Developer Imagine Wings Studio • Publisher Edigger • Release May 6 • Played On PC
Straightforward but not simple, With My Past is a pensive blend of puzzle game and self-reflective mental-health journey. Though brief, it tells its story fully and cleverly, with the words of the main character’s inner-monologue unfolding as I make my way through increasingly complex levels — made more difficult by the physical representation of my past. It’s a short, compassionate, dreamy experience for fans of introspection.
Of the game’s main pillars — puzzle, narrative, and visuals — I’m tempted to give top prize to the visuals, which are not only stunning throughout but also emotionally evocative. The pixel character models are endearing. Monumental statues occasionally pop up to reference heartbreaking works of art or some of the greatest thinkers humanity has to offer. A sunset or looming moon pulls back to an idea from a melancholy poem. It’s all exceptional.
The puzzles, perhaps, take the bronze metal. The ideas are inventive, asking me to get from a starting point to an ending point while contending with a “past me.” This is a literally shadow of my past actions, which does everything I just did, but a few seconds later. The past me unpulls levers and un-pushes button I had just triggered to open doors or move vital platforms. In the beginning, it’s up to me to trick or outwit the past in order to reach my goal. However, as my relationship with my past self changes, so too does the way I interact with it to navigate each puzzle room.
Only a step behind the visuals is the game’s narrative. Moments of fear, heartbreak, and, finally, acceptance often scroll across the screen by way of materializing words. Sometimes, the word choices seem just a bit off, making me wonder if localization needed some polishing. But the depths of the feelings aren’t overshadowed. Every step of the game is indicative of and informed by the character’s inner journey. Her struggles can be all-too-relatable.
With only about three hours of run time, With My Past is a great choice for players looking to dive into their emotions.
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