1, 1999 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/toejam-and-earl-go-playstation-2/1100-2460613/ |title=ToeJam & Earl Go PlayStation 2 |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |accessdate=February 4, 2018}}</ref> Ultimately, however, the developer became involved with Sega's [[Dreamcast]] through [[Visual Concepts]]—a Sega developer in charge of [[Video game development parties#Third-party developers|third-party]] game development.<ref name="gamasutra"/> Johnson and Voorsanger began development of the third game with the intention to re-make ''ToeJam & Earl''; according to Johnson, the game would include the same elements as the first game, but with improved graphics. However, this notion was curtailed by Visual Concepts, who felt that the result would be too old-fashioned, and too niche in appeal.<ref name="gamasutra"/> Johnson later said that he was unsure, at the time, whether to cater to fans who wanted a remake of the original or attempt to capture a new audience.<ref name="nation">{{cite web |author=Xbox Nation staff |url=http://www.xbnmag.com/article2/0,2053,1266033,00.asp |title=Duke of Earl (Page 2) |website=Xbox Nation |publisher=Ziff Davis |year=2002 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040405233824/http://www.xbnmag.com/article2/0,2053,1266033,00.asp |archivedate=April 5, 2004 |deadurl=yes}}</ref>


Visual Concepts assisted with the development process, as ToeJam & Earl Productions was struggling with the game's technical demands. Johnson and Voorsanger indicated the development of a new character with the game's working title, "''ToeJam, Earl, and Latisha''".<ref name="funkotron"/> [[Lisa Lopes]] was nearly signed to provide Latisha's voice acting, but disagreements over fees caused the deal to fail.<ref name="nation"/> Actress Sherrie Jackson provided the character's voice instead.<ref name="gamespy">{{cite web |last=Eddy |first=Andy |date=May 10, 2002 |url=http://archive.gamespy.com/previews/may02/tje3xbox/ |title=ToeJam & Earl III: All Funked Up (Xbox) |website=[[GameSpy]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080106233308/http://archive.gamespy.com/previews/may02/tje3xbox/ |archivedate=January 6, 2008 |deadurl=yes |accessdate=November 8, 2009}}</ref> The game was previewed at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]] in 2001, but Sega subsequently ceased its support of the Dreamcast due to poor commercial performance.<ref name="funkotron">{{cite web |last=Fahs |first=Travis |date=January 15, 2009 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/01/15/funkotronics-101 |title=Funkotronics 101 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |accessdate=February 4, 2018}}</ref> Once again, Johnson's preferred format was the PlayStation 2 or [[Nintendo]] [[GameCube]], but the developer ultimately [[ported]] the game to [[Microsoft]]'s [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] because of its technical simplicity, as well as free advertising offered to Sega by Microsoft.<ref name="gamasutra">{{cite web |last=Wallis |first=Alistair |date=November 16, 2006 |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=11707 |title=Playing Catch Up: ToeJam & Earl's Greg Johnson |website=[[Gamasutra]] |publisher=[[UBM plc]] |accessdate=April 19, 2009}}</ref> Promotional copies of the game portrayed the Anti-Funk as a disembodied head reminiscent of a [[Ku Klux Klan]] mask—an anti-racism statement, according to Johnson. Sega vetoed this, however, and the character was changed to a skull design for the game's retail release.<ref name="nation"/>
Visual Concepts assisted with the development process, as ToeJam & Earl Productions was struggling with the game's technical demands. Johnson and Voorsanger indicated the development of a new character with the game's working title, "''ToeJam, Earl, and Latisha''."<ref name="funkotron"/> [[Lisa Lopes]] was nearly signed to provide Latisha's voice acting, but disagreements over fees caused the deal to fail.<ref name="nation"/> Actress Sherrie Jackson provided the character's voice instead.<ref name="gamespy">{{cite web |last=Eddy |first=Andy |date=May 10, 2002 |url=http://archive.gamespy.com/previews/may02/tje3xbox/ |title=ToeJam & Earl III: All Funked Up (Xbox) |website=[[GameSpy]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080106233308/http://archive.gamespy.com/previews/may02/tje3xbox/ |archivedate=January 6, 2008 |deadurl=yes |accessdate=November 8, 2009}}</ref> The game was previewed at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]] in 2001, but Sega subsequently ceased its support of the Dreamcast due to poor commercial performance.<ref name="funkotron">{{cite web |last=Fahs |first=Travis |date=January 15, 2009 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/01/15/funkotronics-101 |title=Funkotronics 101 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |accessdate=February 4, 2018}}</ref> Once again, Johnson's preferred format was the PlayStation 2 or [[Nintendo]] [[GameCube]], but the developer ultimately [[ported]] the game to [[Microsoft]]'s [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] because of its technical simplicity, as well as free advertising offered to Sega by Microsoft.<ref name="gamasutra">{{cite web |last=Wallis |first=Alistair |date=November 16, 2006 |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=11707 |title=Playing Catch Up: ToeJam & Earl's Greg Johnson |website=[[Gamasutra]] |publisher=[[UBM plc]] |accessdate=April 19, 2009}}</ref> Promotional copies of the game portrayed the Anti-Funk as a disembodied head reminiscent of a [[Ku Klux Klan]] mask—an anti-racism statement, according to Johnson. Sega vetoed this, however, and the character was changed to a skull design for the game's retail release.<ref name="nation"/>


