REVIEW: ‘Toem 2’ Captures The Power Of Community

Every now and then, a short cozy game just hits. Toem 2, the sequel to 2021’s Toem by Something We Made, is releasing at the perfect time. Taking photography on an evolving adventure through different biomes, Toem 2 evolves everything built by the original and is another can’t-miss game for an afternoon escape from everything going on in the real world. 

Several years after the events of the first game, the main sheep-like character has grown up. They’re not a little kid anymore. Plus, their aspirations of seeing the mystical natural phenomenon, Toem, now include its other occurrence. Toems don’t just happen at the right time at the peak of a mountain. They can also happen when the last leaf falls off the Whirling Birch tree. So, with our handy camera and journal, we embark on another journey to photograph this Toem event.

Just like in Toem, the real story is through the journey. Talking to all the different townsfolk in each of the main areas, learning their stories and issues—that’s where the true story of Toem 2 lies. Like the main friend you meet in Tabletorp, Gob. He’s a blacksmith’s wannabe apprentice who wants to prove himself to the town’s blacksmith but never gets the chance. 

He doesn’t get his chance until our character comes along and helps him fix a lot of the problems around town. We see Gob’s skills firsthand in his ingenuity to fix the hardest problems, like the ruined bell tower. With our help, and the hammer he gives us, we both nail down all the damaged buildings to make Tabletorp good as new.  Because of us, and because we took the time to help Gob, he finally gets recognized by the blacksmith and becomes their apprentice. 

Nothing in Toem 2 is never overly serious, and the stakes are never too high in Toem 2.

Similarly, Toem 2 is full of little, fun, heartwarming stories. Numerous townsfolk in the four major areas have issues that they just can’t seem to solve. Our character is the one who helps be the final piece to their puzzles. One person in Cropten has issues finding his pesky garden gnomes.

We must explore Cropten and photograph every out-of-place, hidden gnome to show the farmer where to find them. Another in Deltburg requests examples of evolution. With our handy camera, we can help the aquarium’s Marine Biologist find those examples around the local area. 

Nothing is ever serious, and there aren’t grave consequences or high stakes. To progress, you need to complete a certain number of tasks in the area you’re currently in to earn a bus ticket. Think of it like a student metro pass that runs on community service—and about every task requires a photographer to complete it. 

The new 3D art style adds more depth and verticality to every area of the game.

The biggest overall evolution to gameplay design comes from the new 3D art style that still has a hand-drawn feel. With it, there’s more depth and verticality to every area. The character can climb, jump on things, and reach new places. Each area also comes with a unique tool, like the hammer, to help complete the main task (and some side tasks) in that area.

One will give you clippers to shear overgrown plant life across Cropten’s farmland. In Deltburg, we get a screwdriver to help turn leaky pipes and fix plumbing issues.  It is all done with the handy camera we bring along with us. Taking photographs is easy, and quite generous.

As long as something is the main focus, we can take a photo of it for the numerous collections we have going on. Like one for the wildlife found in an area. Or our photobook, which can reference locations where a citizen in need asks for them. 

Taking as many photos as you want is perfectly fine. Many tasks are about experimenting and thinking outside the box to reach the right conclusion. You’re never punished for submitting something wrong. You’re just told to try again. Plus, the camera has evolved to use a propeller, which lets us include our character in shots, too. Or hit new angles for photos that may not have been possible from the ground. 

Something We Made’s Toem 2 is another delightful journey that reminds us all to slow down.

Tons of secrets are hidden throughout each of the main areas. Clothing, hats, accessories, and all kinds of fun items are hidden everywhere to discover. Many are themed to the areas where they’re found; for instance, a knight costume from Tabletorp, the medieval-themed town. But there’s also some fun easter eggs as well to find. Many of these are also from being explorative, looking around a corner or going into a room that doesn’t seem like the right way to go. 

Since we’re given free reign to explore and tackle each area as we see fit, looking in every nook and cranny for fun discoveries or items is even more of a blast. Plus the platforming itself is never cumbersome. Just like the photographs, and just about everything else in Toem 2, it’s all chill. Including the wonderful, relaxing music. Nothing is meant to stress you out. Just relax, try again, and you’ll get to your goal. 

Toem 2 is another delightful journey that reminds us all to slow down. Whereas instead of appreciating nature in all its forms, the sequel explores the power of community. Even as a visitor, you can make an impact wherever you go. Fun photo quests, new mechanics, and a wonderful 3D interpretation of Something We Made’s hand-drawn art style have once again created a wonderful experience.

Toem 2 is available September 29th on PC, Nintendo Switch 1 & 2, and PlayStation 5.