TOEM Reviews
Like a great album you put on at the end of the day to wind down, Toem is an incredibly relaxing experience that you'll wish you could experience all over again once it's finished. It almost makes us want to start capturing photographs of the world around us, but sadly, we don’t have a duck dressed as a lighthouse keeper to show them to. If only.
It may be short, but TOEM delivers heart by the truckload. This gorgeous hand-drawn adventure will have you fully invested in its quaint little world, taking photos of everything you see – whether it’s for a mission or just for the sheer joy of it. It’s the sort of game that makes the world seem like a better place – even if only for a few hours.
End of game issues aside TOEM is a delightful, relaxed, monochrome game on Nintendo Switch. The music is peaceful, and favourite tracks can be listened to at any point, making it an ideal break from a busy life. The interesting characters provide a lot of laughs with their bizarre requests, cataloguing all the creatures brings its own amusement like watching a snail win a race against itself, and there is so much humour that the absence of colour is not noticed or missed.
I happily cuddled myself up for an afternoon to playthrough TOEM, and it cuddled me back. I’d suggest the same plans to anyone wanting a lo-fi and relaxing photography adventure that’ll make you feel good.
With its entertaining puzzles and wonderful soundtrack, TOEM is a super charming, short game that provides a relaxed yet still impactful experience.
Photography games are undergoing something of a renaissance. Pokemon Snap is back with a new entry. A Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water remaster is on the way. We also have indies like Beasts of Maravilla Island and Umurangi Generation offering indie takes on the concept. Now we have Toem from Something We Made, a similar sort of game with Scandinavian roots and influences that brings yet another charming, cozy, and creative experience to the Switch.
TOEM is a very fun photographic adventure that stands out for its unique approach. I would have to go as far back as Flight Simulator to find an experience as peaceful and relaxing as this. Plus, with its charming entirely hand-drawn look, it should definitely land on your console.
Review in French | Read full review
I had a hard time putting TOEM down, its calming, cheerful nature feeling way too cozy to quit. Its photography-based puzzle gameplay will charm just about anyone that feels drawn to the title, so if you have even a remote interest in TOEM, it’s absolutely a safe bet. If you want 4 – 6 hours of wholesome fun that will leave you craving for more, take a little hike with TOEM.
Regardless, TOEM is a delightfully cute adventure and it’s a great way to spend a few hours getting lost in an idealized, zero risk adventure. It’s a perfect palette cleanser between games or at the end of a session of otherwise more action packed titles, or just a great way to chill out for an hour or two. I’d wager it also makes a great introduction to gaming for younger kids, and has the makings of something families can enjoy together, which definitely earns bonus points if you’ve got kids, family members, or partners who like to help find things or solve puzzles without being the one in control. Don’t let the simplicity of TOEM fool you, though; it’s a rich and entertaining experience that’s worth dipping into.
Toem combines elements of both Pokémon Snap and its mainline series, letting players loose into a darling world full of weird and wonderful characters, animals, and sights to behold. Armed with nothing but a camera and a pair of itchy feet, Toem is further evidence that 'taking aim' in video games can stem from a creative and peaceful place.
TOEM is a serene and silly photographic journey with a few technical bumps
A charming little photo adventure all about leaving home and discovering beauty.
In these troubled times, this is an experience that should do good to all players anxious to trade for a moment the very real turpitudes of our world for the good words and surprises of an adventure that seems to have understood what feel-good really means.
Review in French | Read full review
Still, in some cases I'd argue that the journey is the destination. When it comes to TOEM the journey can be a little tedious and sometimes even a bit repetitive. But if you're looking for a slow paced game to relax over a weekend there's still a lot of charm and enjoyment to be found here.
Although limited to a fault, TOEM's fusion of earnest charm and breezy adventuring nevertheless makes for a photo-positive experience.
Playful challenges and a warm sense of place and character converge in this cheerful modern classic.
I love this game. I love TOEM so much. It’s sweet, adorable, funny and full of fun and interesting NPCs to meet and take photos of. The world may be in black and white, but it’s lovingly detailed and wonderfully rendered. The music is wonderful and there are a lot of thoughtful details to make players love it even more. Two thumbs up for TOEM!
Even though it’s devoid of color, TOEM’s personality is clear for all to see. It's wonderful and even though the indie field is extremely competitive this year, I would easily rank it among the very best I’ve played. It’s smart, refreshing, and is so much fun to play. Please play TOEM!
TOEM is satisfying and engaging, packed with charm, wit, and goofiness. While it's a short experience, TOEM will stay with you even after you've stopped playing it, and that right there is a rare thing these days.