3D platforming really took off when Mario entered the genre with Super Mario 64 on the Nintendo 64. It was the pinnacle of the genre for years; I think till the next 3D Mario game was released. That is not to say others have not attempted, and come close, to taking that crown from the Italian plumber. While Mario has nothing to worry bout from Toree Jolly Jam, there is a bit of fun to be had in this short, speed focused, game.
Length does not equate fun
Toree Jolly Jam is, well, short. There is only one level that is just about the perfect length for what challenges are presented. You are not going to find huge 20+ minute boss battles here, you won’t find another enemy at all. Yet, there is a fair bit of fun to be had here.
You simply run, and run, and run some more. You can also jump; well, you are going to have to jump. This is a platformer after all.
The developer has taken a cue from other 3D platformers by giving you a lock on of sorts with the check points. This removes SO much potential frustration. Wonderfully done.
Also, the controls are spot on. Using an Xbox 360 controller is perfect for Toree Jolly Jam. I can say it would be just as comfortable, if not moreso, with a PlayStation controller. Left analog stick moves your character, right analog stick moves the camera. You have one action button to worry about, tap while in the air for a double jump. Simple, just like it should be.
Your goal is to collect coins all around the game world as quickly as possible. Not all coins are in places that are going to help you complete Toree Jolly Jam quickly. That is the point though, completing this game fast.
You are ranked at the end, much like Monster Hunter Now. You also have challenges to complete – jumping chasms, finding check points, collecting coins, sliding down ice slides, etc.
What has been crammed into this short game is quite good and entertaining.
Great for the whole family
Whether you are spending the holidays with family or not, Toree Jolly Jam could be a great way to pass the time. Either way you are competing for the fastest time best rating.
I can only assume the best rating has to do with the combination of coins collected and total time spent in the level. That is the only way to make sense of why I cannot get past a C rating.
What is interesting about Toree Jolly Jam is, when you complete the level, you can open one of several presents. These presents might contain other playable characters or even mini games to expand the fun you can have here.
That is quite cool.
Look, if you want something that will remind you of the later days of the original PlayStation 3D graphics, then grab Toree Jolly Jam over on Itch.io.