In September 2013 an unreleased Dreamcast version of ''ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth'' was found on a Katana Development Kit. Sega was asked to approve its release, but no response was ever received. The creators of this series, Greg Johnson and Mark Voorsanger, agreed to a community release. The Dreamcast prototype is now available for downloading online.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://assemblergames.com/threads/release-toejam-earl-3-dreamcast-beta.49322/ |title=Release- ToeJam & Earl 3 Dreamcast Beta |date=24 December 2013 |work=ASSEMblergames |accessdate=4 February 2018}}</ref>
In September 2013 an unreleased Dreamcast version of ''ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth'' was found on a Katana Development Kit. Sega was asked to approve its release, but no response was ever received. The creators of this series, Greg Johnson and Mark Voorsanger, agreed to a community release. The Dreamcast prototype is now available for downloading online.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://assemblergames.com/threads/release-toejam-earl-3-dreamcast-beta.49322/ |title=Release- ToeJam & Earl 3 Dreamcast Beta |date=24 December 2013 |work=ASSEMblergames |accessdate=4 February 2018}}</ref>
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}}


The game received "average" reviews according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="mc"/> [[IGN]] asserted that the game was "thrashed soundly by critics".<ref name="funkotron"/> ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' lauded its "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."<ref name="CVG">{{cite web |last=Skittrell |first=Lee |date=March 18, 2003 |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=88644 |title=Xbox Review: ToeJam and Earl [III]: Mission to Earth |website=[[Computer and Video Games]] |publisher=Future plc |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070717154016/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=88644 |archivedate=July 17, 2007 |deadurl=yes |accessdate=April 20, 2009}}</ref> ''[[PC World (magazine)|PC World]]'' praised the game's "laugh out loud" humor, and acclaimed the two-player mode as "damned good fun".<ref name="PCworld">{{cite magazine |last=Camm-Jones |first=Ben |title=ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth. (Xbox) |magazine=[[PC World (magazine)|Australian PC World]] |publisher=IDG Entertainment |date=August 2003}}</ref>
The game received "average" reviews according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="mc"/> [[IGN]] asserted that the game was "thrashed soundly by critics."<ref name="funkotron"/> ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' lauded its "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."<ref name="CVG">{{cite web |last=Skittrell |first=Lee |date=March 18, 2003 |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=88644 |title=Xbox Review: ToeJam and Earl [III]: Mission to Earth |website=[[Computer and Video Games]] |publisher=Future plc |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070717154016/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=88644 |archivedate=July 17, 2007 |deadurl=yes |accessdate=April 20, 2009}}</ref> ''[[PC World (magazine)|PC World]]'' praised the game's "laugh out loud" humor, and acclaimed the two-player mode as "damned good fun."<ref name="PCworld">{{cite magazine |last=Camm-Jones |first=Ben |title=ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth. (Xbox) |magazine=[[PC World (magazine)|Australian PC World]] |publisher=IDG Entertainment |date=August 2003}}</ref>


