Games Like When The Past Was Around

Florence Yeoh feels a little... stuck. Her life is an endless routine of work, sleep, and spending too much time on social media. Then one day, she meets a cello player named Krish who changes everything about how she sees the world and herself.

Why similar: Music 19.1%, Romance 16.7%, Interactive Fiction 13.2%, Female Protagonist 11.4%, Cute 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: Like the seed game, this is a short, deeply emotional interactive story about the highs and lows of a relationship.

Guide brush strokes and solve a variety of puzzles to help an aspiring artist complete her masterpiece amid her brusque neighbor’s gaze and his pesky cat. As her painting starts to take shape, uncover an emotional tale of chance and artistry revealed behind unrelated yet familiar moments.

Why similar: Hidden Object 14.7%, Interactive Fiction 14.1%, Female Protagonist 11.3%, Point & Click 11.2%, Hand-drawn 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a stunning hand-drawn art style and a narrative focused on memory and artistic passion.

The Star Named EOS is a story-rich puzzle adventure built around photography. Recreate compositions of past photos to uncover the truth of a family mystery. Experience a harmonious mixture of beautiful hand-drawn art and engaging puzzles on a journey of reminiscence.

Why similar: Hidden Object 18.5%, Surreal 14.3%, Interactive Fiction 12.3%, Point & Click 10.5%, Hand-drawn 10%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful, atmospheric puzzle game that centers on photography and the reconstruction of fading memories.

The Gardens Between is a surreal puzzle adventure that follows best friends, Arina and Frendt, as they fall into a mysterious world of beautiful garden islands. Manipulate time to solve puzzles and discover the secrets of each island.

Why similar: Surreal 30%, Female Protagonist 16.9%, Relaxing 16%, Story Rich 10.7%, Puzzle 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal puzzle game that explores the bittersweet nature of memory and childhood friendship through time manipulation.

A short, fully voiced, story-first adventure across two worlds. Rearrange words into platforms in Izzy’s diary, then wield word magic to shape your path in the fantasy she writes. Gentle puzzles, watercolour wonder, and a bittersweet story of family, loss, and healing.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 23.9%, Relaxing 16.3%, Puzzle 13.7%, Story Rich 12.1%, Colorful 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game uses a unique narrative mechanic where words become platforms, perfectly capturing the emotional weight of a personal story.

Gorogoa is an elegant evolution of the puzzle genre, told through a beautifully hand-drawn story designed and illustrated by Jason Roberts. Winner of Debut Game at the 2018 BAFTA Games Awards, as well as Best Mobile Game and the Innovation Award at the GDC 2018 Choice Awards.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 21.3%, Puzzle 20.6%, Point & Click 14.1%, Interactive Fiction 8.8%, Stylized 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A masterpiece of surreal, hand-drawn puzzle design that relies on visual storytelling rather than dialogue.

She and the Light Bearer is a point and click adventure game, a poem, a fairy tale. Take a journey inside a vibrantly colored forest, meet silly creatures, listen to serene folk music, and discover somber secrets.

Why similar: Point & Click 19.3%, Hand-drawn 16.1%, Philosophical 15.7%, Relaxing 11.8%, Cute 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A whimsical, point-and-click adventure with a poetic, hand-drawn style that feels very similar to the seed game's aesthetic.

If Found... is a game about going home, coming out and erasing everything.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 26.7%, Female Protagonist 24.8%, Stylized 14.2%, Story Rich 13%, Casual 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: An interactive fiction game that explores themes of identity and memory through a touching, hand-drawn diary format.

Old Man’s Journey, a soul-searching puzzle adventure, tells a story of life, loss, and hope. Interacting with the world around you, you'll shape the landscape to create the old man's path forward. Experience heartache and hope as you embark on a heartfelt journey through a sunkissed world.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 16.9%, Hand-drawn 16%, Point & Click 15.8%, Story Rich 9.7%, Stylized 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A heartfelt, wordless adventure about life, loss, and reconciliation that mirrors the emotional tone of the seed game.

Papetura is a short atmospheric adventure game, with unique world handmade entirely out of paper, and beautiful fragile music. It tells the story of two little creatures whose house is in danger of being burned down.

Why similar: Surreal 17.9%, Point & Click 15.5%, Hand-drawn 11.8%, Relaxing 10.7%, Stylized 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game is entirely hand-crafted from paper, offering a surreal and atmospheric point-and-click experience.

