TOEM 2 Review - Quite Possibly The Best Cozy Game Of The Year

TOEM 2 takes everything you loved in the original and adds a few more bells of whistles, all of which combine to make it one of 2026's best games.

It's hard to relax in 2026, but TOEM 2 might just be the restful cure we've all been waiting for. This sequel does an excellent job of combining chill vibes with a tranquil gameplay loop. And it honestly may wind up being one of the best games of the year. It certainly ranks as one of my favorite video games of 2026.

Full disclosure: I absolutely adore the first TOEM. It was one of the more pleasant surprises of 2021, and I still recommend the game to anyone who will listen. So, I had pretty high expectations when TOEM 2 was first announced, and after getting 100% completion on the PlayStation 5, the sequel lives up to the hype. In fact, it might be one of those rare sequels that actually manages to surpass the original.

TOEM 2 Adds More Ingredients To Its Loveable Gameplay Mix

The one downside, of course, is that what made TOEM so surprising is essentially familiar territory in TOEM 2. This second entry isn't quite as revelatory because of that, but it does an excellent job of taking everything great about the first game and adding a few more bells and whistles. Thankfully, all of those new elements gel perfectly.

The core gameplay loop in TOEM 2 is still the same as it was in the first game: travel to different areas, aid citizens by completing requests, and take photographs along the way. This time around, you're given various tools — including a hammer in one area and a screwdriver in another — which you'll need to progress through the main story and solve puzzles. Completing requests will earn you stamps, allowing you to venture further. Otherwise, it's still a laidback scavenger hunt where you take lots of photos.

TOEM 2's Music & Art Style Are Highlights

Like the first game, TOEM 2 is black and white, offering up a classic comic strip aesthetic that's packed full of variety and humor. With its anthropomorphic animals and whimsical environments, the game's locations reminded me of being a kid in the '90s, looking through one of those black-and-white puzzles in a Highlights magazine.

Music is another big part of TOEM 2. The soundtrack from Launchable Socks and Jamal Green is just as varied as the people who populate TOEM 2's towns. You can collect cassettes throughout the game and even listen back to your favorite songs. Whether you'd like to dance, practice deep breathing, or just vibe, there's a little something for everyone here.

A Cozy Game That Won't Stress You Out With Daily Tasks

Most cozy games stress me out, probably because they're mostly life sims. They come with a list of daily tasks that often resemble my IRL daily obligations, so it just feels like more work. More ways to stay busy. More things to worry about. TOEM 2 is the antithesis of that. Everything is built around chilling out and taking your time.

More than once, TOEM 2 invites you to mellow out, stop, and smell the proverbial roses. You can literally even meditate in the game.

The relaxed feel doesn't mean the game is boring or sleep-inducing. It's actually a ton of fun. There are plenty of puzzles to solve and photographs to take. Each area comes with a dozen or more side quests. You can do only what's required or keep exploring to reach 100% completion. How you play TOEM 2 beyond the main story requirements is totally up to you. The downside is that it's pretty short; you can complete the game in under 5 hours.

The story is all about self-discovery and helping others. It's got a positive message that never feels preachy or contrived. In an increasingly stressful world, I'm grateful for games like this one. TOEM 2 is quite possibly the best cozy game of the year. Here's hoping this series lasts a long time. We certainly need it.