A month ago, Humanature Studios, led by ToeJam and Earl creator Greg Johnson, began their first endeavor to create a proper sequel to the popular Genesis classic, subtitled Back in the Groove, seeking funding through Kickstarter.
With the 30 day drive now concluded, the studio has successfully raised $508,637, well over its original $400,000 goal.
An overly enthusiastic message posted on the Kickstarter page reads: “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!”
An even more enthusiastic message, this one bordering on deranged, shouted:
Thanks to all of you, we have made it! Prepare for the FUNK!!!!
From here, with lightened hearts and much less stress we catch our breathes, and then continue up this mountain towards our stretch goals. Happy Day! We have a few more announcements for you, but we’ll save it for another update.
PHEW!!!!!!! Thank you everybody!!!!!!!!!!
An official website has been created for the game, although it’s quite sparse, containing only a sign-up form for stragglers still seeking to back the game.
Having exceeded its original funding goal, Back in the Groove will be getting several stretch goals, namely extra skins for its two main characters, the addition of the hyperfunk zone, which was a neat little bonus level from the second game, Panic on Funkotron, and new playable characters.
Had the game received more funding, it would have been ported over to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Wii U.
Since its original announcement, Humanature have modified the art style of Back in the Groove based on fan feedback into a more vibrant, colorful look more akin to the original games. A neat little music video with both live action and animated portions has also been created to promote the game:
An official release window hasn’t been announced so far, but rewards for backers, which include things like posters, shirts, statues, and board game night with the developers (not a joke), will be sent out on November this year.