Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Saira offers a finely tuned 2D, non-linear platforming experience that emphasizes exploration above all else. From the outset, players are free to chart their own course across six galaxies and fourteen unique planets, each brimming with hidden passages, environmental puzzles, and resource management challenges. The core objective—collecting the three teleportation device parts—serves as both a guiding thread and an invitation to wander off the beaten path for secret areas and side puzzles.

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The movement mechanics are a standout feature. Saira can run at a brisk pace, cling to and scale walls, perform walljumps, and slide smoothly along surfaces. This fluidity not only makes traversal a joy, but also unlocks creative approaches to platforming challenges. Certain pools transform her into a glowing orb that floats briefly, adding another layer of verticality and puzzle variety. Combined with logical puzzles displayed on in-world devices, the game rewards nimble reflexes and sharp observation.

Interplanetary travel adds a strategic dimension: the ship relies on limited battery power and must be recharged via generators hidden within each solar system. This constraint turns spaceship voyages into mini-quests—players follow the starmap, tinker with power systems, and occasionally enjoy a whimsical pinch of pinball on the long jumps between worlds. It’s a clever way to intersperse exploration with light management mechanics without ever feeling grindy.

Moreover, Saira’s openness to modding significantly boosts replayability. A built-in graphical editor and support for custom episodes allow creative players to extend the adventure far beyond the core story. Whether replaying the original with different equipment choices for one of six endings or diving into community-made expansions, there’s ample reason to return to the game’s vibrant universe.

Graphics

The visual style of Saira is a loving homage to indie classics like Within a Deep Forest and the Knytt series, but it brings its own polished flair. Each alien landscape is depicted in crisp pixel art, with meticulously crafted backgrounds that hint at ancient ruins, alien flora, and mysterious machinery. Animations are smooth and responsive, making every jump, wallclimb, and teleportation flicker feel alive.

Color palettes shift dramatically from one planet to the next. You might explore a sulfurous world tinted in sickly yellows, then leap to an underwater realm awash in iridescent blues. Hazards such as toxic gas vents or gravitational anomalies are communicated not only through gameplay effects, but also through thoughtful design cues—fluctuating glows, subtle particle effects, and shifting color gradients.

Space travel sequences stand out as miniature visual treats. The starmap screen glows with constellations while your ship arcs between systems, and optional pinball interludes incorporate neon accents and dynamic flares. Even Saira’s PDA interface feels cohesive with the game’s aesthetic: simple iconography, clean menus, and small animations that underscore each function, whether reviewing photos or solving mechanical puzzles.

Overall, the graphics strike a careful balance between nostalgia and modern sensibilities, delivering a world that feels handcrafted yet brimming with contemporary polish. For players who appreciate detailed pixel art environments and expressive character animations, Saira offers a compelling visual journey.

Story

At its heart, Saira weaves a poignant narrative about family, sacrifice, and the unknown. When her sister is gravely injured in a distant car crash, protagonist Saira opts for a risky teleportation shortcut to reach Mars quickly. The emotional weight sets in immediately as she arrives to find an eerily deserted planet, with no trace of her sister or any other human soul.

That sense of isolation deepens when Saira encounters Bobo—another teleportation castaway who arrived simultaneously. Together, they unravel the dark history of the first teleportation experiments in an underwater lab, only to witness Bobo’s abrupt disappearance into the device’s core. This twist transforms the quest into a personal mission: to track Bobo’s signal across star systems and bring her friend home.

The narrative unfolds organically through environmental storytelling and in-game artifacts. Scattered datapads, lab logs, and Saira’s own photographs bolster the emotional stakes, revealing both the triumphs and tragedies of teleportation research. As players gather components for a homemade teleporter, the promise of six possible endings adds a layer of suspense—every choice, every piece of equipment, subtly shifts the finale.

Despite its sprawling cosmic scope, the story remains intimate and character-driven. Saira’s determination to save her sister and Bobo fuels each exploration, and the game’s quiet moments—walking through deserted corridors, piecing together clues—resonate with genuine tension. Fans of atmospheric, lore-rich adventures will find themselves fully invested in this odyssey through space and memory.

Overall Experience

Saira delivers a harmonious blend of tight platforming, intricate puzzles, and compelling narrative. The game’s fluid movement system and non-linear level design encourage curiosity, turning every new region into a playground of hidden paths and logic challenges. Whether you’re mastering walljumps or deciphering cryptic clues on your PDA, there’s a constant sense of discovery driving your journey.

Pacing is handled deftly: exploration segments are balanced by occasional story beats and ship-based interludes. While some players may find certain puzzles require patient backtracking or careful note-taking, the PDA photo feature mitigates frustration by letting you capture and review vital details in real time. This thoughtful quality-of-life touch demonstrates the developer’s understanding of player needs.

With mod support and multiple endings, Saira offers substantial replay value. After completing the main episode, diving into community levels or experimenting with different teleportation part combinations keeps the experience fresh. The two-year in-game timespan and the story’s cosmic implications also lend a satisfying sense of scale without overstaying its welcome.

In summary, Saira stands out as a heartfelt indie platformer that champions exploration and story equally. Its polished visuals, responsive controls, and emotionally charged narrative come together to form an adventure that both challenges and enchants. For gamers seeking a non-linear, lore-rich platformer with plenty of depth, Saira is an excellent purchase choice.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10