The developers at Something We Made are offering a glimpse into their upcoming photography adventure, TOEM 2, with a playable demo now available on Steam. This sequel to the beloved 2021 indie title aims to provide a soothing escape for players, encouraging them to pause the anxieties of daily headlines and instead focus on capturing charming in-game moments.
TOEM 2 builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, which saw players embark on a rite of passage to photograph a mysterious phenomenon across various towns. While the specific overarching goal in the sequel remains to be fully revealed, the demo allows players to explore the hamlet of Deltburg. Here, locals present unique photographic quests, such as capturing images of "stinky garbage" for a smell store or documenting a bicycle to aid a robot's comedy routine. This gameplay loop transforms photography into a vehicle for fulfilling quests within the game's world.
The game retains its signature charm, featuring "silly little fellas" to discover and a world brimming with secrets. The photography mechanics have been expanded with new features, including the ability to focus the camera lens. Additionally, players can now jump, a mechanic that the developers have utilized to incorporate more verticality and hidden collectibles, like silly hats for the player character, into the environment. While these additions allow for some light platforming, the developers recommend using a controller for a more immersive experience.
The returning composers, Jamal Green and Launchable Socks, once again provide a pleasant and perky soundtrack that complements the game's relaxed atmosphere. The world of TOEM 2 is presented in a diorama-like style, filled with quirky characters and environments. A critter encyclopedia tracks all the humorous creatures players encounter, encouraging exploration and discovery. Players can find a variety of subjects to photograph, from "borbs"—described as nice, round birds—to musical fish performing in ponds and streams, and even an aquarium teeming with uniquely featured fish. Many of these characters and creatures offer hidden interactions and unique poses, rewarding players for paying close attention to the details.
For those seeking a break from the pressures of the news cycle and the stresses of everyday life, the free demo for TOEM 2 is available on Steam. The full game is anticipated for a Q3 2026 release, offering a future promise of tranquil exploration and photographic fulfillment.