While these games are getting their own spotlight with events like the Wholesome Direct, TOEM actually caught everybody’s attention during the Indie World showcase of August 2021. They can be simulators of different kinds (walking, farming, and dating – to mention a few), narrative-focused experiences, puzzlers, visual novels, and even photography-based games, as is the case in TOEM. Playability: The controls felt average without anything different from most other games.Įntertainment: It is so satisfying taking photos, getting stamps, and helping nice people out.Amongst the most frequent trends in indie games, there is one that has risen in popularity in recent times thanks to its cosy aesthetics and laid-back approach: the so-called wholesome games.Ĭoming in many different formats and styles, wholesome games choose to build relaxing experiences on top of a multitude of unique mechanics.
#Toem review full#
Sound: The soundtrack is full of wonderful music that adds to the immersion. Graphics: While the whole game is in black and white it still looks wonderful. Links to the trailer and website will be at the bottom of this review.Ĭoncept: Toem is based on the photo mode feature in other games and it does it very well. This game is simple and you will have a great time if you're not expecting anything large or complex. While the length of Toem is on the short side (3 to 6 hours) it's still a game I'd recommend in a heartbeat. You'll just pull out your walkman and start listening to your favorite tracks in the game. Helping everyone is not required to finish the game you just need a set number of stamps in the area you are currently in before you can move on to the next one. My favorite detail is how you can play any of the songs you've unlocked anywhere you are. I found great joy checking everything off this list and helping everyone out. When you finish helping someone out they will stamp your community card which is basically a checklist. You go from town to town helping out everyone with their problems. I loved this gameplay loop as it makes you pay more attention to the beautiful surroundings around you. With the ability to zoom in and out, take selfies, and later on set your camera up on a tripod the perfect photo is never far. When you whip out your camera you go into a first-person view and get to set up your shot. You use the camera your Nana gave you in enjoyable ways to help the people in the places you visit. The main gameplay loop of the game is taking photos. Once helping out and stamping your card you get on the bus and head to the next stop. For example, you can help your Nana by taking a photo of her for her wall.
You use this community card to keep track of stuff you can help people out with. You then talk to the conductor who gives you a community card.
Your Nana gives you a camera to document your journey. Today you are going to visit the magical place called Toem. You start the game with your Nana asking you if you are ready for your big day. Chat with quirky characters, solve their problems by snapping neat photos, and make your way through a relaxing landscape! Here's a great description of the game from its Steam page: "Set off on a delightful expedition and use your photographic eye to uncover the mysteries of the magical TOEM in this hand-drawn adventure game. Toem is a charming little indie game made by the team at Something We Made.