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Toejam and Earl: Back in the Groove

Created by Humanature Studios

Toejam and Earl is finally back! We're goin' indie, and old skool like GAME ONE, with a fun retro-comics style, and plenty of funk!

Latest Updates from Our Project:

Almost there!
almost 7 years ago – Tue, Apr 25, 2017 at 12:36:37 AM

Hi gang!

Time for another update!  (Update number 56!)  So we are almost there, which is to say we're now in our final debugging push.  The porting effort with our partners in funky crime, 22nd Century Toys is also underway.  As you may know the game will be coming to Switch, Xbox One, and PS4.

Some of you have had some very reasonable questions so here are a few vague yet hopefully acceptable answers.  

When is the early access version going to be available to backers?  

Because we had sooo many bugs in this crazy game of random unpredictable modal multi-player combinations we kept pushing our early access build back...  as a result we ended up at a point where we're practically done and it didn't make as much sense to do the early access feedback thing and release the finished game to the wilds... so we (and our publisher) decided to release the game to backers at the same time the press gets it - which will probably be about a week before the public.  So...  that's the current plan.  By the way, that also means that if you play online, the other people you'll be playing with that week will be backers and press (and us developers).  So that should be a good time.

Can we swap our games for console versions?  

We had hoped that would be possible. When it came right down to it though we discovered that the platform holders (Sony, Nintendo, MS) still need to be paid for every console-version code, so it turned out to be too much mula.  Then we thought, maybe we can just do a special discount for backers, and the folks at Adult Swim tried to make that notion work, but they have a system set up that isn't really built for handling something like that so...  end result is...no swapping.  If fairness we never did make our stretch goals for consoles...  but hey, that's really a rationale.  We would have if we could have.  Sorry gang.  We do love and appreciate you.

When will this darned game be released already!?

We still honestly don't know - as in no official release date.  But it will be sometime this coming fall.  There is still a lot of porting and debugging to do.  The game is pretty darned fun though - if I do say so myself, so I hope you will feel like it's worth the wait.

Can we at least have the music?  And what about Merchandise?

Yes!  The music CDs and Albums are being manufactured now.  It will be about two months before they are available.  Our plan is to send the music CDs out to everyone who ordered the boxed set as soon as it's ready, so you won't have to wait.  And we'll have vinyl records available as well.  As a special treat there is a collectors surprise that you'll get with the CDs and Vinyls. We'll also let you have the digital music to enjoy at the same time.  Hopefully this will tide you over until you can get your hands on the game.  As for Merch, IndieBox has set up a store, and we'll be opening that very soon, so for anyone who wants to get more TJ&E clothes or figures or whatever - you'll be able to do that.  We'll send out a special update as soon as that's ready.

Are there any special secrets you can share with us backers?

Hmmm.  Lets see.  Here's a few...  Some backers backed up to a point to get Peabo's Surprise!  What is this you ask?  It's a special yellow mailbox that will only appear in these games - and everything in this mailbox costs $1.  And Lamont's Surprise?  Well...  that's a special present called "Black Friday" that will only appear in these backers games.  Opening it makes all of the Earthlings in the area go crazy and attack each other.  (Even friendly Earthlings growl at each other).  There is a way for normal mortals to unlock both of these features too but it's totally not easy and I won't say what that is just yet.

More secrets?  Many of you backers already know where to go to find this...

Our Hula Girls in the Hot Tub have a new look...
Our Hula Girls in the Hot Tub have a new look...

 

 

You'll find Hula Guys in this secret spot now as well!
You'll find Hula Guys in this secret spot now as well!

 

This Hula Girl is Puanani, she will give you a challenge...  and a prize if you can succeed.
This Hula Girl is Puanani, she will give you a challenge... and a prize if you can succeed.

 There are other surprises on this secret level, so be sure to go there and explore!

Also another hint - when you get to the end of the game - there are several surprises waiting for you there.  Explore Funkotron to find them!  And talk to everyone you meet there.

Oh and one more...  there is a story surprise that only happens after you've played the game through a few times, so be sure to do that.  It only appears if you are playing a 2 player game as ToeJam and Earl though.

Be sure to check out your name in the credits!  We did some fun stuff with those - and we also have some very special graffiti tributes to some special benefactors and players who aren't with us anymore. 

I shouldn't say any more...  I may have said too much.  My life is now in danger.

Anyway, sorry this game has taken us so long to finish gang.  You have been so incredibly patient with the wait and super ultra supportive.  This game is our love letter to you fans and hopefully it will do justice to your childhood memories.  I'm excited to share it with you - so hang in there a bit more.

Oh, and we'll also be very excited to share with you what's up next for HumaNature Studios, after TJ&E.  We'll save that for a separate post.