''[[GameNOW]]'' and ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' praised the game's power-ups, whose strategic element the former enjoyed, and two-player mode. However, ''GameNOW'' derided the game's hip-hop dialogue, and ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' found it repetitive; the latter also believed that Latisha was an unnecessary addition.<ref name="gamenow">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamenowmag.com/article2/0,2053,1490677,00.asp |title=ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth |magazine=[[GameNOW]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=December 2002 |page=62 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040602085352/http://www.gamenowmag.com/article2/0,2053,1490677,00.asp |archivedate=June 2, 2004 |deadurl=yes}}</ref><ref name="egm"/> ''[[Game Informer]]'' found the hip-hop theme to be embarrassingly dated, and likened the game to ''[[In Living Color]]'' and ''[[The Fresh Prince of Bel Air]]''. The reviewer also believed that its randomly generated levels necessitated "simple and arbitrary" mission goals.<ref name="GI"/>
''[[GameNOW]]'' and ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' praised the game's power-ups, whose strategic element the former enjoyed, and two-player mode. However, ''GameNOW'' derided the game's hip-hop dialogue, and ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' found it repetitive; the latter also believed that Latisha was an unnecessary addition.<ref name="gamenow">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamenowmag.com/article2/0,2053,1490677,00.asp |title=ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth |magazine=[[GameNOW]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=December 2002 |page=62 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040602085352/http://www.gamenowmag.com/article2/0,2053,1490677,00.asp |archivedate=June 2, 2004 |deadurl=yes}}</ref><ref name="egm"/> ''[[Game Informer]]'' found the hip-hop theme to be embarrassingly dated, and likened the game to ''[[In Living Color]]'' and ''[[The Fresh Prince of Bel Air]]''. The reviewer also believed that its randomly generated levels necessitated "simple and arbitrary" mission goals.<ref name="GI"/>


''[[Eurogamer]]'' praised the game's graphics, camera angles and mini-games, but complained about unfair enemies, annoying character accents and an arbitrary mix of musical genres. The reviewer believed that "[the game,] in the final analysis[,] is just not good enough to warrant spending £40."<ref name="eurogamer"/> IGN gave it a "passable" verdict: Reviewer Kaiser Hwang felt that the game's brief initial appeal quickly gave way to repetition. He had a mixed opinion of its graphics, with praise given to the character animations, but criticism to perceived poor [[draw distance]].<ref name="ign"/> [[GameSpot]] deemed the game "mediocre". The reviewer noted that "the humor almost always falls flat", and that "ToeJam's speech [...] is filled with stupid double entendres". The website found the soundtrack to be dated, and called the game's audio "a serious disappointment".<ref name="gamespot"/>
''[[Eurogamer]]'' praised the game's graphics, camera angles and mini-games, but complained about unfair enemies, annoying character accents and an arbitrary mix of musical genres. The reviewer believed that "[the game,] in the final analysis[,] is just not good enough to warrant spending £40."<ref name="eurogamer"/> IGN gave it a "passable" verdict: Reviewer Kaiser Hwang felt that the game's brief initial appeal quickly gave way to repetition. He had a mixed opinion of its graphics, with praise given to the character animations, but criticism to perceived poor [[draw distance]].<ref name="ign"/> [[GameSpot]] deemed the game "mediocre." The reviewer noted that "the humor almost always falls flat," and that "ToeJam's speech [...] is filled with stupid double entendres." The website found the soundtrack to be dated, and called the game's audio "a serious disappointment."<ref name="gamespot"/>


