A Taste of the Past

4.2 / 5

3,367 plays

adventure

Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

4.2/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 3,367

Mobile Support: No

About A Taste of the Past

Set out on a deeply moving adventure in "A Taste of the Past," an acclaimed indie title blending heartfelt storytelling with challenging gameplay. Step into the shoes of Mei, a shy Chinese-American high schooler reeling from the recent loss of her mother. When Mei embarks on a mysterious train journey, she unexpectedly meets generations of her ancestors—each with a lesson, a story, and a memory to share. Guided by vivid, hand-painted visuals and an evocative musical score, you'll relive treasured family moments and traditions through interactive cooking segments that evoke nostalgia and empathy.

This browser-based adventure from itch.io won’t just test your puzzle-solving and decision-making skills—it’ll pull at your heartstrings. As you reconstruct lost recipes and unlock memories associated with each dish, you'll face difficult choices that reflect the real struggles of grief and healing. The narrative unfolds with delicately written dialogue, inviting you to immerse yourself in Mei's dual worlds: the bittersweet past and the tender hope of her future.

Gameplay is both demanding and rewarding. You'll need sharp wits to master intricate puzzles, from solving ingredient riddles to timing cooking actions precisely. Each encounter with an ancestor is a unique blend of story and gameplay: learn traditional noodle recipes, uncover hidden family secrets, and help Mei find the courage to heal. The game’s gorgeous, painterly art style is complemented by smooth transitions and carefully designed environments that capture the warmth of home and the mystery of the unknown.

Though designed for PC browsers (with no mobile compatibility), "A Taste of the Past" offers a deeply personal, single-sitting experience that lingers long after completion. Whether you’re a narrative-driven gamer, fan of indie gems, or just seeking a touching, free-to-play adventure, this game invites you to savor every moment. Dive in for a memorable emotional journey—start playing and discover how family, food, and love intertwine.

How to Play

Start your journey by loading the game through your PC browser (game is not mobile compatible). On the train, use your keyboard (typically arrow keys or WASD) to move Mei through beautifully rendered train cars, interacting with objects and characters by pressing the spacebar or enter key. As you progress, engage in rich dialogue sequences—select responses with your mouse or keyboard to impact the narrative and discover hidden backstories.

Cooking segments require you to recall and follow traditional recipes with limited instructions. Drag and combine ingredients in the correct order, paying close attention to family hints and the environment for clues. Timing and accuracy are essential for completing each stage, and mistakes may require a careful retry. Puzzles often involve listening closely to ancestor stories, collecting recipe fragments, and piecing them together before time runs out.

For new players: Take your time investigating each area, exhaust all dialogue options for character insights, and always recheck your recipe notes after every key encounter. Remember, your choices and attention to detail will shape Mei’s growth. If stuck, review previously gathered family clues or try different ingredient combinations—a fresh approach can unlock surprising progress. Immerse yourself fully to experience the story’s depth and beauty.

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Explore each train car thoroughly; hidden clues are easy to miss.
Piece together lost recipes based on subtle dialogue hints from ancestors.
During cooking challenges, try different ingredient combinations—failure provides valuable insight.
Replay conversations to catch story details you might have missed.
Use the environment for contextual hints—pictures and keepsakes often offer recipe clues.
Pay attention to Mei’s inner thoughts; they change based on your choices and unlock extra scenes.
Don’t rush: some puzzles require slower, deliberate actions to succeed.

Game Features

Deep, emotionally resonant narrative centered on culture, grief, and self-discovery
Beautiful hand-drawn art and evocative original soundtrack
Challenging cooking and adventure puzzles blending logic with storytelling
Dynamic dialogue choices influencing Mei’s emotional journey
No downloads needed—instant play in modern browsers on PC (HTML5)
Rich cultural immersion through authentic Asian recipes and traditions
Short, rewarding gameplay experience perfect for indie fans seeking story-rich adventures

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Taste of the Past free to play online?

Yes, the game is completely free to play on your browser via itch.io. No downloads or payments are required.

Do my choices affect the game’s story or ending?

Absolutely. Your dialogue responses and puzzle solutions shape Mei's growth, relationships with ancestors, and how the story wraps up.

Is this game playable on mobile devices?

Currently, A Taste of the Past is only optimized for PC browsers and is not compatible with mobile devices or tablets.

How difficult are the puzzles? Can beginners enjoy the game?

The game has a challenging difficulty level, especially during recipe and memory puzzles. However, the intuitive setup and replayable segments make it engaging for both seasoned gamers and newcomers willing to think outside the box.