The Past Within
Genres: Puzzle, Escape Room, Horror, Mystery, Point & Click, Story Rich, Atmospheric, Adventure
Play modes: co-op
Release Date: 2-11-2022
Developer: Rusty Lake
Our verdict
8.5/10
- Difficulty: Medium
- Players: 2
- Playtime: 2–3 h
The Past Within is Rusty Lake's first co-op-only puzzle game. One player is in the past and the other in the future, each seeing a different side of the same mystery around Albert Vanderboom, and you talk each other through what you see to solve the puzzles. Each player needs their own copy, but cross-platform play means a friend can join from phone, Mac or PC. It suits pairs of friends or couples looking for a short evening of talking through puzzles.
Around 95% of more than 4,500 Steam reviews are positive. Players love the communication-based design, which needs no direct online connection, and the mildly creepy Rusty Lake mood. One side plays in 2D and the other in 3D. Most reviewers found it challenging enough without getting stuck, and many replayed it right away from the other side.
Critics say some puzzles boil down to reading a code to your partner who types it into an interface. Two chapters take about two hours, a few achievements are missable without checkpoints, and one reviewer nearly refunded it for being finished inside Steam's two-hour window. At its low price it is an easy pick for a duo; solo players cannot play it at all.
Pros
- Past and future players see different 2D and 3D views of one puzzle
- Cross-platform, so a partner can join from phone or Mac
- Worth replaying from the other side, with reshuffled solutions
Cons
- Some puzzles are just reading a code to your partner
- Two chapters, done in about two hours
- Co-op only, and both players need a copy
About
The past and future cannot be explored alone! Team up with a friend and piece together the mysteries surrounding Albert Vanderboom. Communicate what you see around you to help one another solve various puzzles and explore the worlds from different perspectives!
The Past Within is the first co-op only point-and-click adventure set in the mysterious world of Rusty Lake.
Note: The Past Within is a co-op only game. Both players need to own a copy of the game, as well as a way to communicate with each other. Play together with a friend or find a partner on our official Discord!
