We Love It's Guide to…
Two players explore the past and future in separate 2D and 3D worlds, sharing clues to solve puzzles and uncover a family plan.
Released 02 Nov 2022
Explore Two Timelines
Trade Hidden Clues
Solve 2D/3D Puzzles
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.
Developed by Rusty Lake · Published by Rusty Lake
The Past Within is a two-player point-and-click adventure about the mysteries surrounding Albert Vanderboom. One player explores the past and the other the future, helping Rose set her father's plan in motion.
Each player sees a different environment and set of clues. By describing objects, symbols, and mechanisms to one another, they piece together information and solve puzzles across the two timelines.
The adventure has two chapters and includes 2D and 3D perspectives. Players can replay from the other role, with different puzzle solutions, for another view of the events.
Players often enjoy how the past-and-future split makes communication and teamwork essential to solving puzzles, turning the exchange of clues into the central activity. Reviews also praise the eerie, distinctive presentation and the shared experience of working through the story together. Some players find the puzzles straightforward or repetitive, and the short adventure and limited differences on replay leave others wanting more.
Note: The Past Within is a co-op-only game. Both players need to own a copy of the game and a way to communicate with each other. Play with a friend or find a partner on our official Discord, which is linked in the sidebar!
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.
A co-op experience
Play together with a friend, one in The Past, the other in The Future. Work together to solve the puzzles and help Rose set her father’s plan in motion!
Two worlds - Two perspectives
Both players will experience their environments in two different dimensions: 2D as well as in 3D - a first-time experience in the Rusty Lake universe!
Cross-platform play
As long as you can communicate with each other, you and your partner of choice can each play The Past Within on your preferred platform: PC, Mac, iOS, Android and (very soon) Nintendo Switch!
Playtime & Replayability
The game contains 2 chapters and has an average play-time of 2 hours. For the full experience, we recommend replaying the game from the other perspective. Plus you can use our replayability feature for a fresh start with new solutions to all puzzles.
| Platforms | Windows, macOS |
|---|---|
| Achievements | 24 |
| Age ratings |
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| Players | 2 |
| Play modes |
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| Other modes |
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| Multiplayer | The game is co-op only and is built for 2 players. One player is in the Past and the other is in the Future, and progression depends on exchanging information. Both players need their own copy and an external way to communicate. It supports cross-platform play and does not require a direct in-game online connection between players. |
| Multiplayer & mods | No mod support or multiplayer mod behavior is mentioned in the provided information. |
| Controller required | No |
| Demo | View demo on Steam |
| DLC / extras | 1 listed on Steam |
| Content notices |
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| Website | Official website |
