ToeJam & Earl
ToeJam & Earl is a 1991 action game developed by Johnson Voorsanger Productions for the Sega Genesis, following two funky aliens stranded on Earth as they search for the scattered pieces of their wrecked spaceship. Its offbeat humor and funk-inspired style gave it a personality all its own.
Structured around randomly generated, floating island levels viewed from above, the game had a roguelike flavor, with players exploring, avoiding bizarre human enemies like nerd herds and dentists, and opening mystery presents that could help or hinder them until identified. A drop-in cooperative mode with a shared or split screen made exploring together a highlight, and finding elevators to descend deeper drove the loose progression.
Its laid-back tone, exploration focus, and unpredictable design earned it a devoted cult following. The game has been re-released on classic-game services and inspired later sequels, including a modern revival that returned to its original cooperative roots.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to ToeJam & Earl, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Enter the Gungeon Indie
€ 14,99A quirky co-op roguelike with randomized runs and humor.
Enter the Gungeon runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Rogue Legacy 2 Indie
€ 24,50Procedurally generated runs with permanent progress, funny and forgiving in the same way.
Rogue Legacy 2 runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove! Indie
€ 14,99The modern sequel reviving the funky roguelike co-op formula.
ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove! runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Streets of Rogue Indie
€ 19,50Chaotic co-op roguelike where every floor can be solved a dozen ways, in ToeJam & Earl's spirit.
Streets of Rogue runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Playable.
SEGA Genesis Classics
€ 29,99The official Genesis bundle includes the original ToeJam & Earl.
SEGA Genesis Classics runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
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