⭐⭐⭐⭐

(All I can do are these tiny stars instead of cool gif stars.)

TOEM is a game best played during a snowy Saturday when you have nothing else to do. This game does not take away stress because, to experience the game in the best possible way, means playing without any stress to begin with. The hand-drawn art style ultimately proves to be this game's sparkling talent, which makes up for the other parts of the game which are lacking.

The characters are unique and even reoccurring in some areas. It's nice to just imagine how the world must be for those living in it. I absolutely adore the way the characters speak. It's just so on point for the general aesthetic this game brings to the table. As well, the design of the map and levels brings so many fine details that you can really only notice by taking out your camera and zooming in on them.

The game, on the surface, is a quest simulator with a camera. People ask you to take pictures of things, you do, and then you move on. This seemingly dull cycle gives the game its own unique, comfortable theme to it that you just don't see very often with other games.

I think, under the surface, the game encourages wonder, a sense of exploration, and the want to help others. 

The bird you play as sets out on a quest of their own to "Experience TOEM," as it says in the stamp book. By the end of the game, after helping tons of people on your journey, you reach a mountain peak which explodes with bright colorful lights in the sky, known as TOEM. After returning home, you get a long bus ride as the credits roll, showing you photos you've taken throughout the game. Sure, TOEM is a phenomenon that you did end up seeing, but you also experienced, well, the game TOEM. You did both. 

My only issue was how short it was. There is more content past the required amount of quests per location, but even then I found myself completing them all (or the ones I could complete) past the quest requirement. But, I have to admit, a game's only issue being that it needs more content is the second best a game can be.

Go out and say hi to people! Experience the world too!

- Noelle <3