Toran
- April 18, 2019
- Really Interactive
- 1h median play time
Get on SteamIn this sci-fi puzzle adventure "short game" you are a scientist, stranded on a distant moon during an expedition to investigate alien remains. After finding a strange platform, what seemed to be a one way trip might turn into an intergalactic odyssey.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features stunning graphics and a beautifully immersive environment that feels like a futuristic experience.
- The puzzle mechanics are intuitive and engaging, providing a satisfying interaction with the orbs and puzzles.
- Despite its short length, the demo showcases great potential for a full game, leaving players eager for more content.
- The demo is extremely short, lasting only about 5 to 15 minutes, which leaves players feeling unsatisfied.
- Many players feel that the demo lacks depth, with only a few simple puzzles that do not provide a substantial challenge.
- There is disappointment over the absence of a full game, as players are left wanting more after experiencing the demo.
- graphics30 mentions
- 87 % positive mentions
- 3 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics in this game are consistently praised as stunning and beautifully detailed, creating an immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. Reviewers highlight the high quality of visuals, with many noting that the graphics rival those of more established paid games, despite the demo's short playtime. Overall, the game's visuals are described as a standout feature, warranting further development for a more extensive gameplay experience.
“The graphics are stunning, with attention to detail that really brings the world to life.”
“Absolutely phenomenal, very clean graphics, fun mechanics, and beautiful environment.”
“The graphics were outstanding, and you could tell a lot of detail was paid in the creation process.”
“The graphics are subpar and feel outdated, making it hard to immerse myself in the game.”
“The visuals lack detail and polish, which detracts from the overall experience.”
“I found the graphics to be disappointing; they don't match the quality of other games in the genre.”
- gameplay25 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 24 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by intuitive and satisfying controls, engaging puzzle mechanics, and stunning graphics, creating a fresh and enjoyable experience. However, many users express disappointment over the limited content, noting that the demo lasts only about 5-10 minutes and lacks complexity in its puzzles. Overall, while the mechanics show great potential, players are eager for a more substantial game that expands on these ideas.
“The way you control the orbs is both intuitive and satisfying, adding a unique layer to the gameplay that feels fresh and engaging.”
“The puzzle-solving mechanics are cleverly designed, offering just the right amount of challenge to keep you thinking without ever becoming frustrating.”
“Absolutely phenomenal, very clean graphics, fun mechanics, and beautiful environment.”
“I thought this was a full 'short game', but after programming all of these puzzle mechanics and only having 3 total 'puzzles', I feel like there's no way that this can be it.”
“It is a very short (less than 10 minutes) demo for a VR puzzle-solving mechanic.”
“But this is a demo, was like 5 mins gameplay.”
- story10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The story in Toran is described as intriguing and visually beautiful, evoking a sense of childlike mystery reminiscent of games like "A Story About My Uncle." However, many players feel the narrative is underdeveloped and too brief, with some completing the game in just 10 minutes, leaving them wanting more depth and connection to the storyline presented in promotional materials. Overall, while the atmosphere and puzzle elements are appreciated, the brevity and lack of a cohesive narrative detract from the experience.
“Feel like playing a Myst-like puzzle game with a great story behind it.”
“It's visually beautiful, it has an intuitive UI, and the story is intriguing.”
“Reminded me of 'A Story About My Uncle.' It had the same air of childlike mystery and wonder punctuated with critical problem solving.”
“There is but one flaw with this: it is far too short, and even with the messages and notes you can read to fill in the story, it feels incomplete.”
“None of the actual storyline outlined in the Steam store page appears in the game, but it does provide background for the setting.”
“Mass Effect side mission atmosphere.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised, evoking nostalgic feelings and delivering stellar sound design and graphics. Despite its short duration, players appreciate the immersive environment and intuitive puzzle system, likening it to the atmospheric quality found in Mass Effect side missions.
“It was short, but the atmosphere and sound design are stellar.”
“I enjoyed the atmosphere and graphics.”
“This game gave me an atmosphere that I wanted as a child.”
“Mass Effect side mission atmosphere.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant optimization issues, with players reporting difficulty achieving even 90fps on high-end hardware like the GTX 2080 Super. Many reviewers express disappointment, noting that there are better-optimized games available that offer more engaging content.
“The game is terribly optimized, and I was struggling to get even 90 FPS with a GTX 2080 Super.”
“That being said, there are many more games that are better optimized and offer more to do than just turning dials.”
“I can't recommend this 'short game' because of its poor optimization and lack of anything really fun to do.”
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is reminiscent of "Auditorium," which is praised for its excellent soundtrack, suggesting that it enhances the overall experience and adds a captivating layer to the gameplay.
“Reminds me a lot of Auditorium, an excellent music and light puzzle game that's worth looking into.”
