By Stroud Toem is one of those indie gems that quietly sneaks up on you with its charm, creativity, and warmth. Developed by Something We Made, it’s a delightful hand-drawn adventure that invites you to explore a quirky black-and-white world through the lens of your camera—and I absolutely loved every minute of it.
The concept is simple yet refreshing: you play as a young adventurer setting out to witness a natural phenomenon called “Toem.” Along the way, you help the oddball residents of different towns and environments by solving puzzles, completing tasks, and capturing key moments on your camera. It reminded me a lot of Pokémon Snap, but with more freedom and less pressure—there’s no scoring system or timed shots here. Instead, Toem is about observing the world at your own pace, enjoying the little details, and finding joy in discovery.
What really sets Toem apart is its atmosphere. The art style is charmingly minimalistic—crisp black-and-white visuals that look like they were drawn straight out of a sketchbook. Each area you explore has its own personality, and the characters are full of humor and life despite the simple design. The soundtrack is gentle and soothing, perfectly matching the game’s relaxing, feel-good tone.
The camera mechanic feels intuitive and fun. Whether you’re snapping photos of hidden creatures, capturing moments to solve puzzles, or just collecting memories, it’s a satisfying loop that never feels tedious. There’s a surprising amount of creativity in how the game uses photography as both a tool and a storytelling device.
If there’s a small downside, it’s that the game isn’t very long—you can finish it in a few hours—but honestly, it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Toem feels like a cozy afternoon well spent, and by the end, I felt genuinely satisfied.
In short, Toem is a lovely, feel-good indie title that’s as much about the journey as it is the destination. With its unique photography-based gameplay, charming aesthetic, and gentle pacing, it’s the kind of game that’s easy to pick up, hard to put down, and sure to leave a smile on your face. If you’re a fan of games like Pokémon Snap or just want something wholesome and creative, Toem is absolutely worth your time.