When I launched Toree Saturn, I felt like someone had slipped me a long-lost Sonic the Hedgehog prototype from 1997, featuring a yellow canary with a backpack and sunglasses in the lead role. This game is a retro 3D platformer runner in the spirit of the Sega Saturn era, fast, colorful, and without too much philosophy. Toree doesn't come to talk, but to run.
So who is Toree?
Honestly, I had never heard of this little bird runner, but after a quick dig on the internet, I discovered that there is a whole franchise of low-budget, bite-sized games behind it. Each sequel costs less than a euro, lasts about an hour, and guarantees a dose of pure, uncomplicated fun.
The charming main character of this story, Toree!
Jump, run, fly
The premise of the game is crystal clear: Toree sprints through linear levels from point A to point B, trying to reach the goal as quickly as possible. There is no idle walking, and along the way, you encounter neon stars that catapult you into the air, boosts that launch you over chasms, and lines that test your precision and timing. The controls are minimalist but precise: Toree runs and jumps, can perform a double jump, and with the ZR button, we center the camera behind him.
After a pile of C grades, it feels good to finally secure an A.
A bizarre story about stolen ice cream
The game offers about a dozen diverse levels that take us through neon city nights and desert temples, through floating arches and industrial zones. All of this is accompanied by a bizarre, charming "story" that I don't quite understand. Toree is resting when a news alert appears on the neon screen: a new ice cream flavor has been stolen, and it's by a criminal organization led by his enemy, a purple bird with a mohawk named Hawkee. Sounds like a joke? Absolutely.
This is roughly where my understanding of this story ends, which later turns into a passage through a portal in an Egyptian temple into heavenly vaults where we encounter a demon that seems to have fallen out of Persona games, but is actually a good guy who will help us. Honestly, I didn't try too hard to understand all of it; the main dish of this game is still the gameplay.
Don't be afraid, Toree... the purple evil will help us. Or it will curse us forever
Short, sweet, and ready for replay
Each level lasts only a few minutes, but replaying is what makes the game more enduring. At the end of each level, you receive a grade (from C to S), and you can also collect hidden ice creams that unlock new skins for Toree. The difficulty is just right: anyone can eventually complete the game, but for a good timing and score, you will have to put in some effort. The game also offers bonus levels after completing the main campaign, as well as a special skate-park hub where you can freely perform tricks on a time-limited map in a Tony Hawk-style atmosphere.
Evil Hawkee scheming to steal that perfect ice cream – the first step towards world domination
Audio-visual identity: Sega Saturn rave party
Graphically, the game aims for that charming low-poly aesthetic from the late '90s – sharp edges, bright colors, and a smooth framerate that never falters, while Toree's round design provides the perfect contrast to the environment and stands out clearly at all times. The soundtrack combines synthwave, chiptune, and light arcade rock, creating the impression that you are stuck in 2001. Each song encourages you to give it another try, another perfect run.
Toree deserves its 15 minutes of fame
Toree Saturn is exactly what it promises: a short, explosive retro adventure featuring a cute little bird. It doesn't want to change your life, but it will definitely brighten up one afternoon.
For the price of a coffee (and less!), you get a polished, fun, and fluid platformer that doesn't pretend to be something it's not. In fact, I sincerely hope that one day this little yellow runner will get a full-fledged platformer title. There is no shortage of potential, and I would gladly support the developers again.
A copy of the Nintendo Switch version of the game was provided for review purposes by the publisher Diplodocus Games
