When The Past Was Around

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. KeenGamer
    Dec 21, 2020
    90
    Overall, When the Past was Around is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, condensed down to only a couple of hours. With its great puzzle design and incredible visuals and music, it leaves you wanting to experience it all over again for the first time. This game is worth every minute you put into it.
  2. COGconnected
    Dec 18, 2020
    85
    When The Past Was Around tells a story without uttering a single word of dialogue, using simple but beautiful music and a masterful, unique art style to communicate it. If I’m falling back on popular buzzwords too much when describing it, know that it deserves better. Better yet, make yourself a cup of tea, wrap yourself in a familiar blanket, and find out for yourself.
  3. Hey Poor Player
    Dec 17, 2020
    80
    When The Past Was Around is the lovely bookend to 2020 for me; when coupled with January’s Coffee Talk, I’m reminded that there are plenty of cozy games that provide extreme comfort no matter what their genre. While I do wish I had experienced this game on PC or even the Switch due to the small text on TV, I’m thrilled that I got to experience it at all. As a wise man once said: “It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all, and it is better to play When The Past Was Around on console than to have never played it at all.” Heed those words and be sure to pick up When The Past Was Around on the platform of your choice as soon as possible.
  5. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Jan 8, 2021
    70
    When The Past Was Around is an endearing game that is a celebration of two people’s shared love of music. It teeters on being sappy, but its dreamy, abstract nature brings it back from the brink. It’s an endearing pocket-sized tale and a wonderful gem from the Indonesian indie game scene. [Issue#184, p.86]
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  6. Push Square
    Dec 16, 2020
    70
    Even the runtime of the game gets in on this, clocking in at just north of an hour. Granted, it is priced appropriately, but we were definitely sad to see the credits roll so soon – especially given that the title had just begun to flex its muscles mechanically. 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.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Nmaa18
    Mar 26, 2023
    7
    Disclaimer: Review based on the demo - although the game isn't much longer from what i've read. Honestly, I am tempted to buy the full game...Disclaimer: Review based on the demo - although the game isn't much longer from what i've read. Honestly, I am tempted to buy the full game... Which reflects how good this short demo is.

    The good stuff: The gameplay consists of puzzles using memory and logic, which I found very fun and surprisingly satisfying/rewarding. The visuals are calming, so is the music.

    What could've been improved: The story is subtle but i feel like there is something deep there, as the saying goes, a picture tells a thousand words, it tells its story without voices which i think is beautiful and creative - although it might be due to financial constrains more than creative choice. either way, it work, but i wish there was more to it, perhaps in the full game there is more story and movement.

    Conclusion: Good demo. I recommend the game to anyone, especially to those who pay attention to art or just want something different. It is so different to anything i've played that you just have to try it to know. As long as you are fine with there being no action. I think the game does what it aims to do, while not being overly long. I'm giving this game 70/100    … Full Review »
  2. LastResource
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    Ughhh the story is sooo freaking awesome. It really drew me back to point click puzzle game. Love it for every single moment of this game
  3. TypeO_Spoopy
    Jul 24, 2021
    10
    This game is so beautiful. The puzzles are actually challenging and fun. The art, it's so magical and inspiring. I absolutely love this gameThis game is so beautiful. The puzzles are actually challenging and fun. The art, it's so magical and inspiring. I absolutely love this game and the story it tells. Would love to see another game like this ❤… Full Review »
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