Unpacking is a zen puzzle game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, you are invited to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life you’re unpacking.

Why similar: Relaxing 25.2%, Cute 14.8%, Point & Click 12.5%, Female Protagonist 10.8%, Puzzle 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing experience that tells a life story through the intimate act of organizing personal belongings.

Experience a brand new adventure game set amongst a world of weird and wonderful fish planets. Explore beautiful environments, solve intricate puzzles and discover the truth about a mysterious little girl and her mechanical alter-ego, Cubus.

Why similar: Surreal 16.7%, Point & Click 13.7%, Female Protagonist 12.4%, Hand-drawn 9.7%, Relaxing 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A cute, 2D point-and-click adventure featuring imaginative worlds and clever puzzle mechanics.

Repair old-school objects in this cozy puzzle game. Join antique-restorer Maria, as she arrives in the sun-soaked town of Bellariva and set out on a journey of helping the townsfolk reconnect.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 18.4%, Relaxing 17.8%, Puzzle 13.4%, Casual 12.3%, Cute 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing, narrative-driven puzzle game about fixing objects and mending relationships.

Milo and the Magpies is a point-and-click, hidden object game following the story of a little cat named Milo who is trying to find his way home after getting turned around by an unfortunate encounter with some pesky magpies.

Why similar: Hidden Object 28.9%, Point & Click 25.6%, Hand-drawn 18.7%, Cute 11.7%, Story Rich 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: A charming, point-and-click puzzle game with a distinct hand-drawn style that focuses on exploration and interaction.

Experience the intricate dioramas and connections of your life, and the ripples we all make, in this award-winning narrative puzzle game about death, loss, and mental health.

Why similar: Point & Click 23.4%, Surreal 17%, Puzzle 13.6%, Female Protagonist 12.9%, Story Rich 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal, diorama-based puzzle game that explores themes of death and family history through a unique perspective.

What if the physical objects of everyday life, the possessions we hold close, were actual windows to the past? Peer into distant memories and unseen futures in Hindsight.

Why similar: Hidden Object 20.2%, Point & Click 15.1%, Female Protagonist 14.2%, Interactive Fiction 11.2%, Relaxing 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative exploration game that uses everyday objects to trigger memories and reflect on a life lived.

What Comes After is a side-scrolling adventure and a short heartwarming story about learning how to love yourself. Help Vivi in her journey on the train to the afterlife and back.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 42.1%, Philosophical 17.7%, Female Protagonist 17.3%, Relaxing 8%, Story Rich 6%

Why You'll Like It: A short, emotional interactive fiction game about finding peace and moving forward after life.

Pick up what the waves wash ashore to make instruments. Use those instruments to answer the echoes heard from beyond the ocean.

Why similar: Hidden Object 14.6%, Music 13.5%, Relaxing 13.5%, Hand-drawn 11.2%, Cute 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A short, relaxing, and cute puzzle game that focuses on the quiet beauty of nature and sound.

Carto is a charming adventure game wrapped around a unique, world-altering puzzle mechanic. Use this power to explore mysterious lands, help a quirky cast of characters, and guide Carto on her journey back to her family.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 15%, Female Protagonist 14.2%, Cute 13.5%, Relaxing 12.8%, Puzzle 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A charming puzzle game where you manipulate the world map to help a young girl find her way home.

No Longer Home is a game about letting go of the life you've built due to circumstances beyond your control. Immerse yourself in the lives of Bo and Ao and learn about their dreams, frustrations and fears. Welcome the magic of the everyday and somewhat extraordinary.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 16.3%, Surreal 14.9%, Philosophical 13.8%, Point & Click 12.2%, Relaxing 9%

Why You'll Like It: An interactive fiction game that captures the bittersweet feeling of moving on and leaving a shared space behind.

In a place called Wind Peaks, mysteries happen, help the scouts find all the missing objects in this fun and relaxing adventure of treasure hunt

Why similar: Hidden Object 20.1%, Point & Click 13.6%, Female Protagonist 12.7%, Hand-drawn 10.9%, Relaxing 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing, hand-drawn hidden-object game that focuses on exploration and uncovering charming secrets.

Finding Hannah is a relaxing puzzle game about a woman navigating a midlife crisis. Hannah’s got it all: a well-paying job, a fancy coffee machine, and a comfortable life – so why isn’t she happy? Lead her on a journey of self-discovery as you explore beautiful scenes and find hidden objects.

Why similar: Hidden Object 27.2%, Female Protagonist 15.5%, Point & Click 13.4%, Relaxing 9.1%, Puzzle 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A hidden-object game that weaves a personal narrative about three generations of women into its puzzle gameplay.

Hoa is a beautiful puzzle-platforming game that features breathtaking hand-painted art, lovely music, and a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 29.1%, Relaxing 28.4%, Cute 19.7%, Atmospheric 14.2%, Singleplayer 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful, platforming adventure with a serene atmosphere and a focus on cute, hand-painted environments.

Explore strange and wonderful islands and dark labyrinths below in this narrative puzzle platformer. Guide young mechanic Mo on her quest to repair a world on the brink of collapse. The powerful Omni Switch at your disposal may not be enough to fix the damage that hides beneath the surface...

Why similar: Hand-drawn 28%, Female Protagonist 19%, Story Rich 14.9%, Puzzle 12.5%, Cute 12%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric, hand-drawn adventure that deals with heavy emotional themes through exploration and puzzle-solving.

Embark on a journey of discovery and inspiration in The Search - a story-driven puzzle-adventure set in a mysterious world where art comes to life!

Why similar: Philosophical 16.9%, Hidden Object 16.1%, Surreal 15.3%, Point & Click 11.3%, Female Protagonist 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal, point-and-click exploration game that uses abstract puzzles to tell a story about self-discovery.

Iris.Fall is a puzzle adventure game featuring striking visuals and a spellbinding theme of "light and shadow".

Why similar: Puzzle 39.1%, Female Protagonist 25.4%, Casual 16.7%, Atmospheric 8.7%, Stylized 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A visually striking puzzle game that utilizes light and shadow mechanics to tell a mysterious, surreal story.

Make up for lost time with Once Again, If you could travel through time, who’s the first person you’d meet? An interactive story about a boy who spends his summers wandering between past and present... After meeting her, summer will never be the same again...Who is she, and what journey awaits you?

Why similar: Female Protagonist 25.2%, Hand-drawn 15.7%, Colorful 12.5%, Story Rich 11.9%, Interactive Fiction 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: A heartwarming, story-rich adventure that captures the nostalgia of childhood and the passage of time.

Hike, climb, and soar through the peaceful mountainside landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park as you make your way to the summit.

Why similar: Relaxing 40.6%, Cute 30.5%, Female Protagonist 17.5%, Casual 7.2%, Singleplayer 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing, emotional exploration game that captures the joy of discovery and personal growth.

Even the smallest person can make a big difference. Join Alba, as she sets out to save her beautiful island and its wildlife. And possibly start a revolution.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 37.7%, Cute 19.8%, Story Rich 16.1%, Colorful 11.3%, Casual 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing, feel-good game about connecting with nature and making a positive impact on your community.

Led by her new friend, Mr. Voice, Misfortune ventures into the woods, where mysteries are unraveled and a little bad luck unfolds.

Why similar: Point & Click 26.7%, Female Protagonist 18.3%, Story Rich 12.8%, Interactive Fiction 12.6%, Cute 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal, story-rich adventure that balances dark themes with a whimsical, hand-drawn art style.

A Tower Full of Cats is a hidden object game where you need to gather cats through the whole history of catkind... and beyond!

Why similar: Hidden Object 28.1%, Point & Click 18.7%, Relaxing 14.1%, Puzzle 9.9%, Hand-drawn 8.7%

You're 25, you feel like all of your peers are ahead of you in life so you apply for a new job to try to find some sort of meaning. Your new career is filled with physics-based puzzles, hand drawn art & a cute little story.

Why similar: Surreal 19.6%, Hidden Object 19.2%, Point & Click 14.7%, Hand-drawn 9.1%, Cute 7.9%

A short hidden object adventure about doing things later. Search, find, and don't lose yourself.

Why similar: Hidden Object 25.9%, Point & Click 17%, Surreal 16.8%, Interactive Fiction 13.6%, Hand-drawn 8.9%

This is the prologue chapter of "When the Past was Around", an upcoming adventure point-and-click puzzle game about love, moving on, letting go, and the joy and pain of everything in between.

