The Past Within vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against The Past Within's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Core Identity
DeveloperRusty LakeMazniacMazniacMazniacFun Factory LLCKhurram SamadClueKeeper LLCHemmert UG (haftungsbeschränkt)Cateia GamesArtifex Mundi
CategoryGamesAdventureAdventureAdventureGamesGamesGamesGamesAdventureAdventure
PlatformAndroid, iOSAndroidAndroidAndroidiOSAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidAndroid
Store Metrics
Rating4.9 / 54.6 / 54.3 / 54.7 / 53.9 / 54.0 / 54.6 / 50.0 / 53.0 / 54.4 / 5
Ratings Count7,0726,8165701,2723551820022,866
PriceUSD2.99FreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree$14.99Free$4.99
Release DateNov 2, 2022Mar 2, 2022Oct 12, 2024Mar 10, 2024Jul 11, 2013Dec 4, 2024Mar 18, 2014Mar 24, 2022Oct 22, 2020Feb 11, 2016
Last UpdatedMay 6, 2024Apr 11, 2026Nov 24, 2025May 18, 2026May 6, 2026Mar 19, 2026May 15, 2026Jan 19, 2026Apr 30, 2026Oct 24, 2025
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentexcellent------positive--
Score95/100------80/100--
Praises
  • Cooperative puzzle mechanics require active verbal communication between players to solve complex challenges
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Complaints
  • Unexpected cooperative requirements frustrate solo players who download the game without realizing the limitation
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Requests
  • Additional chapters and content updates are requested to expand the current narrative and puzzle variety
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Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Surrealist art style functions as a recognizable brand moat
  • Mandatory co-op design creates a unique social dependency
  • Cross-platform support removes hardware barriers for partners
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  • Creator-first web platform enables high-quality user-generated hunts
  • Offline-first architecture supports remote-location gameplay
  • AR integration via Zappar provides immersive puzzle layers
  • Mission Editor enables B2B distribution into education
  • Printable PDF kits create tangible acquisition loop
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Weaknesses
  • $2.99 price point creates a high barrier to entry
  • Mandatory co-op requirement causes refund requests from solo players
  • Static content library limits long-term LTV
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  • No built-in social discovery for hunts
  • Creator-led distribution limits organic user growth
  • Lack of recurring content drops reduces daily active usage
  • $14.99 iOS entry price exceeds category median
  • 0.7★ Android-iOS rating gap indicates stability issues
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Pricingpaidfreefreefreefreemiumfreemiumfreefreemiumfreemiumpaid
MomentumZombie---IntenseIntenseMaintenanceActiveIntense-
Update Cadence2 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~530d avg---5 versions5 versions2 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~1d avg3 versions5 versions-

Compare The Past Within head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by The Past Within, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0