''[[The Guardian]]'' gave the game three stars out of five and praised the originality of the characters, and the "crisply defined textures and realistic lighting"; the paper deemed the game "a treat for the eyes". However, Greg Howson decided that the game was merely average overall, and noted its limited longevity.<ref name="guardian"/> The ''[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]'' wrote of the game: "It's all right, but probably most useful for certain parents to force on kids."<ref>{{cite news |last=Elfman |first=Doug |date=December 8, 2002 |title=Game Dork |newspaper=[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]}}</ref> ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' gave the game three stars out of five and described it as "an average platform game that masks its conventional gameplay with over-stimulating graphics".<ref name="smh">{{cite news |last=Cottee |first=James |date=May 10, 2003 |url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/05/09/1052280427167.html |title=Funked up |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |accessdate=August 6, 2009}}</ref> The ''[[Daily Mirror]]'' called it "anarchic, fun, hilarious and very cool".<ref name="mirror">{{cite news |title=Kelly's i: Game Zone: Good Vibrations; ToeJam and Earl III |newspaper=[[Daily Mirror]] |date=January 18, 2003}}</ref> ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' gave it a B− and wrote that "''TJ&E'' is fun -- but forgettable fun. Still, its promise of downloadable content, and sheer silliness, brings some whimsy to the funk-starved Xbox."<ref name="ew"/>
''[[The Guardian]]'' gave the game three stars out of five and praised the originality of the characters, and the "crisply defined textures and realistic lighting"; the paper deemed the game "a treat for the eyes." However, Greg Howson decided that the game was merely average overall, and noted its limited longevity.<ref name="guardian"/> The ''[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]'' wrote of the game: "It's all right, but probably most useful for certain parents to force on kids."<ref>{{cite news |last=Elfman |first=Doug |date=December 8, 2002 |title=Game Dork |newspaper=[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]}}</ref> ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' gave the game three stars out of five and described it as "an average platform game that masks its conventional gameplay with over-stimulating graphics."<ref name="smh">{{cite news |last=Cottee |first=James |date=May 10, 2003 |url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/05/09/1052280427167.html |title=Funked up |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |accessdate=August 6, 2009}}</ref> The ''[[Daily Mirror]]'' called it "anarchic, fun, hilarious and very cool."<ref name="mirror">{{cite news |title=Kelly's i: Game Zone: Good Vibrations; ToeJam and Earl III |newspaper=[[Daily Mirror]] |date=January 18, 2003}}</ref> ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' gave it a B− and wrote that "''TJ&E'' is fun -- but forgettable fun. Still, its promise of downloadable content, and sheer silliness, brings some whimsy to the funk-starved Xbox."<ref name="ew"/>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 06:03, 8 March 2019

ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth
Developer(s)ToeJam & Earl Productions
Visual Concepts Entertainment
Publisher(s)
Director(s)Greg Johnson
Designer(s)Greg Johnson
Composer(s)Burke Trieschmann
Platform(s)Xbox
Release
  • NA: October 23, 2002
  • EU: March 7, 2003
Genre(s)Action-adventure, action, platform
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth is an action video game released for the Xbox on October 23, 2002. Developed by ToeJam & Earl Productions and Visual Concepts, and published by Sega and Microsoft, it is the third installment in the ToeJam & Earl series. Players assume the role of one of three extraterrestrial protagonists: ToeJam and Earl, who starred in the series' first two games, and Latisha, a new character. While using power-ups to combat enemies, players seek to collect the twelve "Sacred Albums of Funk" and defeat the antagonistic "Anti-Funk."

