TOEM

 Switch
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 3 out of 14

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Nindie_Nexus
    Oct 30, 2021
    7
    The main story for Toem is very short, clocking in at around three hours or so. But those three hours are very nice. Each of the different areas differ greatly from each other and give a different experience to the player. The amount of things that you can take pictures of is immense and after a while, I naturally found myself focusing on items and moments that were definitely tied to aThe main story for Toem is very short, clocking in at around three hours or so. But those three hours are very nice. Each of the different areas differ greatly from each other and give a different experience to the player. The amount of things that you can take pictures of is immense and after a while, I naturally found myself focusing on items and moments that were definitely tied to a quest, even without knowing for sure if that was the case. For a majority of the content available, Toem makes it obvious when you want to take pictures or interact with something.

    The main downside is, again, the short runtime for those looking for a substantial story. I personally was surprised I only ended up spending three hours. But I do wish that there was one or two more worlds to explore around in. It was fun running around taking pictures of everything and the quirkiness of the characters left a smile on my face. There is also some awkwardness with making the bus pass and the quest log tied together, since the quest log is limited to about 1/3 of the page.

    The styling for Toem plays very well in its advantage. Monochrome is not a stylistic choice made very often in games. So when it’s done well, it definitely sticks out. The music ties well with each of the environments and blends nicely into the background. And being able to choose whatever songs you want to listen to is always a great choice to give the player in games like this.

    If you are sitting on the fence with this title due to the price vs. gameplay time, I would say wait for a sale if that is your main deal breaker. Otherwise, Toem is a fun experience and one that I would love to experience again.    … Expand
  2. NindieSpotlight
    Dec 17, 2021
    8
    I don’t know whether it was triggered by a pandemic that had everyone stuck in their houses and wishing for a chance to appreciate the world around us but this year has produced a string of pretty amazing exploratory adventures, with TOEM being the latest to join the club. Formerly featured in one of Nintendo’s Indie World Directs, this somewhat quirky and very calming title sports aI don’t know whether it was triggered by a pandemic that had everyone stuck in their houses and wishing for a chance to appreciate the world around us but this year has produced a string of pretty amazing exploratory adventures, with TOEM being the latest to join the club. Formerly featured in one of Nintendo’s Indie World Directs, this somewhat quirky and very calming title sports a distinctive black and white hand-drawn art style and encourages you to see everything in the world around you, down to the little things like hidden bugs or the occasional shy monster. It will likely only take most people around 4 hours to finish, a little more or less depending on how determined you are to work out every quest available to you, but if you’re looking to enjoy a consistent stream of odd surprises and interactions mixed with what are generally pretty sensible puzzles it really scratches that itch well. Among its recent brethren it’s perhaps a little longer and more varied in where you’ll go and what you’ll do, but with the photo taking there can be times where you’ll know what you need to do, but doing it in a way that the game recognizes can be tricky too. While it isn’t perfect, and may well be too sedate for some folks, I found it to be an enjoyable journey that helped me relax and feel great for a few engaging hours.

    https://www.nindiespotlight.com/2021/09/mini-reviews-september-14th-edition.html    … Expand
  3. Black_S
    Jan 12, 2023
    10
    Toem is Poem.
    Small game about photo adventure with interesting world, beings, people. Very relaxing and enjoyable.
    I really like those small games with "curious" feelings. It is a bit short. But I am looking for next adventure.
  4. mariebot
    Dec 27, 2021
    9
    Lovely design, cute puzzles, cozy music. Only downside that I would have played it another few hours more. But it's good this way. Absolutely recommended

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Best Switch Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Edge Magazine
    Dec 30, 2021
    70
    Like playing with a good camera, though, this is really its own reward - something that's a joy to fiddle with for hours at a time, even if no one but you is interested in the results. [Issue#367, p.123]
  2. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Nov 8, 2021
    90
    TOEM isn't a long game, and it's not a difficult one, but it's perfect if you want to enjoy a cute, low-key gaming experience that's built around a photo mode. [Issue #56 – November/December 2021, p. 25]
  3. Nintendo Life
    Nov 7, 2021
    80
    Like a great album you put on at the end of the day to wind down, Toem is an incredibly relaxing experience that you'll wish you could experience all over again once it's finished. It almost makes us want to start capturing photographs of the world around us, but sadly, we don’t have a duck dressed as a lighthouse keeper to show them to. If only.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »