Commentary: ‘Toem’ And How The Simplest Stories Can Make The Best Games
by Frank Martin
In terms of storytelling, it’s amazing the wide range that video games can encompass. The possibilities are far greater than almost any other medium. This might be due to the fact that the story works in tandem with the gameplay, which can cover a lot of ground. There are fighting games, puzzle games, action games, simulators, and many, many more. Because a story can be viewed as an extension of the gameplay, there’s no limit to how much or how little narrative needs to be inserted in order to move the game forward. Sometimes, the simplest story works the best to allow the gameplay to shine for a unique experience. This is the way Toem operates, and the game succeeds because of it.
Similar to Pokemon, the game is about a boy who comes of age and goes out on a adventure around the world. Except instead of training creatures, the boy has a camera and takes pictures. In the various locations he visits, the boy is given simple assignments to accomplish, such as taking pictures of certain things and helping people with errands. The boy’s ultimate goal is to witness something magnificent, which ends up being a spectacular light show on top of a mountain. But other than that, there’s no true narrative or characterization to speak of. There’s only just enough plot to propel the gameplay forward from level to level.
Created by indie game studio Something We Made, Toem has a story, it just takes a huge backseat to the gameplay, which is incredibly immersive for how simple it is. The levels are small 3D environments the player moves around in. When the player goes into camera mode, it gives them a first person perspective as to what they are taking pictures of. The camera has a whole bunch of features that diversifies the gameplay, but the point is that something as simple as taking pictures can be an incredibly relaxing experience. Games can be intense adrenaline fueled shooters or basic photography assignments. And Toem positions a story and character just basic enough to set the gameplay up and allow the fun experience to take over.
Toem is now available on Xbox Game Pass.
