Parents' Guide to TOEM

This is a standout entry into the genre of wholesome games that's perfect for sensitive players. TOEM balances a relaxing environment with engaging play and intuitive mechanics. Thematically, it represents the benefits of curiousity, empathy, and perseverance -- and the value of stopping to smell the roses -- but it's far from preachy. The dialogue from the characters is irreverent and playful (but never too adult), the art is charming and unique, and the songs are the ideal easy-listening bops for a leisurely adventure. Despite being undeniably cute, TOEM never veers into the territory of saccharine or cloying. There's an earnest bluntness about the characters that sets a grounded tone and contributes to its low-key humor. For instance, in one area, you endeavor to help a worker fix his machine only to find a bird hiding in the gears. This isn't the issue, the worker assures you: the bird's always hanging out in there. These types of off-beat jokes are sprinkled throughout the tale, as are smaller, more whimsical details that recall some of the earliest point-and-click children's computer games. But an exploration game like this can only really succeed if the art and animation is engrossing, and in that regard TOEM delivers.

In fact, the chaming black-and-white cartoon style might be its strongest part, transporting you into an adorable world that's at once familiar and utterly fantastical. The flora and fauna of this world are a mixture of real things -- like owls and ants -- and cute creations like the 'Tato,' which takes on different attributes depending on the setting. Not only is the art executed well, you can see the care and attention placed into every animation, from the way the main character pops up onto a bench to the Logcity Tato zooming around on a mini skateboard. The only real downside to TOEM is its short length. An average playthrough only takes around four hours. Still, players who want to stick around the delightful world of TOEM can continue after completing the main objective of the game by revisiting old locations and finishing any extra photo assignments or achievements.