Toem 2 Proves That Sometimes Smaller, Focused Sequels Are Exactly What We Need
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Toem 2 refines the camera-focused indie formula of its predecessor, delivering a charming, puzzle-filled four-hour adventure across three new regions.
Developer Something We Made is striking gold once again with Toem 2, a sequel that keeps the core premise of the 2021 hit while adding a fresh layer of polish and charm. Sticking to a tight four-hour runtime, the game drops you back into the shoes of a young photographer chasing down a magical phenomenon known as toem. Instead of chasing endless bloat or open-world fatigue, the team focused on refining what worked. The result is a delightfully paced adventure that respects your time and keeps the gameplay loop tight and satisfying.
Set across three distinct regions, the sequel introduces clever new mechanics tied directly to your camera lens. In Cropten, you are helping out on a massive farm, while Taletorp channels a whimsical, Dungeons & Dragons style vibe in a dark forest. Deltburg brings you to a bustling city area anchored by a massive aquarium. Each location introduces specific camera tools, like using your lens to hammer nails for an apprentice construction worker or fixing pipe leaks for a local plumber. Best of all, developer feedback was clearly heard, as the sequel finally includes an in-house minimap to make navigation a breeze.
While the brevity leaves you wanting more after a single afternoon of play, the sheer joy packed into every corner of the world makes it worth every minute. It avoids the traditional farming tropes of the cozy genre, opting instead for clever puzzle-solving, vibrant character interactions, and laugh-out-loud humor without any frustrating friction. As Polygon reported, Toem 2 launches on September 29 for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X, offering the perfect antidote to massive, time-sink live-service games.
Tags: Indie Games, PC Gaming, Console Gaming, Puzzle Games
Original article: Polygon