TJ & E 3 captures the essence of the original while at the same time makes a mockery of the style that made it uniqu
User Rating: 6.4 | ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth XBOX
The original TJ & E was a funky adventure through a weird top down elevator leveled earth setting. It's sequel, while fun, was a huge departure from this style of gameplay and ended up feeling out of place. Mission to Earth is Visual Concepts attempt to recapture the top down feel of the original, by making the game into a 3D platformer. For the most part the gameplay works well, Funk-fu is cool and the Funkify notes, turn in to well placed sniper bullets. Even though it get repetative, the gameplay holds up enough to get you to the end without being bored. The real downfall of this game is EVERYTHING other than the gameplay. The cut scenes are horrible, wait, no I mean HORRIBLE! They are too contrived and too cheesy, and a little racist. First off, Gospel music, which is used in the majority of the load scenes for the levels, is not funk music. Rap is also not funk music, but due to the established character models its ok in this game. Many of the catch phrases that the characters toss around are very bad African American stereotypical phrases. I found myself begging for the loading to end on each level change just to avoid the embarrassment that these cut-scenes are. But, all is not lost, during the game part of the game the visuals are beautiful, this is the first game I have ever played where the in game footage looks better than the pre-rendered cut-scenes and title screen. Also, Lamont the Funkopotamus is awesome and a welcomed addition to the cast, unlike Latisha.
If you liked the original, you will probably enjoy the nostalgic feeling of the update, but try your best to dodge the cutscenes. The sound effects get old quick but the banter from the enemies is genuinely funny at times. Overall this game is the definition of Mixed Reactions. I really can't strongly recommend it and I can't dismiss it as crap. You are just going to need to play it and form your own opinion. 
