TOEM 2 announcement provides new reason to smile

• Announcements by Jack Allin
• Published:

Sequel to cozy 2021 black-and-white isometric photography adventure coming to PC and consoles in 2026

It doesn't seem like there's that much to smile about these days, but there'll soon be plenty of people mugging for the camera and saying "cheese!" in TOEM 2, the upcoming sequel to Something We Made's cozy 2021 photography adventure. 

In the original TOEM, players assumed the role of a cute little creature who is given a camera by their grandmother and sets out on a quest up the mountain to photograph the titular mystical... whatever it is. The TOEM was largely a McGuffin, however, serving mainly as an aspirational end goal for a charming expedition across quaint Scandinavian-inspired environments, where you met and interacted with a variety of unusual characters and used your new camera to help them solve their problems. The sequel puts you back in the shoes of the same "curious photographer" a few years later as you embark on your "biggest adventure yet, spurred on by your passion for mystery and wonder." What's the final destination this time? Who cares, when there's more exploring and socializing and picture-taking to be done in a "brand new adventure all about uncovering hidden details, helping friends along the way, and documenting the world’s little wonders."

As with its predecessor, winner of the BAFTA award for "Best Debut" that year, TOEM 2 looks to be another cozy black-and-white adventure with simple mechanics and a wholesome premise that's suitable for all ages. If the early teaser and screenshots are any indication, however, there will be a few changes this time around. While the first game's hand-drawn cartoon environments were viewed from a distant isometric perspective when not in first-person photograph mode, the sequel will offer a more up-close-and-personal experience, at least at times, which allows you to "jump and climb around" for the best viewing angles. The relaxed, uplifting mood and style of the game will be much like it was before, though, as the indie Swedish development team is intent on "celebrating what worked, while improving the rest." 

TOEM 2 is still early in development and it will probably be 2026 before it's released on consoles and Steam for Windows PC. But if you're new to the series and have the itch to start shutterbugging right away, there's lots of time to check out the original TOEM: A Photo Adventure while you wait. 

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