Gamefings logoimg

Review of TOEM on PS5

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Sep 2021
Cover image of TOEM on PS5
Gamefings Score: 8
Platform: PS5 PS5 logo
Released: 17 Sep 2021
Genre: Photography, Adventure
Developer: Something We Made
Publisher: Something We Made

Introduction

Welcome to TOEM, a game where you get to live out your dreams of becoming a polite Scandinavian photographer! This delightful indie game puts the ‘snap’ in snapshot and the ‘joy’ in ‘joyous exploration.’ Let’s dive into this whimsical world filled with charming NPCs, adorable creatures, and a camera that can capture the essence of everything (and possibly your dignity if you’re not careful).

Gameplay

In TOEM, you play as a young shutterbug, embarking on a quest to witness a rare phenomenon known simply as ‘Toem’ (spoiler alert: it’s not a tiny foot). The adventure features a delightful top-down perspective for exploration, constantly switching to a first-person view when it’s time to capture the best angle. The gameplay involves roaming around scenic Scandinavian towns, solving puzzles set by quirky inhabitants, and of course, capturing photos of anything that catches your eye—like that one peculiar goat your friend swears looks like an elderly man. As you help these NPCs with light-hearted quests, you'll collect stamps for your photo album, which is somehow more exciting than it sounds. Think Pokémon stamps, but for adults. Once you gather enough stamps, you can hop on a bus to the next area! It’s like a travel brochure come to life—complete with adorable characters, a relaxing soundtrack, and just enough puzzles to make you feel clever without the crippling despair of a Dark Souls boss fight. Customization is another big draw, allowing you to don a variety of outfits. Want to cruise around in a dapper suit or a ridiculous chicken costume? You bet you can! Nothing screams ‘serious photographer’ like a dinosaur onesie. Your character can also wave and throw camera poses like a pro, which definitely doesn’t make you look like a total dork at all…

Graphics

TOEM’s graphics are as unique as it gets—imagine a cozy pop-up book brought to life in a monochrome color scheme with soft touches of green and colors that pop just enough to make you grateful you’re not stuck in a world dominated by gray. This hand-drawn art style is as charming as a fluffy puppy in a top hat, and it immerses you fully into its tranquil landscapes. Each area feels like a diorama of adorable scenes just waiting to be photographed. While the game doesn’t boast ultra-realistic graphics, it doesn’t need them. The art direction is whimsical enough to win the hearts of even the most cynical gamers. The backdrop is filled with subtle animations—like trees swaying in the wind or birds flapping around—creating a living photo album that feels cozy and inviting. Plus, the addition of chill lo-fi beats makes you feel like you should be sipping herbal tea while contemplating the beauty of nature… or just snapping pics of random fruit.

Conclusion

TOEM is a charming little gem that perfectly captures the joy of photography and exploration in a world fraught with peculiar characters and whimsical places. It might not conquer the world or shatter any sales records, but what it lacks in broad appeal it makes up for in heart. This game is ideal for those looking to relax, snap pretty pictures, and possibly enjoy some light puzzle-solving without busting a brain vein. So, if you think your inner hipster is ready for a delightful adventure filled with photographic flair, grab your PS5 and dive into TOEM. Just remember, no one actually *needs* another picture of a cat, but everything else is fair game! Grab your camera, put on your silliest outfit, and embrace the pure joy of photography in the cutest indie adventure you’ll play this year. Just keep the dino suit handy for those unexpected goat photo ops!

See Latest Prices for TOEM on PS5 on Amazon

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Forza Horizon 5 Takes a Pit Stop on PS5'
Tanya Krane - 31 Jan 2025
In a move that's left gamers doing double-takes and Xbox loyalists clutching their controllers a little tighter, <strong>Forza Hor...
image for news article 'Astro Bot's Galactic Sweep at The Game Awards 2024'
Max Rathon - 13 Dec 2024
In a twist that left even the most cynical gamers doing a double-take, <em>Astro Bot</em> rocketed past the competition to snag th...
image for news article 'PlayStation's 30th Anniversary Events'
Hemal Harris - 06 Dec 2024
Greetings, fellow gamers and button-mashers! As we commemorate three decades of PlayStation, it's time to dust off those memory ca...
image for news article 'Xbox Year in Review 2024: A Hilarious Recap'
Tanya Krane - 06 Dec 2024
Greetings, esteemed gamers and joystick jesters! As 2024 takes its final bow, it's time to don our virtual party hats and revel in...
image for news article 'PS5 Pro: The Mega-Souped-Up Console That’ll Melt Your Brain (And Wallet)'
Hemal Harris - 10 Oct 2024
Alright, gamers. Ready for your wallet to cry? Say hello to the PS5 Pro, the next-gen beast that’s about to rock your gaming life ...
image for news article 'The Wacky History of Platform Games'
Chucky - 04 Oct 2024
Platform games - the genre that made us believe we could jump higher, run faster, and collect floating coins while avoiding spike ...
image for news article 'Xbox is turning 25!'
Gemma Looksby - 23 Sep 2024
So, Xbox and Halo are turning 25 soon, and Microsoft’s like, “Dude, we HAVE to party!”...
image for news article 'PS5 Disc Console vs. PS5 Digital Edition: Which One Should You Get?'
Jay Aborro - 20 Sep 2024
Compare the PS5 Disc Edition and PS5 Digital Edition, highlighting key differences such as price, physical media capability, and c...