Comparison

The Past Within vs Cyber Link

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

The Past Within

Embark on a cooperative point-and-click adventure where players explore different time periods and dimensions. Work with a friend, communicating what you see to solve intricate puzzles and uncover mysteries. This unique experience requires both players to own the game and communicate externally.

Highlights
  • Co-op only gameplay
  • Explore past and future
  • Solve puzzles together
  • Two distinct perspectives (2D/3D)
  • Cross-platform play
  • Replayable with new solutions
Features
Read full description

Note: The Past Within is a co-op only game. Both players need to own a copy of the game on their own device (mobile, tablet or computer), as well as a way to communicate with each other. Play together with a friend or find a partner on our official Discord server! The past and future cannot be explored alone! Team up with a friend and piece together the mysteries surrounding Albert Vanderboom. Communicate what you see around you to help one another solve various puzzles and explore the worlds from different perspectives! The Past Within is the first co-op only point-and-click adventure set in the mysterious world of Rusty Lake. Features: ▪ A co-op experience Play together with a friend, one in The Past, the other in The Future. Work together to solve the puzzles and help Rose set her father’s plan in motion! ▪ Two worlds - Two perspectives Both players will experience their environments in two different dimensions: 2D as well as in 3D - a first-time experience in the Rusty Lake universe! ▪ Cross-platform As long as you can communicate with each other, you and your partner of choice can each play The Past Within on your preferred platform: Mac, PC and Nintendo Switch! ▪ Playtime & Replayability The game contains 2 chapters and has an average play-time of 2 hours. For the full experience, we recommend replaying the game from the other perspective. Plus you can use our replayability feature for a fresh start with new solutions to all puzzles.

About

Cyber Link

Read full description

Cyber Link is a neon cyberpunk puzzle game where you connect matching network nodes and complete digital circuits without crossing data streams. Solve handcrafted levels, unlock new protocols, and breach futuristic networks in a clean, atmospheric mobile puzzle experience.

Screenshots

The Past Within4 screens
Cyber Link4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Cyber Link at Free against The Past Within's $2.99. The Past Within's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and chart position (#4 vs unranked). On update cadence, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Cyber Link is free to download; The Past Within costs $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

The Past Within ships an update every 2 weeks, Cyber Link every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
The Past Within versus Cyber Link: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterThe Past WithinCyber Link
Price$2.99Free — better
Rating4.9 (7.4K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews88.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings7.4K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 9 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
Best chart rank#4 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.1 — better14.0
Further details — not scored
Size379 MB18 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperRusty LakeEmanuele Turati

Bugs and requests

The Past Within

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • No sound in the game
  • Crashes after Chapter 1 title screen
  • Downloading issues on some devices

Requested features

4 requests
  • More chapters/levels
  • Single-player mode option
  • Ability to switch roles/perspectives
  • Online/remote co-op functionality

Cyber Link

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

The Past Within

No in-app purchases

None

Cyber Link

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is The Past Within free?
The Past Within costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Cyber Link free?
Cyber Link is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do The Past Within or Cyber Link have ads?
Cyber Link shows ads; The Past Within does not.
Which is updated more often, The Past Within or Cyber Link?
The Past Within ships an update every 2 weeks, and Cyber Link every 9 days. Most recently, The Past Within was updated on November 6, 2026 and Cyber Link on October 31, 2026.

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