TOEM: A Photo Adventure

Toem is a charming photography game that’s full of great moments, a lot of heart, and clever puzzles. You’ll travel around the black-and-white world, encountering interesting characters, all set in diorama-style levels that are begging you to explore them.
Puzzles in Toem often involve a character asking you to show them a photograph of something they’re missing or someone they’re looking for. As a reward, you’ll earn a stamp, collecting enough stamps will let you move on to the next level. You’ll also earn new clothes and occasional upgrades to your camera. By the end of the game, I was walking around with a foam finger and a monster mask and a space helmet, the peak of high fashion.
It’s a short, relaxing game that I finished in 3 or 4 hours. Although it's short, it's an amazing experience from the beginning to the end!
It's not a groundbreaking game, but it's somehow nostalgic and modern at the same time—a silly world that you can just enjoy, guilt-free. There is no overwrought commentary on modern society. There is no hidden meaning. Occasionally, some hidden socks or ghosts you can only see when you're wearing magic sunglasses, yes. Mostly having fun and taking pictures.
Played on ROG ALLY Z1 EXTREME
Rating 8/10 experience

This game is so fun and cozy. It was a blast to 100%.

Everything about it is fun. It's fun to take pictures, its fun to find all the animals, its fun to do the quests, and its just overall fun to play.

Highly recommended 10/10!

Oh man, i wish i had played this sooner. TOEM is the definition of a "cozy game", just a stroll through multiple different locations, solving puzzles, with a beautiful artstyle and music to boot. Even when you are stuck on a puzzle, it's never annoying, just.... chill :D
Genuinely worth picking up immediately at full price, worth every penny for the amazing vibe on offer.

"Toem" is a heartwarming and whimsical adventure that captivates from the very first moment. This delightful game invites players into a beautifully crafted world brimming with charm and personality. With its unique art style, engaging writing, and varied quests, "Toem" offers an unforgettable experience that feels both fresh and nostalgic.
One of the standout features of "Toem" is its distinctive art style. The game is presented in a monochromatic, hand-drawn aesthetic that is both simple and stunning. Each scene is meticulously detailed, creating a world that feels alive and inviting. The visual style is complemented by fluid animations and an intuitive interface, making exploration a joy.
The sense of adventure in "Toem" is palpable. As you journey through different regions, each with its own unique flavor and challenges, you are constantly encouraged to explore and interact with the environment. The game’s writing is exceptional, filled with humor, warmth, and a touch of whimsy. The characters you meet along the way are endearing and memorable, each with their own quirks and stories to tell.
Quest variety is another strong point of "Toem." While the core mechanic revolves around taking photographs to solve puzzles and help characters, the quests themselves are diverse and imaginative. Each task feels unique, avoiding the common pitfall of repetition found in many adventure games. Whether you’re capturing a specific moment, uncovering hidden secrets, or simply helping out a quirky character, the quests are consistently engaging and rewarding.
The soundtrack of "Toem" deserves special mention. The chilled, relaxing music perfectly complements the game's serene atmosphere. It never gets repetitive, subtly enhancing the sense of immersion and relaxation as you play. The sound design, in general, is top-notch, with ambient noises and sound effects that bring the world to life.
"Toem" also excels in its sense of achievement. Completing quests and discovering new areas feels genuinely rewarding, thanks to the game’s thoughtful design and pacing. Each new region offers fresh challenges and surprises, keeping you motivated to continue your journey. The game’s length is just right, providing a satisfying experience without overstaying its welcome. The pacing is superb, ensuring that you are always engaged and never feel rushed or overwhelmed.
In conclusion, "Toem" is a delightful and enchanting game that stands out in the adventure genre. Its beautiful art style, engaging writing, and memorable characters create a world that is a joy to explore. The variety in quests, combined with a soothing soundtrack and a wonderful sense of achievement, makes "Toem" a must-play. With its perfect length and impeccable pacing, it offers a fulfilling and heartwarming experience from start to finish. Whether you’re a fan of adventure games or simply looking for something charming and unique, "Toem" is a journey worth taking.

TOEM
Toem is a little cozy adventure in which you solve simple puzzles, help npcs in need and take pictures of creatures while trying to reach the top of a mountain to observe what this journey was really about.
Story
The story of Toem is quite simple: The player slips into the role of a young photographer whose grandmother tells them about her story how she witnessed the “Toem” phenomenon many years ago. Now your task is to see the wonderful phenomenon yourself and you get send on a journey full of cozy adventures and photography.
Personal Note
I didn’t expect much of Toem itself but I knew that it was a cozy game and I really was in the mood for such a game and saw that it was on a steep discount during the last Winter Sale and I ended up buying it. I’m a fan of virtual photography myself so the theme of taking pictures of creatures and solving simple puzzles while exploring a black and white environment really intrigued me and the game hooked me instantly. I completed one region a day and it took me about 5 hours to fully complete the game – yes, it’s short but lovely. The music, the charm and the slightly silly dialogues and absurd situations you find yourself in while you play through Toem made my day and I really enjoyed every minute of it.
But I have to say that if I wasn’t in the mood for a relaxing and short game, I might have not enjoyed it as much. As I’ve mentioned earlier, it took me about 5 hours to fully complete the game and that was fine with me but I can see how some people might not be a big fan of that especially since the game itself is very simple but full of charm and I can tell that the developers put a lot of love into it.
Rating
Pros
Nice story and cozy vibes
Neat graphics and aesthetics
Good soundtrack
Simple but interesting puzzles
Wonderful & beautiful different regions
Fairly easy to 100%
Cons
Some quests are a bit tedious
Pretty short
Conclusion
Is Toem worth to get? Well, it depends on what you expect from the game itself.
Should you purchase it if you expect the most thrilling story and the best graphics?
Probably not.
Should you buy it if you want a cozy adventure with a handful of little puzzles while walking through beautiful locations? Then this game might be for you – especially when you get it during a sale!
7.8 / 10
“I’m proud of you.” - Grandma
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A short (4h for 100% completion), but very sweet and wholesome puzzle game. Creative, innovative and truly engaging. A nice little break from everyday chaos.

You know it's a good game when the in-game "You should REALLY think about taking a break soon. Please?" messages pop up a half-dozen times while playing...and you just keep on going. I just finished the game with 83% completion at just 3 hours, and I can't wait to go back and play even more!