The original two ToeJam & Earl games were a key Sega Genesis franchise, but development of a third game was prevented by the poor North American commercial performance of the console's successor, the Sega Saturn. Versions of ToeJam & Earl III developed at different times for the Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast were canceled, but the latter was completed for the Xbox. On release, the game met with poor sales and mixed reviews; while certain critics found its gameplay innovative, its humor, soundtrack and graphics were variously praised and derided. Opinions of the game's overall enjoyability and longevity were also mixed.

Synopsis

ToeJam & Earl III follows the extraterrestrial protagonists ToeJam and Earl, who starred in the series' previous games, and a new female character named Latisha.[1][2] ToeJam is three-legged and red; Earl is overweight and orange. Both characters have been considered parodies of American hip-hop and urban culture.[2][3] Latisha has been variously described as "feisty" and "brimming with attitude" by critics.[4][5]

The three characters journey to Earth, in order to retrieve the stolen twelve Sacred Albums of Funk and return them to Lamont the Funkopotamus.[1] Levels take place on terrains that represent Earth's ecosystems.[6] The game's ultimate antagonist is the Anti-Funk, whose defeat will "save the world from all that is unfunky."[7] The "funk" has been described as a parody of the Force from Star Wars, with the Anti-Funk being the dark side.[8]

Gameplay

ToeJam (above) evades an Earthling, while Earl (below) explores the game world.

The game has been called both a platform game[1] and an action-adventure game.[8] GameSpot asserts that it combines elements of ToeJam & Earl and its platformer sequel, ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron,[8] while GameNOW and Electronic Gaming Monthly liken it to the former game.[9][10] The game features both single- and two-player modes; in both, players control one of the three protagonists. ToeJam moves quickly and jumps high, but has weak attacks; Earl is tougher and has more powerful attacks, but is slow and jumps lower than ToeJam; Latisha ranks between the two in terms of athleticism, and gains additional power-ups later in the game.[6] In the game's two-player mode, the camera moves between single and split-screen as players maneuver their characters away from each other. Characters can share power-ups when in close proximity.[6]

The game's randomly generated levels are connected together by hubs.[7] Additional levels can be downloaded from Xbox Live.[6] Level exploration is based around collecting items: the player searches for the Sacred Albums of Funk, and for keys that grant access to more levels.[1][11] Enemies include rabbit ninja, a "demented chicken,"[1] and "psycho cheerleaders,"[7] which the player combats with Funk-Fu and Funk Notes. Funk Notes are projectiles that render enemies "funkified," or harmless;[7] more powerful than Funk-Fu, they require the player to gather ammunition.[1] The player may also find wrapped presents, which contain power-ups such as rocket skates, spring shoes and food;[8] these variously grant greater defensive abilities, access to certain areas, and additional health.[6] Another power-up involves a simple rhythm game, and leaves nearby enemies "funkified" if the player successfully copies on-screen rhythms.[7]

Development

ToeJam & Earl and its sequel ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron together formed one of the Sega Genesis' main series.[12] However, creator Greg Johnson said that installments for the console's Sega CD or 32X add-ons were never planned,[13] and though rumors of a new game persisted throughout the commercial life of the Sega Saturn console, that system's poor performance in North America prevented development of a sequel. Johnson and programmer Mark Voorsanger regained the rights to ToeJam and Earl in 1995, and in November 1998 made an agreement with GT Interactive to publish a new game in the franchise for the Nintendo 64. Johnson and Voorsanger conducted research to determine whether series fans preferred the original ToeJam & Earl or its sequel; the former emerged as the clear favorite.[2] In April 1999, however, it was reported that the deal with GT Interactive had fallen through; the publisher had decided that the series' previous game was not an encouraging success commercially, particularly in Europe.[14] GT Interactive's restructuring and the Nintendo 64's declining commercial performance were also believed to be factors by commentators.[2][14]