--Greg

Back in the Groove coming for the Switch!!
about 7 years ago – Tue, Feb 28, 2017 at 10:47:30 PM

Hi Gang!!

Just a very short update for you!  Nintendo announced today that we will be in their Switch Line-up.  Woohoo!!  We're really excited about being on their platform as one of their first titles.

Our plan to be on multiple platforms still hasn't changed.  We will be announcing the other platforms pretty soon. 

We will also be showing the game at PAX-East in Boston, March 10th-12th.  I and the team will be there, so if you are able I hope you will stop by and say Hi!!  I'm also speaking on some panel there about reviving retro games.  That's at 12:30 on Sat in the Arachnid Theater (ick!  why did they have to name it that - don't like spiders).

The game is going super well - but it's a pretty crazy push to get to the end.  We are still planning on releasing a version for backers early so we can get some feedback.  I'm sorry this has been so late in coming - we don't want to give you something we know is filled with bugs - hopefully the PAX-East version will be something we can hand off to you to try out.  Stay tuned for more info about that.

Right now we are focused on the networking, and on the game's ending.  We're making it so that you unlock new player-characters and get new power-hats at the end of each game. As with so much of this game we want to make it feel very familiar and 'old skool'....just better - so you will be able to walk around on Funkotron, just like at the end of the original game, but this time you can talk to the different characters and to Lamont.  He will let you choose from one of 3 power hats, until you have the entire collection of 23.  When you own power-hats you get to choose whether or not you want to wear one every time you come out of an elevator, and if you say "yes" it gives you one at random from your collection.  Power-hats do all kinds of fun things to give you special abilities - (though a couple of them are also cursed!)  Many of these ideas came from you, the fans, on our forum so some of you will enjoy seeing your ideas in the game. :)

I was going to post some images for you today but there seems to be a problem with the server and uploading images.  I hear some Amazon server went down so maybe that's the issue.  Anyway we'll do that soon.

Feel free to ask questions or leave comments in the comments section.  Things are hectic, but I'll do my best to answer them.

--Greg

ToeJam and Earl Music and Merch
about 7 years ago – Fri, Feb 10, 2017 at 11:32:22 PM

Hi Gang,

Time to push the pause button on the development scramble and give all of you TJ&E supporters an update.  While you read this, and look at the images, you might enjoy a little funky music from the game.  I thought we were done with the music awhile ago, but a couple weeks ago I woke up from a crazy dream with a new funky song in my head. I sang the various parts to our insanely talented, soon to be mega-famous, bass player (and all around good-hearted guy) Cody Wright, and this is what he handed back to me. The song is called "Le Funky Duck" and it is now in the game and will be one of the 31 songs on the soundtrack.

 https://soundcloud.com/greg-c-johnson-1/le-funky-duck

Speaking of the music...  many of you beloved backers have ordered digital copies of the game's music or the boxed set, which includes a CD.  We decided to go ahead and make a vinyl album as well (so awesomely retro) and will be releasing the music in advance of the game so that you have something to keep you going and excited while you wait for your game to arrive.  For those of you that haven't ordered any of the music, or want more in a different format, you will be able to get this from our online storefront that IndieBox is setting up for us.  We'll announce all that once it's ready.

The vinyl record album is going to be a 2-record set, with music on 3 sides, and an awesome TJ&E etching on the 4th side.  How cool is that?  There is another surprise, but I can't tell you what it is, or it wouldn't be a surprise.  Here is what the album cover, and cd cover look like... courtesy of our concept artist Nathan Shorts:

These are just rough mock-ups.  (They look real don't they?)
These are just rough mock-ups. (They look real don't they?)

 

This is the cover for the Record Album - (details may still change)
This is the cover for the Record Album - (details may still change)

 

This is the cover for the CD. Notice it's simpler and will read better at a small size.
This is the cover for the CD. Notice it's simpler and will read better at a small size.

In regards to other TJ&E merchandise, most of what you could get as rewards will be available from the IndieBox store.  We still have a few of the original KS figures to sell out but once those are gone the figures will come in different boxes, so that the KickStarter ones can remain limited as collector's items.  Again, I'll send out another update when this is all up and ready.

Ok, lets see, what else.... what?  The game?  What game?  ...OH!!!!  riiiight.

Things are progressing well.  We're currently most of the way through a big debugging push.  We are trying to get to a point where we can live up to one of our promises and put a pre-release version of the game into our KS backer's hands and get some input and feedback. Not sure exactly when that will be ready, but it's not too far off, and we definitely haven't forgotten.

