The Rewinder 2, released on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, is a captivating puzzle-adventure from Misty Mountain Studio, priced at £12 on Steam (price rise 8th June). This 8–10 hour sequel builds on the original’s Chinese folklore-inspired time-travel, following Yun as she manipulates memories to solve mysteries. Its hand-painted art and intricate puzzles make it a 2025 gem, though its niche narrative may not hook action fans. For puzzle enthusiasts, it’s a mesmerizing journey through time.
You play Yun, a Rewinder who enters villagers’ memories to alter past events, set in a mythical Song Dynasty village. The narrative unfolds through dialogue and memory fragments, weaving tales of love, betrayal, and spirits. Its emotional depth shines, with choices—save a merchant or expose his secrets—shaping outcomes. The story’s slow burn captivates, though its cultural references may require context. Side quests, like restoring a ghost’s lost memories, add 3 hours, deepening the village’s lore.
Gameplay centers on time manipulation: enter memory scenes (2D dioramas) and adjust actions (e.g., move a lantern, 5-second interaction) to change timelines. Puzzles range from simple (align 3 objects) to complex (chain 5 events across memories), requiring observation of NPC routines. Yun’s abilities, like ‘Sense’ (highlights clues, 10-meter range), aid navigation, while ‘Rewind’ (resets scenes, 3 uses per puzzle) prevents dead ends. The 20+ memory scenes, from bustling markets to eerie shrines, demand logic and creativity. Combat is absent, focusing on brain-teasing challenges, with a difficulty curve taking 2 hours to master.
The interface is intuitive, with point-and-click controls and a clear HUD at 1080p 60fps. A recent patch fixed clue detection bugs, ensuring smooth play. Community tips suggest noting NPC schedules in the Journal (L1) to solve multi-step puzzles, saving 10 minutes per scene. Visually, the game stuns with hand-painted landscapes and ink-wash aesthetics, paired with a traditional guzheng soundtrack that’s hauntingly beautiful, though some loops are short. Performance is flawless, even in detailed scenes, making it ideal for immersive play.
Replayability comes from multiple endings (5, based on choices) and a ‘Memory Vault’ mode, randomizing puzzles for high scores. Collecting all 50 Memory Shards unlocks lore and charms (e.g., ‘Spirit Eye,’ +10% clue range), adding post-game depth. The lack of multiplayer limits social play, but solo depth compensates. Accessibility is excellent, with adjustable puzzle hints and subtitles, though the narrative’s complexity may daunt some. Repetitive dialogue in side quests is a minor hiccup, but their emotional weight keeps them engaging.
Flaws include the slow pacing for action fans and occasional puzzle trial-and-error. Yet, the game’s artistry—evident in every memory shift—makes it a puzzle lover’s dream. The Rewinder 2 is a time-bending triumph, blending culture and cleverness. Dive into Yun’s journey and reshape the past! #GamingReviews #TheRewinder2
