Toren is a short, atmospheric action-adventure whose art and fable-like story are more compelling than its platforming. It is worth considering if you want an unusual, visually distinctive narrative experience; if you expect precise controls, a dependable camera, or deep mechanical variety, the reported shortcomings matter.
What is Toren?
Developed by Brazilian indie studio Swordtales and published by Versus Evil, Toren follows Moonchild, who is destined to climb a solitary tower and discover her purpose. Metacritic lists May 12, 2015 as its initial release date and PlayStation 4 and PC as its platforms. Current store availability may vary; it was not verified here. Metacritic’s game page provides the release and platform details.
PC Gamer describes it as a third-person art-platformer. Much of the adventure takes place in small, linear areas, where you jump, climb, avoid environmental hazards, and follow the story. There are also puzzles and occasional combat, but the game is not built around elaborate combat or complex platforming systems. PC Gamer’s review outlines that structure.
What stands out—and what gets in the way?
Atmosphere and story
The clearest appeal is the game’s artistic identity: reviewers praised its visual style, music, and ambitious, fable-like narrative. PC Gamer reviewer Andy Chalk found the story captivating and the aesthetic striking. Metacritic’s critic excerpts likewise include strong praise for its unusual, emotional approach, though the overall critical reception is mixed. Metacritic’s critic excerpts and Chalk’s review show both the enthusiasm and reservations.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Relive Memories with Everyday Fun】Dive into nostalgia with our retro gaming console, pre-loaded with 2000+ classic and modern titles across 9 emulators. As one of the top game consoles with built in games, it offers endless variety so you never play the same game twice.Support for 24 language settings allows you to enjoy the game in your most familiar language.
- 【Versatile Entertainment for All Ages】Our dual wireless game console is the ultimate all-in-one solution, serving as both handheld video games for adults and tv games for kids. With its portable design and seamless TV connectivity, it transforms any space into a gaming hub, making it a perfect game system for family fun.Enjoy over 2000 built-in games that cater to every generation.
- 【High-Definition&Plug-and-Play Setup】Experience crystal-clear graphics with 1080p HDMI output,turning your TV into an instant arcade with plug and play video games for tv. The included 64GB TF card ensures ample storage for all your games, while the wireless design eliminates clutter. It's a user-friendly game stick-style device that requires no downloads or complicated installations—just connect and play!
- 【Kid-Friendly&Family-Oriented Design】With 2 PCS 2.4GHz wireless controller adapters, the connection is stable,the maximum connection distance is 32.8 ft.Console encourages cooperative play with its dual-user capability. It's an ideal game console for children to enjoy educational and entertaining titles, while adults can join in for multiplayer fun. The simple interface and robust build make it a reliable choice for everyday use, promoting bonding through shared gaming sessions.
- 【Perfecet Holiday Gift for Endless Joy】Surprise your loved ones with the perfect present this holiday season! Whether for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or the New Year.it's more than a gift—it's a box of shared memories and fun, making it the most thoughtful and entertaining present for any celebration.Rediscover the joy of gaming with this versatile video game consoles which brings back childhood memories while keeping entertainment fresh daily.
Camera, controls, and execution
The recurring complaint is that cinematic camera framing can make ledges and movement direction hard to read. PC Gamer’s reviewer reported that sudden camera changes sometimes led to unintended movement, making simple navigation frustrating. Metacritic excerpts also include criticism of clunky animation and gameplay, technical issues, and the game’s short length. These are reviewers’ observations, not a guarantee that every player will encounter the same problems.
Chalk summed up his view this way: “Toren is a good story that suffers in the telling, with simplistic platforming that’s hampered by a sloppy camera and controls.” That is his critical judgment, not an objective scorecard.
Rank #2
- Brand New Game Console: This handheld video games built-in 230 newly designed educational puzzle and leisure, racing, fighting, adventure games without repetition. Also comes with 3 game cartridges, each with a separate classic game. Have fun playing the game console while they work on important developmental skills such as hand-eye coordination, thinking and problem-solving skills
- Larger and Clearer Screen: 3 inch high definition display and substantially more stable, no longer prone to black screen. To ensure the portability and the comfort of playing the game. Our gameboy is not too bulky or too small, perfectly tailored for children. Warm tip: Please tear off the protective film before use
- Rechargeable Battery: Our handheld games built-in 800mAh high-capacity lithium battery, which can be charged and played at the same time. After each full charge, the game can be played for 5 hours. When you are on a business trip, travel, camping, you don't have to worry about running out of power. (Note: Please fully charge the battery before the first use
- Sturdy and Durable: The shell of this handheld game console is made of sturdy and environmentally friendly plastic. Anti-fingerprint and anti-scratch. Tested for a long time and real experience, it is strong enough to withstand daily drops
- Perfect Gift for Kids & Adults: This retro handheld game systems can definitely bring you and your children a surprise. It is perfect as a gift for birthday, Christmas, party
Is Toren worth playing?