There is a lot I can say about what's new in the game, but that would make this a very long update, and at this point it might be better just to say - it's really coming together.   We've added in a First-Time-Player Mode with a built in Tutorial with audio where we basically bribe players to listen to each one by dropping a buck on the ground after they do.  Seems to work.  We're such simple creatures.  And we've added in a Super Hard Mode - which is exciting because it forces you to really make good use of your presents.  We also added a Easy-Farty mode and Toddler mode for individual player characters.  Easy-Farty mode is for non-gamer types who just need it a bit easier - but it does give your character gas.  Toddler mode is for the little kid in the house who just wants to tag along but doesn't want to die.  They get to wear a shiny crown too.

We've also been getting things started with a small but extremely capable networking and porting group - who will remain nameless for the moment.  Man those guys make me feel really dumb.  And it's not because they told me I was dumb either.  They are ultra good at what they do, so our networking and porting is going to be rock solid.  The build we send out for backer feedback will probably only have local play in it though, as we have a lot of work and debugging still ahead of us with the network code.

OK that's it for now gang.  Thanks for being so incredibly patient.  I don't think any game has a more considerate fan bass than this one.  We're working hard to use all this time to make you the very best game we can.  We want to make you proud.

Funkotron out!

MegaVisions and More!
over 7 years ago – Thu, Dec 01, 2016 at 10:50:23 PM

Howdy gang,

I think we're overdue again for an update.  Thanks for hanging in there.  We announced in Sept. at the PAX show that we wouldn't be releasing the game until sometime next year, and we also announced we'd be on a variety of console platforms, but didn't say which ones.  We still don't have an official release date.  We have unfortunately gotten a bit bogged down in implementing the networking for this game so it's probably not going to be until mid-year-ish.  Similarly the platform deals won't get nailed down until we're closer to release so... we'll keep you posted on both those scores.

Some good news for you...

The 1st official issue of the new quarterly Sega-oriented retro-gaming digital interactive publication, MegaVisions came out and it's sort of like a ToeJam and Earl book!  It's awesome.  They gave us the cover, and two hugely detailed articles, plus an audio interview with Cody Wright the bass player and fun mixes of TJ&E music by various DJs.  Normally you would need to pay for this publication but the MegaVisions people have given us a code to pass out to you for a free copy.  Woohoo! Check it out!  If you like it, you might even consider subscribing! (hint hint)

Here is the code:  MEGATJE  (see below for instructions on how to use this code)

This is intended for backer only so please only give this to someone else if they are a TJ&E backer too.

 *********INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOW TO GET YOUR COPY ***********

To get your issue: 

First ensure you've already downloaded the Mega Visions app on your device and platform of choice. 

 • Open the app and click the icon in the upper-left hand corner and click the "Create Account" or “Login/Register” button to create your Pocketmags account. 

• Once you're logged in: 

  • For iOS: Click the "Options" icon in the upper-right hand corner and click the "Subscriber access voucher" link. 
  • For Android: Click upper-left hand corner, and click the “Voucher” link. • Enter the voucher code: MEGATJE and click "Submit." 

• Your subscription/issue will be activated, and you can download the issue! 

 Tips for other users: 

  • If you’re using a Windows device, go to https://pocketmags.com/us/megavision-magazine, add the subscription/issue to your cart and enter your voucher code during the checkout process. 
  • For Kindle Fire device users, be sure to click use the “Print Edition” when viewing the issue. This is formatted to suit smaller tablet screens.

If you run into any issues, please reach out to us at [email protected]

                   *******************************************************

We are progressing with the game, and on other fronts also with the music CD and Vinyl Record (both of which will have a packed-in bonus surprise).  There should be some announcements about those soon!  

Here is the latest song we did for our dark levels (with the incredibly funky bass playing of Cody Wright):

Also we're setting up a store front with IndieBox so you will be able to purchase merchandise if you didn't get everything you wanted from the KickStarter campaign.  (We still have a few of the Kick Starter figures to clear out of our inventory, but once those are gone, all the figures will be in new boxes so that the KickStarter ones can stay as a limited run exclusive to our backers!)

Nathan has been working on the Intro Sequence to the game as well, and we have gotten the voice work for that done (the same two people did TJ and Earl's voice as are in the live-action music video on the KickStarter page).  Here are a few GIF clips from the intro for you...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for being so patient gang.  Wish we could make this all go faster.  Hopefully you'll all feel it was worth the wait.  We're putting in lots of fun surprises.

Keep the faith and stay funky.

--Greg

PAX was AWESOME!!
over 7 years ago – Sat, Sep 10, 2016 at 12:45:11 AM

Well we are back from the PAX show in Seattle and I thought I'd share the experience with you all...  well as much as I can with a few photos and videos.  The show lasted 4 days!  It was thoroughly exhausting and a new highlight on this amazing journey of TJ&E's return.  Here are some pics!

Here is some music for you while you look at these pics:

Theme Song

 

On our way to PAX-Seattle!  Woohoo!!
On our way to PAX-Seattle! Woohoo!!

 

Arriving at PAX - Nathan (lead artist) and Ko (engineer).
Arriving at PAX - Nathan (lead artist) and Ko (engineer).

 

We started with 2 kiosks but so many people wanted to play TJ&E:Back in the Groove we went to 3 pretty quickly.
We started with 2 kiosks but so many people wanted to play TJ&E:Back in the Groove we went to 3 pretty quickly.

 

For 4 days we had a solid line with a 1.5 hour wait and that's because they capped the line and wouldn't let more people in!  We tried to entertain the people in line with trivia questions and gave away prizes.
For 4 days we had a solid line with a 1.5 hour wait and that's because they capped the line and wouldn't let more people in! We tried to entertain the people in line with trivia questions and gave away prizes.

 

Adult Swim made the most amazing Big Earl costume and Earl walked the floor of the show.  People just lit up when they saw him.  This is me and my son Tomo who worked the booth with us.
Adult Swim made the most amazing Big Earl costume and Earl walked the floor of the show. People just lit up when they saw him. This is me and my son Tomo who worked the booth with us.

 

There was  ToeJam statue too.  People took a lot of photos with TJ.
There was ToeJam statue too. People took a lot of photos with TJ.

 

These are some of the awesome marketing people from Adult Swim, Sean and Jacqui!  They did an amazing job!
These are some of the awesome marketing people from Adult Swim, Sean and Jacqui! They did an amazing job!

 

Dinner with the team at Blue C Sushi. This is only about half of our team. Jeff, Rick, Connie, and Burke couldn't make it to PAX. We missed you guys!!
Dinner with the team at Blue C Sushi. This is only about half of our team. Jeff, Rick, Connie, and Burke couldn't make it to PAX. We missed you guys!!

 

Earl marched around PAX with Cody and Nick marching behind playing live TJ&E funk!
Earl marched around PAX with Cody and Nick marching behind playing live TJ&E funk!

 

 This song is called "Lamont's Funky Brain"

It was like a parade.  People often followed along.
It was like a parade. People often followed along.

 

Cody and Nick Jam out.  Nick played on a Melodica.  His keyboard was just a little too heavy.
Cody and Nick Jam out. Nick played on a Melodica. His keyboard was just a little too heavy.

 

Big Earl catching a few rays - a nice orange tan.
Big Earl catching a few rays - a nice orange tan.

 

Margaret and John ("Carnage") interviewed me and our awesome Adult Swim producer CJ on Twitch TV. They were super nice!!
Margaret and John ("Carnage") interviewed me and our awesome Adult Swim producer CJ on Twitch TV. They were super nice!!

 

Sat evening we had a dedicated TJ&E event - all kiosks were TJ&E, live music by Cody and NIck, and I signed sampler CDs that we gave away.
Sat evening we had a dedicated TJ&E event - all kiosks were TJ&E, live music by Cody and NIck, and I signed sampler CDs that we gave away.

 

Nick and Cody play at the event!
Nick and Cody play at the event!

 

Relaxing with some of the other Adult Swim game devs.  A really great bunch of people!
Relaxing with some of the other Adult Swim game devs. A really great bunch of people!

 

Fans had to go find Earl, take a photo with him and then wait in line and play the game in order to get a pin.
Fans had to go find Earl, take a photo with him and then wait in line and play the game in order to get a pin.

 

TJ looks at Earl
TJ looks at Earl

 

Earl smiles at TJ!
Earl smiles at TJ!

 

A few screenshots for ya...
A few screenshots for ya...

 

GeekJam takes a nap
GeekJam takes a nap

 

Earl's mom, Flo needs a soak.
Earl's mom, Flo needs a soak.

 

 A little game play footage form PAX...

 a review of the game from PAX by STUMPT

 Cody Wright (the amazingly talented musician who does the bass and guitar on all 26 of our new songs) cuts loose and jams out with Alien Breakdown.  Watch this to the end - he really goes to town!

Cody and Nick jam out at the TJ&E event.

Here is a link to one of the early reviews:

http://www.thezeroreview.com/newsitorial/toejam-and-earl-back-in-the-groove-all-you-need-is-funk-pax-west-2016/

Well that's about it for now gang!  I wish you could have been there.  It was a blast!  I imagine many of you want those pins and will be asking me how you can get one... Unfortunately they were a very limited run of maybe 1000 or so just for PAX and they are all gone.  (We have almost 10,000 backers!) Sorry gang.

Also a quick plug for Adult Swim's incredible Rick and Morty VR game.  It was probably the most amazing thing I tried at PAX.  It's going to blow your mind!  Oh and I got to meet Justin Roiland, one of the 2 creators of the Rick and Morty show!!! Turns out he's a long-time fan of Toejam and Earl! ...but I think I'm even a bigger fan of Rick and Morty.  :)

This song is called "Bloona's Dance Mix"

Take care ya'll!!