When the Past Was Around: An Offbeat Indie Gem That Resonates Through Its Authenticity
As an avid gamer and indie developer myself, I‘m always on the lookout for unique titles that deliver something special. When the Past Was Around truly embodies this – it may fly under the mainstream radar, but once experienced, its tender story sticks with you in all the right ways. Developed by passionate Indonesian studios Toge Productions and Mojiken over 18 months, this point-and-click adventure game stands out not just for creativity‘s sake, but because everything converges beautifully in service of authentically resonating with the player.
The Story: A Bittersweet Tale Rooted In Truth
On the surface, When the Past Was Around‘s premise seems eccentric – your character, Eda, navigates vignettes from her star-crossed romance with Owl, a whimsical man sporting an avian head. But in playing through their fleeting yet immensely impactful bond, you uncover profound insights about the ripple effects relationships and loss can have on personal growth.
Creative Director Teddy Pica explains that "the story reflects experiences close to home" – it emerged from deep talks with Mojiken‘s figurehead about "past loves who‘ve shaped us." The development process involved regularly revisiting memories to truthfully articulate emotions like grief, affection, and nostalgia. This devotion to authenticity makes Eda and Owl‘s interactions refreshing and believably life-changing despite surreal aesthetics.
Puzzles That Feel Natural, Not Forced
Instead of illogical pixel hunts, When the Past‘s puzzles organically move the narrative forward. For example, entering Eda‘s bedroom shortly after meeting Owl, your gaze may linger on everyday items mirroring her violinist roots – sheet music, a violin case – silently signaling music‘s centrality before it‘s outright stated. Seeking to unlock the next area, you then intuitively grab a key off the music stand.
Later on during a tender fireside chat, Owl‘s truck breaks down, abruptly ending the date. The camera shifts perspective to reveal the gas cap laying on the ground near a fallen log. Retrieving this opens the gas tank to siphon some fuel, getting you back on the road.
Lead developer Ariesta Prima Pertiwi notes that while puzzles serve a gameplay function, " priority lies in perpetuating story beats and emotional cadences." This design philosophy results in logical next steps feeling fluid rather than frustrating. You remain invested in learning more about Eda and Owl‘s precious stolen moments.
Art That Evokes Bittersweet Whimsy
Mojiken‘s signature minimalist style heightens the nostalgic atmosphere, utilizing a serene color palette and softly swirling animations when transitioning between memories. Owl‘s distinctive silhouette visually signals at first sight that fantasy permeates this tale without detracting from its truth. The soundtrack also stirs sentiment, weaving in acoustic guitar when Eda picks up her violin again after meeting Owl, then switching to a slower piano variation upon losing him to signify lingering pain.
Overall, the aesthetics mirror Hayao Miyazaki‘s brand of whimsical realism – imaginative elements subtly accentuate rather than overwhelm the humanity shining through. This allows gameplay to feel like flipping through aged polaroids documenting a watershed time.
Mojiken‘s signature art style lends the game a nostalgic storybook quality (Image source: Toge Productions)
Accolades And Reception Reflect The Lasting Positive Impressions
Since launching in late 2019, When the Past Was Around has garnered Outstanding Achievement awards from both Intel and Unity, along with an Excellence in Narrative nod at 2021‘s IMGA SEA. Steam reviews laud the experience as "magical", "emotional", and "unlike anything else" – a welcome reprieve from adrenaline-fueled AAA titles and hollow walking simulators.
Critically, the game holds an admirable 81 Metascore based on 10 reviews, with Destructoid applauding its ability to "extract something majestic from the mundane" on an 8.5/10 rating. This commercial success given scant marketing spend further validates how poignantly Mojiken actualized personal experiences into universally compelling art.
Final Verdict: A Must-Play Offbeat Indie Gem
Essentially, don‘t let When The Past Was Around‘s unorthodox aesthetic deter you from trying this standout title – at its core lie intimacies we‘ve all encountered about how fleeting yet monumental certain connections feel. As an indie developer myself, I live for projects like these – passion materializing not just in visual polish or clever mechanics, but through moving players by conveying fundamental truths about the human experience.
When The Past Was Around promises just 1-3 hours of playtime, but make no mistake – though brief, this journey leaves your heart full and perspective shifted long afterwards. Give it a chance to work its magic – I‘m positive you won‘t regret it.
