Have you ever encountered a game that has a certain style to its graphics that is undeniable? That is Toree Saturn and its Sega Saturn style graphical look, at least I think so. Your goal is to collect the stars as you fling yourself through 3D levels avoiding obstacles and catching air via floating power pads. It sounds simple but so did Super Mario Bros – just run to the right. There is so much more to Toree Saturn though.
3D Action Platforming Done Right
Toree Saturn has gotten 3D action platforming action right, it is about time someone did. If only the developers back in the day with Saturn and Sony PlayStation devkits would have thought of using action points. I know this idea was introduced, as far as I know, in Sonic Adventure on Sega Dreamcast but it never caught on for some reason.
Toree Saturn is focused on collecting those stars. The levels in the demo are clearly laid out with that goal in mind. While they seem linear there is still a lot of opportunity to put your own spin on how you collect those stars. Here is a hint, you are not likely to get them all in one run through.
Nostalgic Graphics Remember a Simpler Time
If you were a gamer during the 32-Bit era then you will probably recognize this graphical style. It is very reminiscent of the Saturn in many ways. To me, this looks like what Saturn 3D might have been had Sega developed the console with 3D as its main feature rather than an afterthought.
I know most of that feeling is just nostalgia. I am just saying, the graphics have a 32-Bit feel if you were emulating using upscalers and other improvement options to clean things up.
Toree Saturn just has that feel and it is a wonderful feel for a gamer like me.
Check out Toree Saturn on Steam, the demo is available now while the full game will release in 2025 for Nintendo Switch and PC’s.