Sega's Forgotten Classic
Straight out of the late 80's and early 90's hip hop world, these rapping aliens are two of the best characters in Sega's history, and they have the gaming chops (at least during the Genesis era) to prove it. Being such an old title, I won't bore you with my traditional breakdown, but I'll just give you a general overview of the game itself instead.
TJ & E features 25 (26 if you count the secret whirlpool and lemonade level) levels of gradually increasing difficulty where the protagonists must avoid, sneak past, or battle the unfriendly legions of Earth, including angry bees, little devils, the boogeyman, and of course the phantom ice cream truck.
Your tools in this endeavor are gift wrapped presents left by the fatman himself (whom you can occasionally find and scare into giving you bonus goodies) which aren't always good. Sure, you can find money, a fudge sundae, spring shoes, or a slingshot, but you can also happen upon an earthling which pops an enemy into place or a total bummer box which kills you (and you thought your lump of coal was bad!) These gifts are distributed pretty liberally throughout the game so you needn't worry about running out.
Also in your arsenal is money which you may use to purchase presents from a post box (but beware the rabid mailboxes which will sprout hands, feet, and teeth and commence to chase you viciously), pay for healing from a witch, identify a present, or pay an opera singer to hit some high notes, killing all enemies on the screen.
As you open presents, fight enemies, walk, and discover new ship pieces, your character will increase his level, gaining you additional health and an extra life every now and then as well as an amusing new title ranging from Weiner to Funklord.
You can play solo, but the real fun happens when you recruit a pal to play with you which opens up some nice bonuses such as doubling up on present effects, sharing health through a high five, and the ability to cover a LOT more ground. The mechanics of the game feel good, even today, though the game plays at a very relaxed pace, so expect to spend at least 2 to 3 hours on a play through.
One of the best treats in the entire game is the music selection which, even 15 years later, I can still hum almost seamlessly. 16 bit music at its finest! Along with this, there is a "jam mode" where you may play through the game's soundtrack and intersperse any sound effect from the game you wish for a little fun on the side all while ToeJam & Earl dance on screen.
I honestly can't say enough positive things about this wonderful old game and I hope that you platform and adventure fans out there reading this will give it a try either on the Wii Virtual Console or if you can dig up an original Genesis cartridge.
Final Score - 10