It’s often said a picture is worth a thousand words and that age old saying rings true in Toem. An irresistibly charming indie title by Swedish studio Something We Made. Toem is all about taking the perfect snapshot in a bite size tale that is very easy to lose yourself in.

Having been released on both the Switch and PS5 back in 2021 the game has now made the jump to the Xbox family of machines and is also included in Game Pass.

Monochrome Maestro

Toem sees you play as a budding photographer who starts their adventure with only a camera and a set of dashing clogs.

And from there you’re off on an adventure to take the best pictures you can exploring forests, cities and even the seaside, as you quest to uncover the true secrets of the phenomenon known as ‘Toem’.

While you’re out and about exploring you’ll also chat with a good few quirky characters as well as help them solve more than a few problems, often by snapping pictures which brings in a light puzzle based element to the gameplay.

As you play you’ll unlock new features for your camera. Stuff like a tripod or horn to help interact with your picture’s subjects or some of the locals. Though beware as you ramble. Always be on the lookout for it rain, snow or mud, as these changes in conditions can affect your shots too. For example, you can get mud on your lens.

Beyond the Lens

Taking pics is just half the fun. The other side sees you getting to explore each location. Each scene is packed full of fun things to see and discover. And there’s often a little side tale in each that hint at a much wider world. Toem makes it worth your while soaking it all in.

You have to complete a number of tasks before unlocking the next place to go to. However, Toem game actually does a good job at letting you pick and choose which tasks you want to do.

This means you’re never too stuck for too long, or held back from moving things forward.

Picture Perfect

The most striking thing about the game is its visuals, as this is a black and white title that has an almost paper craft feel to it, with each area looking like a lovingly crafted diorama.

You also find a number of cassettes as you explore, which unlock new music tracks you can play when you want, which is a lovely touch in a game already dripping in care and love.

Toem isn’t afraid to just let you enjoy its world without any music though. The sound design on show here is outstanding. And some of the best moments are when you’re just standing in a forest opening and just being part of it all.

Fun But Fiddly

Toem‘s menus are a little bit clunky, especially when tracking quests in your logbook. Quest givers themselves don’t really help much either. After that first conversation, most will just say “that’s not what I am looking for”.

Toem can be completed in a few hours but it’s the perfect snapshot tale that is whimsical, charming and will ultimately leave you feeling very content with the time you’ll have spent with it as the journey is as picture perfect as the destination.