Toree Saturn Preview: A Potential High Flyer?

Developed and published by Siactro, Toree Saturn is an upcoming 3D retro-inspired indie-platformer. And the latest in the Toree series you once again take control of the titular bird as you jump and bounce your way through the game’s brightly coloured worlds. Overcoming challenges and foes along the way. The build I am playing for this preview of Toree Saturn was released as part of SAGE 2023 a few months ago. And I am happy to finally get a chance to play this one.

Even at this stage what we have here has solid potential. As you can guess by the title and the screenshots Toree Saturn takes its inspiration from the Sega Saturn‘s games. With graphics, audio, and a general vibe that harkens back to that. What we get here in this preview build is solid. Not just in terms of the audio and visuals. We are also treated to some fairly solid gameplay. Which even those new or inexperienced with the genera may enjoy. With all that said, let’s get to the preview.

Toree Saturn is set to release in 2024 and can be wishlisted on Steam.

Story – Tweetutorial Troubles

And so, for the first time this year, it is time for me to say that the title I am doing a preview on doesn’t have a story. As I played a preview build. And obviously, the developers have other things in mind here. Once again, this isn’t an issue for the here and now, As we are only here for the gameplay more so than some form of plot. Maybe one will come later. Maybe there will be some context for what is happening. Not that I feel that Toree Saturn needs it nor did I feel this preview build was lesser for not having one. But this means we need to discuss the tutorial text and user interface.

Toree Saturn’s tutorial text can lack context.

The user interface is good for what it is, showing you the number of stars you have collected and how long you have spent in the level. And at this point that is all it needs. The levels are so linear that it isn’t like you need a pointer to tell you where to go. However, I do feel the tutorial text is lacking. It appears on billboards around the level. Which on the one hand means it isn’t going to fade away and is a persistent thing you can call back to. On the other, some of the text doesn’t tell you what pressing those buttons will do. Or even how to do certain things. At one point it tells you to press R or Left Click whilst jumping. But never tells you what pressing those buttons will do, or why you would need to. But more on that in a moment. From a writing point of view, Toree Saturn is fine enough for this stage in its development. Though it can be better.

Gameplay – Promising Platforming

As mentioned previously Toree Saturn is a 3D platformer where your goal is to get to the end of the level as quickly as possible. Along the way, there are a handful of foes to avoid and obstacles to jump over or navigate around. From large gaps to stars that you’ll need to use a Sonic Adventure style homing jump to get to. Mechanically speaking Toree Saturn is sound. The controls are tight. And the player character never feels too slippy or floaty. It can be played on a controller or keyboard and mouse. The controller is the better option. But the Keyboard and mouse controls aren’t too bad. Even if it does take a little while to get used to. But that is more of a “me” problem than a fault of the developers.

Toree Saturn feels like a great game for Speedrunners.

The level included in this preview build of Toree Saturn is easy to understand and navigate around. But as easy as it is there is still a decent challenge here. And offers a nice slice of replayability given that you are given a rank upon completing a level. And trying to beat a previous run is good fun. From what I have seen from the previous titles this new Toree game looks like it is in the same neighbourhood as those. So if you have played them you know what to expect for better or for worse.

Smol Sensation

Toree Saturn feels like a rather accessible 3D platformer. And if the developers can iron out some of the minor issues I have with it I dare say this could make for a great intro game. By that, I mean that it would make for a great game to introduce someone to 3D platformers or even just gaming more generally. Yes, it can get tricky in parts. But given there is no live system it isn’t too punishing. Though with that said the checkpoint system is lacking. More pointedly it simply doesn’t have one at all. If you fall off the level or collide with an enemy you go back to the very start.

Here we go again!

Yes, the level in the preview build is short, as is Toree Saturn’s demo more generally. It can be completed in a minute or so if you are quick. But if you are just getting used to the physics and handling of this one it is possible to mistime a jump and get sent back to the very start. It might not take as long to get back to where you were. But it could be a long way to go for people less experienced or less patient. Overall I still feel that Toree Saturn has a lot of potential. I think it still needs something else to take it to the next level. Maybe a little bit more of a challenge would be good. But that will naturally come as the game is developed and we get to play those later levels.

Graphics & Audio – Bird Song

Toree Saturn features some bright, colourful, and charming graphics. As mentioned previously this title wishes to evoke the look and feeling of playing a Sega Saturn title. And I have to say that it nearly perfectly recreates that look. Whilst at the same time overdoing it one way or another. It is easy to make out where you need to go. And everything looks rather cute. Especially our lead character who will bounce and bob his way around the level. And will even emote in certain situations. Like looking rather cross when you fall off a ledge. Or raising a curious eyebrow when looking at an enemy. Additionally, he will let out an adorable little squeak when he jumps about. Sure, this isn’t world-beating stuff. But it adds character.

Toree is a very expressive lil’ fella.

The soundtrack is equally enjoyable. I will admit that it feels a tad too modern to be period-appropriate. It frankly feels more like something from the late 2000s/early 2010s more so than the mid-1990s that the visuals are trying to recreate. However, that isn’t a bad thing. At least from my point of view. More die-hard fans of the Saturn may raise an eyebrow like little Toree there. But it has a decent energy to it. And is nothing to condemn the game over. It fits the almost summery vibe that the title is going for. And that is fine enough.

Toree Saturn was previewed on PC.