TOEM 2 is officially back in the spotlight, and after a hands-on session at SGF 2025, it’s clear that this indie gem is evolving in delightful ways. Developed once again by Something We Made, the sequel to the 2021 fan-favorite TOEM: A Photo Adventure continues the cozy monochrome aesthetic while adding new layers of creative gameplay.
This time around, our quirky camera-wielding protagonist returns, dropped straight into a scenic village with little guidance – just a camera and curiosity.
Instead of following a linear narrative like the original’s trek up TOEM mountain, TOEM 2 encourages open-ended exploration and helping townsfolk with whimsical problems.
During the hands-on preview, I solved four charming mini-quests: snapping pictures of goats to appease a troll, finding a liquid courage potion for a cowardly knight, and more. Each task rewarded me with a collectible stamp, encouraging you to keep exploring and helping out.
The trusty camera remains your main tool, and it’s more versatile than ever. I unlocked a hammer upgrade early on, which let me smash through stone blocks. But there’s a twist – to use it, you need to tap in morse-code-like rhythms in a tiny minigame, which adds a quirky layer of interactivity.
One memorable puzzle involved sculpting a 3×3 block cube. Instead of running back and forth to compare shapes, I cleverly snapped photos of each side for reference. The devs hadn’t expected that approach, but it worked beautifully, reinforcing how photography is integrated into every part of the game.
TOEM 2 also introduces jumping – a simple yet exciting mechanic that opens up new vertical spaces. I couldn’t break the game’s boundaries, but I did find secrets like hidden hats by bouncing around creatively. With jumping now in play, it’s unclear if the beloved Honk tool will return or be replaced.
While TOEM 2’s charm is already shining, fans will have to be patient. The game is slated for a 2026 release across PC and unannounced consoles. Based on this first look, though, it’s shaping up to be another heartfelt adventure full of surprises and smiles.