Developer Something We Made struck gold with Toem: A Photo Adventure in 2021. The game's strength lay in its focused ambition, a testament to the idea that mastering a single concept can yield exceptional results.
Toem 2, the 2026 sequel to the camera-focused indie game, retains the original's premise and near-identical structure but elevates it with even greater polish. Players once again step into the shoes of a young photographer embarking on a journey to witness 'toem,' a magical phenomenon that must be captured through the lens. The game is presented entirely in black-and-white and offers another approximately four-hour adventure filled with some of the most personable characters and adorable animals, with the camera serving as an indispensable companion.
Toem 2 Perfects the Formula
While Toem 2 is a puzzle game, it notably avoids the friction and frustration often associated with the genre when players encounter difficult solutions. As players progress toward experiencing toem, they must befriend various characters and solve their conundrums across three new locations. Each area introduces a new camera mechanic. For instance, pointing the lens at loose nails allows players to hammer them in for an apprentice construction worker, aiding in the repair of fallen buildings. In another town, a plumber requires the camera to assist in turning screws and fixing pipe leaks.
Each region possesses its own distinct charm. Cropten is an expansive farm teeming with animals, including muddy pigs who have escaped bathtime. Taletorp, conversely, is a mystical village nestled within a dark forest, evoking a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired atmosphere. Deltburg, the urban setting, centers around a vast aquarium and features various shops and houses.
This sequel notably improves upon the original in both its unique area-specific mechanics and its scope. Although the overall runtime remains similar, Toem 2 features more interior areas to explore, with some proving considerably larger than those in the first game. This expansion leads to more secrets to uncover, additional photo quests to complete, and a greater number of characters to interact with. A welcome addition is the inclusion of an in-game minimap, reducing the likelihood of players becoming lost.
The primary critique of Toem 2 is its brevity. A significant part of Toem's appeal is its accessibility, making it suitable for younger players or those new to gaming due to its straightforward puzzling and exploration. However, the reviewer found themselves wishing for a dozen more regions with increasingly complex quests. The five-year wait for a sequel that could be completed in a single afternoon left a desire for more of the Toem experience.
While not strictly a "cozy game" in the traditional sense, lacking farming or life-sim elements, Toem 2 is best enjoyed in a cozy setting. It is described as wholesome, whimsical, and wonderfully funny, encouraging players to think outside the box just enough to provide satisfying "aha!" moments upon solving area puzzles and collecting stamps. The reviewer expressed a strong desire for more content in this vein.
Toem 2 is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X on Tuesday, September 29.