When the Past Was Around

What start as very simple hidden object brain-teasers eventually progress to multi-scene puzzles, where items you collect serve more than one function. The puzzles never get hard per se, but they are immensely satisfying all the same, especially the more involved ones.

Concise, carefully crafted and beautifully malleable in its meaning, When The Past Was Around is a rather gorgeous little art game that remembers it needs to be interesting in its puzzles as well as its narrative. Taking the principles of escape room-style gameplay and fitting them around its theme lends them a gravitas that belies their simplicity and elevates this game into more than just the indie flavour of the month. Sure, you're not likely to play it twice, but you'd be hard-pressed to forget about it. And, honestly, after this year? We needed it.

When the Past Was Around is a beautiful, moving, and masterfully crafted emotional journey. It’s a short but incredibly powerful experience that uses a stunning visual style and a captivating soundtrack to tell a deeply human story of love, loss, and the power of memories. Although the simple puzzles won’t be a challenge for veterans of the genre, the real reward here is the story itself and the feelings it leaves you with. I just have to say that, as I’m wrapping up this review, one more important thing occurred to me. Even though the story and everything else are wonderful, you don’t need to experience it a second time. I’m sorry.

When the Past was Around is a very atmospheric and warm game about relationships, experiences and the fact that love does not go away after time and years. A very positive experience for those who are depressed after a breakup or are experiencing the melancholy of a cold winter.

With such a touching story, it would be hard not to get emotionally involved. A brilliantly balanced puzzle game that plays second fiddle to a mournful plot that takes you on a journey of discovery. Do I recommend it? Absolutely, I loved it, and you can buy a copy here! Can you help Eda let go of her past? Live through her memories and help her look to the future.

When the Past was Around is a well-made point-and-click adventure. The music and visuals contribute to the captivating, if abstract, tale. The puzzles are just right in terms of difficulty, although the game could be a little longer overall, making it a very good distraction for an afternoon.

If you're looking for a great indie title to while away a sombre afternoon, look no further.

If you’re a hopeless romantic like me that loves to have their heart shattered into hundreds of pieces over a thought-provoking story, When the Past Was Around is exactly what you’re looking for.

Despite its few flaws, When The Past Was Around tells a beautiful love story through simplistic mechanics and themes. The only thing that gets in the way is puzzle pacing at the end, which breaks the formula in an uncomplimentary way.

Whether due to its miserly length or disjointed puzzles, Mojiken's exploration of loss is already distant in my mental rearview mirror.