It depends on what you want from an adventure. If atmosphere, visual style, and a concise narrative are your priorities, Toren offers a distinctive experience. If you value precise platforming, smooth camera behavior, or sustained mechanical variety, the reported friction is a meaningful reason to hesitate. The available reviews do not support a universal verdict: they recognize the game’s ambition while disagreeing in how much its execution undermines it.
How did critics and players rate Toren?
Scores are snapshots from different services and audiences, not directly interchangeable measures. Metacritic’s displayed totals and Steambase’s dated tracker figures give a sense of the divided response:
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteRank #3
- 🎮【IMPORTANT NOTE】 NOT all games are displayed on main screen, more other games please enter "Games" folder on the right side. ★★★ DO NOT CHARGE OVER 5V 1A ★★★
- 🎮【FREE 10000 GAMES】 Built in 10000 classic games, all original and no repeat. Can download games with related format.
- 🎮【LARGE SCREEN】 Large clearfull color TFT LCD screen with 16:9 display scale. Double protection with scratchproof and anti-fall, brings exciting gaming experience and better eye protection.
- 🎮【CUSTOMIZED SYSTEM】 Customized Professional Console System, English default set and Save & Load features. Very easy to use and don't worry about the game is interrupted suddenly to make you start again.
- 🎮【VERSATILE CONSOLE】 Not only a Game Console but also Music Player, Video Player, Camera, DV, Recorder, Photo Viewer, E-book. Can connect to PC with USB cable and download your favorite games.
| Source | Displayed score | Count and context |
|---|---|---|
| Metacritic critic score | 56/100 Metascore | 25 critic reviews; page accessed in 2026. The displayed score may change. |
| Metacritic user score | 5.3/10 | 84 user ratings; page accessed in 2026. The displayed score may change. |
| Steambase Steam Player Score | 63/100, “Mixed” | 1,352 reviews; tracker snapshot dated June 28, 2026. This is a secondary tracker figure, not an official Steam statistic, and can change. |
The numbers reinforce the mixed reception, but they cannot tell you whether the game’s particular balance of story and movement will suit you.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which controls should you use on PC?
PC Gamer reported that Swordtales recommended a controller and that Chalk preferred one to mouse and keyboard. His review also says neither method eliminated the problem of camera-angle changes affecting direction. Treat a PC game controller as a matter of comfort, not as a fix for the camera; no specific controller model or compatibility claim was evaluated here.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [ Kids Handheld Game Console Built-in 400 Retro Games ] - This handheld gaming console is pre-installed 400 nostalgic 8-bit games such as puzzles, arcades, shooting, racing, fighting and adventure games. Kids are able to cultivate skills such as hand-eye coordination, thinking, and problem-solving while playing these games.
- [ Rechargeable and Long Battery Life ] - This video game console is equipped with an 800mAh rechargeable battery, which supports up to 5 hours of continuous playing. And 1-2 hours for fully charged. No more worring about replacing batteries while electricity runs out. Remember to charge it when you receive the package.
- [ Portable and Travel-friendly ] - This mini handheld video game console is carfted with 2.8" color screen and compact size, which makes it portable to be in your pocket, handbag. Keep you entertained when outdoor in airplanes, camps, journey or travelling......
- [ Support TV Output ] - This handheld game console supports TV output, there is an AV cable in package, you are able to connect this gaming console to TV and enjoy hours of fun
- [ Perfect Gift for Gamers of All Ages ] - If you are looking for unique gift for kids, this mini handheld game console is a good option, for birthdays, Christmas or other special occasion, offering endless fun and entertainment wherever kids go.
Rank #4
- [Interactive Game Console] Unlike normal TV game console, YRPRSODF double player game machine is somatosensory control, just move your body with the wireless game handle, you can play games or doing exercise (Double or Single mode) and interact with your family / friends or the person in the video / TV immersively, bringing you an amazing simulator gaming / fitness experience.
- [Built-in 100+ Games] YRPRSODF independently developed copyright game console is built in100+ games in total, including 31 interactive HD video games and 70+ puzzle games such as running, basketball, football etc. Fit for both boys and girls, women and men. It's an ideal birthday / Christmas / festival present for kids and adults.
- [2.4G Wireless Game Console] It equipped with 2pcs portable 2.4G wireless game handle, no wires, no dead-angle transmission signal, response quickly and accurately. The sensing distance is up to 10 meters far, you can play it at home freely.(If you have any problem with the game handle controller, please contact us for replacement).
- [ Plug & Play] This mini game console comes with a HD and USB charging cable, just plug it into the TV, you can start to play video / exercise games. It fits for all size TV and supports HD video output. (Noted: only fit for TV, not fit for computer or tablets).
- [Note]The Game remote controllers are powered by AAA battery and the batteries are not included in the package. The remote controllers replacement are available, you can search ASIN:B0B18T56KQ on Amazon.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