It was reported the following month that the developer was planning to create the game for Sony's PlayStation 2, perhaps to coincide with the console's release.[15] Ultimately, however, the developer became involved with Sega's Dreamcast through Visual Concepts—a Sega developer in charge of third-party game development.[16] Johnson and Voorsanger began development of the third game with the intention to re-make ToeJam & Earl; according to Johnson, the game would include the same elements as the first game, but with improved graphics. However, this notion was curtailed by Visual Concepts, who felt that the result would be too old-fashioned, and too niche in appeal.[16] Johnson later said that he was unsure, at the time, whether to cater to fans who wanted a remake of the original or attempt to capture a new audience.[17]

Visual Concepts assisted with the development process, as ToeJam & Earl Productions was struggling with the game's technical demands. Johnson and Voorsanger indicated the development of a new character with the game's working title, "ToeJam, Earl, and Latisha."[2] Lisa Lopes was nearly signed to provide Latisha's voice acting, but disagreements over fees caused the deal to fail.[17] Actress Sherrie Jackson provided the character's voice instead.[18] The game was previewed at E3 in 2001, but Sega subsequently ceased its support of the Dreamcast due to poor commercial performance.[2] Once again, Johnson's preferred format was the PlayStation 2 or Nintendo GameCube, but the developer ultimately ported the game to Microsoft's Xbox because of its technical simplicity, as well as free advertising offered to Sega by Microsoft.[16] Promotional copies of the game portrayed the Anti-Funk as a disembodied head reminiscent of a Ku Klux Klan mask—an anti-racism statement, according to Johnson. Sega vetoed this, however, and the character was changed to a skull design for the game's retail release.[17]

In September 2013 an unreleased Dreamcast version of ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth was found on a Katana Development Kit. Sega was asked to approve its release, but no response was ever received. The creators of this series, Greg Johnson and Mark Voorsanger, agreed to a community release. The Dreamcast prototype is now available for downloading online.[19]

Reception

The game received "average" reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[20] IGN asserted that the game was "thrashed soundly by critics."[2] Computer and Video Games lauded its "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."[28] PC World praised the game's "laugh out loud" humor, and acclaimed the two-player mode as "damned good fun."[5]

GameNOW and Electronic Gaming Monthly praised the game's power-ups, whose strategic element the former enjoyed, and two-player mode. However, GameNOW derided the game's hip-hop dialogue, and Electronic Gaming Monthly found it repetitive; the latter also believed that Latisha was an unnecessary addition.[9][10] Game Informer found the hip-hop theme to be embarrassingly dated, and likened the game to In Living Color and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. The reviewer also believed that its randomly generated levels necessitated "simple and arbitrary" mission goals.[23]

Eurogamer praised the game's graphics, camera angles and mini-games, but complained about unfair enemies, annoying character accents and an arbitrary mix of musical genres. The reviewer believed that "[the game,] in the final analysis[,] is just not good enough to warrant spending £40."[1] IGN gave it a "passable" verdict: Reviewer Kaiser Hwang felt that the game's brief initial appeal quickly gave way to repetition. He had a mixed opinion of its graphics, with praise given to the character animations, but criticism to perceived poor draw distance.[7] GameSpot deemed the game "mediocre." The reviewer noted that "the humor almost always falls flat," and that "ToeJam's speech [...] is filled with stupid double entendres." The website found the soundtrack to be dated, and called the game's audio "a serious disappointment."[8]

