There’s something wonderfully relaxing about a game that doesn’t feel the need to throw explosions, enemies and huge set pieces at you every five minutes, and TOEM 2 is very much one of those games.
Instead, it offers up another slice of charming photography adventure, where the simple act of exploring and taking pictures is once again the main attraction.
Reframed
Following on five years from the original TOEM release, TOEM 2 once again puts you behind the camera as you head off on a colourful adventure packed with strange locations, quirky characters and plenty of things to discover along the way.
The basic idea remains much the same here as in the first game. You’ll explore each area with your trusty camera in hand, completing a variety of tasks for the locals. Many of these challenges involve taking specific photographs, but there’s also plenty of exploring and light puzzle-solving thrown into the mix.
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What makes the whole thing work so well is that TOEM 2 never really feels like it’s rushing you. You can take your time wandering around each area, looking for little secrets, chatting with the locals and simply seeing what you can find.
Of course, the camera remains your most important tool, and you’ll once again be asked to get creative with it. Taking the right shot can sometimes be a little trickier than you might expect, especially when you’re trying to capture something that doesn’t necessarily want to stay still.
Character Capture
There are also plenty of new characters to meet, with the game continuing the series’ knack for creating wonderfully odd little personalities. Most have their own problems for you to solve and, while these can be fairly simple, they add plenty of charm to the journey.
The visuals are once again a real highlight. TOEM 2 has that same black-and-white, handcrafted, almost storybook feel that made the original so appealing, with each area looking like a miniature world.
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It’s also the sort of game where the sound design plays an important part, with a relaxing soundtrack sitting alongside plenty of environmental sounds that make simply wandering around enjoyable.
If I had one complaint, it’s that some of the objectives can still feel a little vague, meaning you may occasionally find yourself wandering around for a little too long.
Ramblelust
But much like the original TOEM, TOEM 2 is at its best when you simply stop worrying about the destination and enjoy the journey. It’s charming, relaxing and packed with little moments that make exploring truly worthwhile.
TOEM 2 might not be the biggest or most demanding adventure out there just now, but sometimes a small, beautifully crafted game is exactly what you need.
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