Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Company of Myself offers a deceptively simple premise that quickly unfolds into a rich, brain-teasing puzzle-platformer. You control a single character whose primary goal is to reach a green door at the end of each level. From the outset, the game’s elegant time-manipulation mechanic shines: by restarting a level, you record your actions and can then cooperate with your past selves to overcome obstacles. This mechanic, reminiscent of Braid and Cursor*10, rewards both strategic planning and precise timing.

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Each level introduces fresh challenges that build upon the core rewind-and-replay concept. Early puzzles require basic collaboration—such as standing on switches or forming temporary platforms—while later stages demand more complex choreography between your multiple echoes. These layers of interdependence feel deeply satisfying, as you constantly refine your approach, watching your past selves execute perfectly timed jumps and switches.

Controls are tight and responsive, allowing you to focus on puzzle-solving rather than wrestling with the interface. The game doesn’t overwhelm you with buttons or menus; you’ll find yourself fully immersed in the logic of each room. Although there’s no in-game tutorial, the gradual ramp-up of complexity teaches you the ropes organically, making every “aha” moment feel earned.

Graphics

Visually, The Company of Myself embraces a minimalist, almost sketch-like aesthetic. Backgrounds are often muted—shades of gray and sepia dominate—while interactive elements, like platforms, switches, and the exit door, stand out in contrasting hues. This restrained palette directs your attention exactly where it needs to be, ensuring puzzles are never muddled by visual clutter.

Character animations are simple yet expressive, capturing the main character’s tentative gait, nervous pauses, and occasional leaps with surprising personality. The ghostly afterimages of your previous runs fade gracefully, giving a clear, ghost-like trail of past selves without overwhelming the scene. It’s a subtle effect that enhances the time-loop mechanic both functionally and aesthetically.

Although Flash-based titles can sometimes feel dated, The Company of Myself sidesteps that pitfall through clean lines and intentional design choices. There’s an indie-charm to its hand-drawn look that aligns perfectly with the introspective tone of the story. Even on higher-resolution displays, the visuals hold their ground, maintaining crispness and readability.

Story

The narrative in The Company of Myself is delivered almost entirely through on-screen text, spoken by the protagonist in a candid, diary-like voice. Before you even take the first step, a monologue sets the stage: you’re a solitary individual wrestling with regret, loneliness, and the weight of past decisions. This raw, confessional style draws you in from the very beginning.

As you progress through levels, snippets of the character’s inner thoughts appear between puzzles, reflecting on memories, lost opportunities, and the struggle to cooperate with yourself. Each vignette is brief but poignant, giving context to the mechanical repetition and deliberate restarts. The emotional beats are subtle yet effective, transforming what could be a dry puzzle exercise into a meditation on isolation and self-forgiveness.

By intertwining story with gameplay, the game creates a symbiosis where solving puzzles becomes more than a challenge—it becomes a metaphor for personal growth. The narrative never overstays its welcome; instead, it enhances the experience, making each completed level feel like a small, meaningful step forward in the protagonist’s journey.

Overall Experience

The Company of Myself is a concise, impactful experience that masterfully blends inventive puzzles with introspective storytelling. It can be completed in roughly 30–45 minutes, but those minutes are packed with carefully layered challenges and emotional resonance. The result is a game that lingers in your mind long after the final door slides open.

While the gameplay complexity ramps up to keep seasoned puzzle fans engaged, the accessible core mechanic—rewind, replay, cooperate—makes it approachable for newcomers as well. The minimalist graphics and haunting narration work in tandem to create a cohesive atmosphere that underscores the themes of solitude and self-reflection.

In short, The Company of Myself stands out as a shining example of how indie developers can leverage simple mechanics and honest writing to craft memorable experiences. Whether you’re drawn by its clever time loops or its heartfelt story, this Flash-based gem is well worth your time and attention.

Retro Replay Score

null/10