Game: TOEM 2
Genre: Adventure, Casual, Indie
System: Steam (Windows, macOS, Linux) (also available on PlayStation5 and Nintendo Switch)
Developer | Publisher: Something We Made | Something We Made, popagenda
Controller Support: Full
Price: US $TBC | UK £TBC | EU € TBC
Release Date: September 29, 2026
Review code provided with many thanks to popagenda.
The original TOEM was one of my favorite games of 2021. So when I found out that developers Something We Made were making a second one, I was first in line to want a code. So let’s dive into TOEM 2 and see what’s new and if the sequel holds up to the high bar the first put in place.
Another Photo-Worthy Journey
If you didn’t play TOEM, it was a short, black-and-white game about a journey to get to see some magical sights and meet friends along the way. In order to make these friends and get from place to place, you will need to take loads of photos.
While you are taking photos, you can also get tools added onto your camera that help you help the NPCs around the area. There is a snip tool for cutting away plants that get in the way, a wrench tool to help crank bolts, and more. Each area has a new tool to learn about and use.
TOEM 2 is very conversation-heavy; you will spend almost the whole time either walking, talking, or taking pictures. It’s a very cozy, relaxing time, filled with photo-based puzzles, and is one of the cutest games I’ve played in a while. It has the same vibes as the first one, but you don’t need to play TOEM before picking up TOEM 2 to understand what’s going on.
The Pros of TOEM 2
TOEM 2Â is a well-polished game with a lot of heart and soul in it. The vibe of the game is adorable, and I love the black and white visuals. The camera is fun to play with, and the puzzles are interesting. There are a lot of unique NPCs wandering around the places you stop, and there is always something fun or wacky going on.
Each area has a list of side quests, creatures to photograph, sights to see, friends to make, and people to chat with. The characters are engaging, and it’s super fun to chat with everyone. I think the developers are great at making weird and wonderful people to get to know while you explore. And the music! I love that the band Launchable Socks returned to create some more beautiful tunes for the sequel.
TOEM 2 is a short game; you can complete the whole thing 100% in just a few hours. But those few hours will be filled with all sorts of interesting things to do, clothes to collect, and photos to take.
The Cons of TOEM 2
I didn’t have very many issues with TOEM 2. I had some trouble with my save file when I played a couple of weeks ago, but the game seems to have been fixed since. I didn’t have the same issues during my second playthrough after a small update.
TOEM 2 runs well; it had no grammatical issues or bugs that I saw. Everything was as perfect as it could be. I didn’t 100% the game just yet, but I am planning to in the near future; I completed all but the final location before heading to the tree, so all the quests appear to work properly.
Conclusion
TOEM 2Â is perfect. I love the music, the collectables, the outfits, the puzzles, the camera tools, the changes, and everything that stayed the same. It has such a beautiful, wonderful vibe. I love going around and helping all the NPCs, chatting with the locals, and of course, seeing the TOEM for myself at the very end! If you liked the first one, or if you like cozy games in general, I think you will enjoy this game as well.
Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up:Â
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