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The Past Within

Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Mac, Android • 2022

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Quick resume

The Past Within is the new co-op experience from Rusty Lake! Play together with someone you deem trustworthy: one in The Past, the other in The Future. Observe and communicate what you see around you. Solve the puzzles and uncover Albert Vanderboom’s plan.

Global score

95/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Point-and-click, Puzzle

Pros

  • Unique cooperative gameplay
  • Engaging communication-based puzzles
  • Immersive eerie atmosphere
  • Cross-platform play without internet connection
  • Replayability with different perspectives

Cons

  • Short game length
  • Puzzles considered too easy by some
  • Lack of single-player mode
  • Limited puzzle variety
  • Some minor bugs reported

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have control over their own actions and decisions within their timeline, requiring active communication and problem solving."

  • Competence
    2

    "Puzzles are relatively simple and straightforward, but require skillful communication and coordination to solve."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements; focus is entirely on cooperative play without rankings or comparisons."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Players often replay the game to experience different perspectives and complete achievements, though the base game is short."

  • Cooperation
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around working closely with another player through communication to solve puzzles."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players creatively describe and interpret clues to solve puzzles; some customization in approach to communication."

  • Domination
    -5

    "Gameplay emphasizes equal partnership and mutual respect without exerting control over others."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Provides an immersive, eerie atmosphere that allows players to escape into a mysterious narrative world."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and interest, not out of obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Players explore different puzzle solutions and communication methods, with some replayability offering new experiences."

  • Exploration
    1

    "Limited exploration of environments; focus is more on puzzle solving and communication than discovering new areas."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Minimal customization or self-expression; players use predefined game elements and aesthetics."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Engages players in a surreal, eerie narrative with imaginative fiction and mysterious themes."

  • Fellowship
    5

    "Strong sense of community and shared experience through cooperative gameplay and communication."

  • Growth
    2

    "Players develop communication and problem-solving skills, though puzzles are not highly complex."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement during play sessions."

  • Intimacy
    4

    "Encourages close social interaction and bonding through cooperative puzzle solving."

  • Leadership
    -4

    "Players share responsibilities equally without clear leadership or authority roles."

  • Progression
    3

    "Progression through story and puzzle completion with some achievement collection."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Generally relaxing with balanced challenge; some suspenseful moments but not overly stressful."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Atmospheric audio-visuals provide sensory stimulation and emotional engagement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social status or recognition mechanics; focus is on private cooperative experience."

  • Story
    4

    "Narrative is a key element, with immersive storytelling and lore connected to the Rusty Lake universe."

  • Strategy
    1

    "Puzzles require some logical thinking but are mostly straightforward and communication-based."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Contains some suspense and eerie moments that create mild thrills without high risk."

  • Value
    2

    "Generally considered good value for price, especially on sale, despite short length."

  • Violence
    -3

    "Minimal violence; focus is on puzzle solving and cooperative interaction rather than combat."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival or threat avoidance elements; stable and safe gameplay environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026