The Guardian gave the game three stars out of five and praised the originality of the characters, and the "crisply defined textures and realistic lighting"; the paper deemed the game "a treat for the eyes." However, Greg Howson decided that the game was merely average overall, and noted its limited longevity.[11] The Las Vegas Review-Journal wrote of the game: "It's all right, but probably most useful for certain parents to force on kids."[29] The Sydney Morning Herald gave the game three stars out of five and described it as "an average platform game that masks its conventional gameplay with over-stimulating graphics."[3] The Daily Mirror called it "anarchic, fun, hilarious and very cool."[4] Entertainment Weekly gave it a B− and wrote that "TJ&E is fun -- but forgettable fun. Still, its promise of downloadable content, and sheer silliness, brings some whimsy to the funk-starved Xbox."[27]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Reed, Kristan (March 7, 2003). "ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Retrieved April 20, 2009.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Fahs, Travis (January 15, 2009). "Funkotronics 101". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
  3. ^ a b Cottee, James (May 10, 2003). "Funked up". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved August 6, 2009.
  4. ^ a b "Kelly's i: Game Zone: Good Vibrations; ToeJam and Earl III". Daily Mirror. January 18, 2003.
  5. ^ a b Camm-Jones, Ben (August 2003). "ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth. (Xbox)". Australian PC World. IDG Entertainment.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Raymond, Justin (November 4, 2002). "ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth - XB - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on May 22, 2009. Retrieved February 4, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Hwang, Kaiser (October 22, 2002). "ToeJam and Earl [III]: Mission to Earth". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
  8. ^ a b c d e f Gerstmann, Jeff (October 22, 2002). "ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth Review". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  9. ^ a b "ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth". GameNOW. Ziff Davis. December 2002. p. 62. Archived from the original on June 2, 2004. {{cite magazine}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ a b c EGM staff (December 2002). "ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 161. Ziff Davis. p. 268. Archived from the original on May 17, 2004. {{cite magazine}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ a b c Howson, Greg (February 26, 2003). "Games watch, Feb 27 (Toejam & Earl 3: Mission to Earth)". The Guardian. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
  12. ^ IGN staff (January 28, 2009). "The Wednesday 10: Ill-Fated Franchise Reboots". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
  13. ^ Horowitz, Ken (February 22, 2005). "Interview: Greg Johnson (Creator of ToeJam & Earl)". Sega-16. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
  14. ^ a b Johnston, Chris (April 22, 1999). "Too Much Funk for GT". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
  15. ^ Kennedy, Sam (June 1, 1999). "ToeJam & Earl Go PlayStation 2". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
  16. ^ a b c Wallis, Alistair (November 16, 2006). "Playing Catch Up: ToeJam & Earl's Greg Johnson". Gamasutra. UBM plc. Retrieved April 19, 2009.
  17. ^ a b c Xbox Nation staff (2002). "Duke of Earl (Page 2)". Xbox Nation. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on April 5, 2004. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ Eddy, Andy (May 10, 2002). "ToeJam & Earl III: All Funked Up (Xbox)". GameSpy. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on January 6, 2008. Retrieved November 8, 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ "Release- ToeJam & Earl 3 Dreamcast Beta". ASSEMblergames. 24 December 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2018.
  20. ^ a b "ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth for Xbox Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
  21. ^ Marriott, Scott Alan. "TorJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth - Review". AllGame. All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved February 5, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ Edge staff (December 25, 2002). "ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth". Edge. No. 118. Future plc.
  23. ^ a b Helgeson, Matt (November 2002). "ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth". Game Informer. No. 115. GameStop. p. 137.
  24. ^ Star Dingo (October 29, 2002). "ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth Review for Xbox on GamePro.com". GamePro. IDG Entertainment. Archived from the original on February 6, 2005. Retrieved February 4, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ Padilla, Raymond (October 24, 2002). "GameSpy: ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth". GameSpy. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on December 17, 2005. Retrieved February 5, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ "ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth". Official Xbox Magazine. Future plc. December 2002. p. 154.
  27. ^ a b Brooks, Mark (November 1, 2002). "TOEJAM & EARL III: MISSION TO EARTH". Entertainment Weekly. No. 680. Time Inc. p. 77. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
  28. ^ Skittrell, Lee (March 18, 2003). "Xbox Review: ToeJam and Earl [III]: Mission to Earth". Computer and Video Games. Future plc. Archived from the original on July 17, 2007. Retrieved April 20, 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  29. ^ Elfman, Doug (December 8, 2002). "Game Dork". Las Vegas Review-Journal.

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