Why similar: Philosophical 17%, Hidden Object 13.9%, Surreal 13.1%, Point & Click 11%, Hand-drawn 9.3%

Embark on a colourful hand drawn journey of discovery through the ages! From missing dinosaur eggs in the stone age, to a king's crown in medieval times, can you find them all? Discover, create and share worlds with your own hidden treasures in Hidden Through Time!

Why similar: Hidden Object 30.4%, Point & Click 15.5%, Hand-drawn 9.5%, Relaxing 9.4%, Cute 8.8%

"Love is..." is a hidden picture game with emotional art by artist 'Puuung'. It is a healing game that can relieve stress and excitement like relaxation, and enjoy the charming emotional coloring game that spreads at your fingertips.

Why similar: Hidden Object 25.8%, Romance 15.9%, Hand-drawn 14.9%, Cute 7.7%, Puzzle 6.7%

“Lots of Cats in Every Moment” is a game where you find hidden cats while romance unfolds!

Why similar: Hidden Object 19.6%, Point & Click 13.2%, Romance 12.1%, Relaxing 10.6%, Hand-drawn 10.3%

Leila is a heartfelt, hand-animated narrative game about the small yet significant struggles we all face. Solve story-driven puzzles, relive fragile memories, and discover a deeply personal journey that may feel more familiar than you expect.

Why similar: Point & Click 14.6%, Hand-drawn 14.5%, Hidden Object 14%, Female Protagonist 13.8%, Puzzle 7.5%

HER TREES : PUZZLE DREAM is a unique point-and-click puzzle game where you move and combine objects to solve puzzles. Unravel the strange puzzles hidden in your dreams.

Why similar: Surreal 19.8%, Abstract 16.4%, Point & Click 15.7%, Relaxing 11.7%, Hand-drawn 10.4%

Test your attention and go on a look for different items with your loved one. Explore the cozy waterways of the town on Valentine's Day and find all the hidden objects to make the black-and-white picture burst into bright colors.

Why similar: Hidden Object 25.4%, Point & Click 20.1%, Puzzle 9.9%, Romance 9.8%, Cute 8.7%

Join Anna on an amazing adventure to a magical world full of puzzles and fairytale characters!

Why similar: Hidden Object 18.1%, Point & Click 12.5%, Female Protagonist 11.8%, Hand-drawn 10.5%, Relaxing 9.6%

Join Evelyn on her quest to save a mysterious island in a puzzle-based atmospheric adventure with a story that spans across 30,000 years of time. Interact with fantastic characters to learn past secrets and transform the Four Elements’ kingdoms, leading up to an epic finale with shocking reveals.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 13.1%, Abstract 12.6%, Point & Click 12.3%, Female Protagonist 11.8%, Hidden Object 10.7%

The August Before is a meditative narrative 3D puzzle about cleaning up, sorting out and packing up your life before moving on. Clean up and don’t forget your old belongings on your way to the new life!

Why similar: Female Protagonist 18.3%, Relaxing 13.1%, Cute 11.1%, Puzzle 10.4%, Stylized 8.8%

A handpainted cozy hidden object adventure. Explore a surreal world. Collect items for its quirky inhabitants. Fix damaged paintings and solve casual puzzles. Help a lost skeleton painter find his way home. This game is short but 100% FREE (no ads, no IAP).

Why similar: Hidden Object 32.1%, Point & Click 21.3%, Surreal 12.4%, Puzzle 9.9%, Hand-drawn 9.8%

A cozy puzzler with story. Recreate paintings by applying lines & colors in a specific order. Explore beautiful mazes & collect letters of a poem. Help two sweethearts find a path towards each other. Three games in one. Hints when stuck. 160+ paintings, 3~4 hours, set to a chill soundtrack.

Why similar: Abstract 20.5%, Relaxing 15.1%, Cute 11.2%, Puzzle 10.6%, Stylized 9.7%

Explore a lovingly crafted world with all its odd inhabitants as you experience the ethereal realm and deliver messages to the spirits. Make your mark in the wordless narrative - with a Tiny Echo.

Why similar: Point & Click 16.1%, Surreal 15.1%, Hand-drawn 12.6%, Relaxing 10.9%, Cute 10%

A relaxing puzzle game in which you explore 3D dioramas, solve puzzles and save cats lost in time! Crazy, right?!

