TOEM

 Switch
TOEM Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 14 Ratings

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  • Summary: A photo adventure. 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. Chat with quirky characters, solve their problems by snapping neat photos, and make your way through a relaxing landscape!A photo adventure. 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. Chat with quirky characters, solve their problems by snapping neat photos, and make your way through a relaxing landscape!

    Key Features
    - Take photos with your camera to solve puzzles and help people!
    - Listen to chill beats and take in your surroundings!
    - Meet quirky characters and help them with their problems!    … Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. 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]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. GAMINGbible
    Sep 13, 2021
    90
    Overall, TOEM is a remarkable take on the photography game genre, if it is a genre at all. You take pictures both to progress in the game and for your own pleasure, with each shot further strengthening your link to the in-game world and its delightful characters. While it's predominantly a happy-go-lucky experience, there are some poignant moments, and it's a game that could stay in your heart long after you beat it.
  3. COGconnected
    Sep 21, 2021
    90
    TOEM is suitable for all audiences. Everything from its friendly nature, to the ease of control, to the cute characters and catchy tunes, TOEM hits the mark in many ways. Though I wish it were longer, a part of me thinks the short length adds to the simplicity and relaxation aspect of the experience. It was just so inviting, especially during days where you want to do something easy and not necessarily feel too challenged, making me wish there was more content and areas to explore. TOEM 2, perhaps?
  4. Siliconera
    Sep 13, 2021
    80
    Toem is an utterly delightful Switch photography game that is filled with personality and doesn’t wear out its welcome. It rewards you for taking your time and paying attention. Which doesn’t mean you can’t rush through and finish it in a single weekend if you’d like. But it is the sort of adventure that goes out of its way to make someone feel comfortable. And with all of its little details, I imagine a player might be able to return a few times to check out little extras they might have missed.
  5. Shacknews
    Sep 22, 2021
    80
    Toem has you take your time, frame things up, put the zoom on proper, and take as many tries as you’d like to get it right with good music to accompany the process. It’s a short-lived expedition and can get choppy on the switch when there’s a lot going on in an area, but it’s still a charming experience I very much enjoyed my time with. I wouldn’t mind seeing more games take this more carefree route to a photographic experience in video games.
  6. Switch Player
    Sep 13, 2021
    80
    TOEM is one of the many wholesome games available on Switch, but it is one that stands out thanks to its unique hand-drawn art style and enjoyable perspective mechanics. A short but sweet, frame-by-frame adventure.
  7. Eurogamer Italy
    Sep 13, 2021
    70
    TOEM perfectly represents the beauty of the journey rather than reaching the destination. A relaxing and enjoyable experience armed with a camera.

See all 25 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. 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    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.    … Expand
  2. 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. AbsolutelyLovely 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… Expand
  4. 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 worldI 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
  5. 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 differentThe 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

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Best Switch Game of 2021