Toejam and Earl III (Xbox)

By JON MINIFIE

(Herald Rating: * * * * )

A decade has passed since Toejam and Earl last appeared on the Sega Saturn, and now everyone's favourite funky freaks are back with a new adventure exclusive to Xbox.

Toejam and Earl III begins on the planet Funkotron with the bug-eyed ruler Lamont (a vertically challenged muppet-like creature) who calls upon our heroes to recover the 12 sacred albums of funk, which have been stolen and taken to Earth. While there, you are to convert as many Earthlings as possible to the ways of Funk.

This is a fairly standard 3D adventure platform game. You'll be jumping, shooting, collecting keys and items, but it's the daft humour and strong characters that set this title apart.

Toejam (or DJ TJ as he prefers to be known) is a super speedy, three-legged creature who raps, jumps and moves swiftly, but more than anything, he just wants a girlfriend.

TJ's best friend and neighbour Big Earl (Big E) is a little more laidback and moves more slowly, but is powerful in the ways of Funk Fu.

Earl also has a cast-iron stomach which allows him to replenish his health by eating bad food including such appalling dishes as maggot-infested egg salad. Yuck!

The third playable character is the lovely Latisha, who adds a much-needed feminine touch. Her sense of rhythm and razor wit are more than a match for Toejam's persistent, clumsy advances.

Players can use each of the three characters' unique traits by switching between Toejam, Earl or Latisha during the levels.

Sega fans will be pleased to see Toejam and Earl III has remained faithful to the series, though with some obvious additions, namely 3D, a third character and Funk Fu.

The overall presentation and the in-game graphics are astonishing. Rich textures, detailed character animation and light and shadow effects are testament to the power of Microsoft's console.

Platform gaming is traditionally a solo affair, but Toejam and Earl III features a cool split-screen option that allows two players to play co-operatively, sharing resources as they explore the 30 levels of the game.

Sega fans can expect to hear familiar tunes from previous T&E games, but also some new music, and with Dolby 5.1 it's sounding even funkier.

$129.95

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