Why similar: Hidden Object 31.8%, Relaxing 18.9%, Point & Click 18.3%, Puzzle 13.7%, Cute 10.8%

'Pieces of the Past' is a cute, sentimental adventure where you restore family keepsakes to uncover touching stories. Blend puzzle-solving with the joy of preserving memories in this delightful journey!

Why similar: Female Protagonist 15.6%, Relaxing 15.2%, Point & Click 15%, Puzzle 11.6%, Cute 11.6%

Journey through gaming history's time and space, while searching for adorable feline companions in 'An Arcade Full of Cats,' the ultimate pet'em up hidden object game.

Why similar: Hidden Object 27.1%, Point & Click 16.5%, Relaxing 14.2%, Hand-drawn 12.3%, Cute 9.5%

Enter an enchanting world of legends and magic, where your destiny was written in blood and whispers of true love.

Why similar: Hidden Object 43.4%, Point & Click 20.7%, Female Protagonist 12.2%, Puzzle 7.7%, Casual 4.3%

A deep, interactive adventure about love and loss, beautifully depicted and offering an intense cinematic experience. What would you do to save the one you love?

Why similar: Romance 29.9%, Story Rich 21.3%, Atmospheric 17.9%, Relaxing 17.3%, Puzzle 6.5%

A narrative puzzle game with themes of love, fate and time. Follow the life stories of the two main characters and influence their destinies through interactions and choices. The game combines hand-drawn style and an immersive interactive experience to explore a profound journey of love and choice.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 20.1%, Hand-drawn 19.9%, Romance 16.5%, Puzzle 10.7%, Story Rich 8.2%

Join our lovely heroine as she roams Venice, the City of Water. Like a Where's Wally Visual Novel: Search for objects & characters in stunning and vivid hand-painted cityscapes!

Why similar: Hidden Object 21.1%, Point & Click 14.8%, Female Protagonist 12.3%, Hand-drawn 11.9%, Relaxing 9.4%

LUNA The Shadow Dust is a fully hand-animated Point&Click puzzle adventure, brought to life through wordless storytelling, beautiful cinematics and a breathtaking original soundtrack.

Why similar: Point & Click 28.2%, Hand-drawn 22.9%, Puzzle 12.1%, Casual 10.7%, Atmospheric 7.7%

New Hidden Object romantic adventure in Paris! Guide an American girl and a Frenchman through beautiful historic Parisian locales, putting together pieces of the detective puzzle as your proceed. Trips to real attractions in the city of love: Basilique du Sacre-Coeur, Pont des Arts, and the Louvre Museum.

Why similar: Hidden Object 27.1%, Romance 15.4%, Female Protagonist 13.9%, Point & Click 12%, Relaxing 9.4%

Search for hidden folks in hand-drawn, interactive, miniature landscapes. Unfurl tent flaps, cut through bushes, slam doors, and poke some crocodiles! Rooooaaaarrrr!!!!!

Why similar: Hidden Object 39.6%, Hand-drawn 15.7%, Point & Click 13.4%, Relaxing 9.1%, Puzzle 7.6%

A Castle Full of Cats is a catvania hidden object game where you need to find all the cursed cats in the castle. Save each and every cat and unleash the power of love! ♡

Why similar: Hidden Object 37.2%, Point & Click 20.2%, Relaxing 15.2%, Puzzle 9.7%, Hand-drawn 7.2%

Several diaries gradually reveal the thrilling story of a missing case; after multiple deductions, are the answers in the past or present? With frequent plot twists, you never know which is the truth and which is the unexpected; in a dense fog, time buries the past, but the marks remain.

Why similar: Romance 17.2%, Female Protagonist 14.7%, Interactive Fiction 14%, Point & Click 10.1%, Cute 9.3%

"How should I face my past in my ever-changing life? "Collaborating with the shadow of the past to unravel allegorical puzzles, confront inner struggles, and explore the path of self-growth.

Why similar: Philosophical 41%, Female Protagonist 23.1%, Puzzle 11.8%, Cute 9.2%, Story Rich 5%

Paper Trail is a top-down puzzle adventure about leaving home, set in a foldable, paper world.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 17.6%, Hand-drawn 15.4%, Relaxing 14.8%, Stylized 12%, Puzzle 11.2%