The Rewinder is by Misty Mountain Studio based in China. This one launched in September 2021 and s available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PC.4

With its stunning aesthetic and interesting puzzle concepts, it’s a methodical and slow-paced game. But one that has plenty of rewindability (it’s a real word!) if you stick with its subtle charms.

Embrace the Mystical Folklore of The Rewinder (now with extra puzzles!)

It’s fair to say The Rewinder is a slow-paced game. We weren’t exaggerating before. The character you control plods about and you come up against constant barriers—solve the puzzle, otherwise you’re not going any further.

That means the game isn’t for everyone. But if you like that type of thing then The Rewinder has an enigmatic quality about it that makes you won’t to continue explore its 2D, layered world.

This desire is helped along by the game’s ravishing art style.

As for the plot, it’s based on Chinese mythology. The protagonist (Yun) is approached by Spirit Wardens and he’s requested to investigate why spirts aren’t being reincarnated.

Off he trots to the village where he encounters unusual happenings, with spirits in wild abandon and lots and lots of puzzles to solve. The story unfolds as you conquer each brain teaser.

Yes, so the story isn’t overwhelming in its approach. The Chinese folklore stuff will be unfamiliar to Western players, but it’s presented in fascinating style. So, you learn a little as you play.

Again, the game can be frustrating. Its peaks are right up there and undeniably great with an authentic feel and a beautifully realised old-age Chinese world. Some of the puzzles are fabulous, too!

Yet it can be repetitive, abstract, and stop-start in structure.

The Rewinder is a game to be savoured, though, and the peaks overcome the frustrations. That’s helped considerably but just how charming the game is to play. That art style!

Plus, Dana Kendal was responsible for the soundtrack and its rather lovely piano moments.

Overall, the music boasts some excellent, melancholic moods.

With The Rewinder you get around three-four hours of gameplay time (fairly standard for indie games).

There’s a kind of melodical quality to it as you play through. The music and art style with its drab colours occasionally set to bursts of colour—it all works a treat.

We enjoyed it a lot! Yet appreciate it won’t be for everyone. Approach if you want a slow burner of an experience that builds on a simple premise by steeping itself in Chinese lore.

Oh, and There’s a Sequel on the Way in The Rewinder 2

It’s also fantabulous to hear Misty Mountain Studio is hard at work on another entry. We now have a series! And the sequel looks fabulous with its updated art style and gameplay complexities.

Notable changes are the more vibrant graphic style. That and the speed of the main character, who can now leg it one.

Seems like they’ve listened to fan feedback and will be providing a even better experience next time out.