Stuck in the Present

About

Stuck in the Present is a single player action game. It was developed by Dusk Wave Arts LLC and was released on September 19, 2025. It received positive reviews from players.

Just as Faye and Rich’s painful memories resurface, the two friends are ensnared in the distorted corridors of a decrepit subway station beneath a city still foreign to Faye. To find any path through, they need to decipher all that they have so desperately tried to forget. Illustration and ReflectionDiscover and illustrate meaningful objects and people to decipher Faye’s history. Living Memori…

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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83%

Audience ScoreBased on 12 reviews

story4 positive mentions

The game features beautiful artwork, superb voice acting, and an engaging soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
The story is intriguing and unfolds in a meaningful way, with unexpected twists that keep players invested in the characters' journeys.
The game successfully portrays psychological themes and relatable experiences, particularly for immigrants dealing with social anxieties and bureaucratic challenges.

The gameplay is limited, often feeling more like a visual novel with minimal interactivity and strategy, leading to a sense of passivity.
There are significant bugs that hinder progress, including issues with character movement and game progression that can make it unplayable for some users.
The story may feel rushed and lacks depth in character development, particularly for the male protagonist, which can leave players wanting more.

story
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
53%
20%
The game's story is praised for its beauty, depth, and unexpected twists, creating an immersive experience that captivates players. While some reviewers noted that the narrative could feel stalled or too short, the overall execution, including voice acting and atmospheric music, enhances the storytelling, making it a compelling psychological horror experience. The unique art style further complements the mysterious narrative, leaving players eager for more.
- “The way the story unfolded as I got to learn more about these two characters was beautiful.”
- “It's not just a horror game, it's a game that tells a deep and complex story.”
- “I loved the narrative and how the game executed the story; it had me very much hooked the entire time, as well as the game felt so alive and immersive with the voice acting and the visuals.”
- “Not to mention the story went in a completely unexpected direction.”
- “So now it got stuck where the train never stops and the story never progresses.”
- “Third time the kid went in the train and the door shut before Faye could enter, so now the story won't progress again.”
music
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
46%
31%
23%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with players praising its diverse soundtrack that blends English and Filipino influences, creating a cozy yet nostalgic atmosphere. Many found the songs to be integral to the game's emotional impact, enhancing the narrative and immersion, while some enjoyed the soundtrack so much they purchased it after completing the game. Overall, the music is described as top-notch, effectively complementing the game's psychological horror elements and enriching the overall experience.
- “The game has an awesome soundtrack.”
- “I enjoyed the music so much that I bought the soundtrack after beating the game.”
- “Accompanying the narrative is an amazing blend of both English and Filipino music in this game's soundtrack across various genres while the score serves the uneasy 'Silent Hill' vibes.”
- “The songs sound like they came from indie rock bands from the Philippines, which gives a cozy yet nostalgic vibe.”
- “Accompanying the narrative is an amazing blend of both English and Filipino music in this game's soundtrack across various genres, while the score serves the uneasy 'Silent Hill' vibes.”
- “Accompanying the narrative is an amazing blend of both English and Filipino music in this game's soundtrack across various genres, while the score serves the uneasy 'Silent Hill' vibes.”
gameplay
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
24%
38%
The gameplay is generally described as simple and easy to understand, with a unique mechanic involving panic attacks triggered by separation from the character Rich, leading to a game over. While this mechanic adds an interesting layer to the gameplay, it can also be frustrating, particularly in situations where it interrupts exploration or investigation. Overall, players have mixed feelings, praising the initial appeal but noting some drawbacks.
- “Gameplay is simple and easy to understand.”
- “There is a unique gameplay mechanic where, when you control Faye and get separated from the other main character Rich, it triggers a panic attack, resulting in a game over.”
- “It is a good mechanic, but there are times it gets annoying, like when you are investigating something and Rich boards the train, triggering the panic attack mechanic for an instant game over.”
- “I praised the gameplay at first, but there are things that I didn't like.”
- “There is a gameplay mechanic that is unique where, when you control Faye and get separated from the other main character Rich, it will trigger a panic attack, resulting in a game over.”
- “When you are investigating something and Rich, the male protagonist, boards the train, it triggers the panic attack mechanic, leading to an instant game over.”
graphics
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
43%
The graphics of the game are praised for their creative blend of 2D and 3D art styles, contributing to an immersive atmosphere that enhances the psychological horror experience. Players appreciate the stunning visuals, particularly in key locations like Rich's house, alongside high-quality voice acting and music that elevate the overall presentation.
- “The game's art style is nice-looking, especially the location of the rich's house; the art there looks amazing both inside and outside.”
- “Graphics: the graphics are good, with a blend of 2D and 3D that I like.”
- “I loved the narrative and how the game executed the story; it had me hooked the entire time. The game felt so alive and immersive with the voice acting and the visuals, creating an atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of a psychological horror game.”
atmosphere
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its immersive narrative, compelling voice acting, and striking visuals, which effectively enhance the psychological horror experience. The music also contributes significantly, elevating key moments throughout the gameplay.
- “I loved the narrative and how the game executed the story. It had me hooked the entire time, and the game felt so alive and immersive with the voice acting and visuals. The atmosphere perfectly captures the essence of a psychological horror game, especially with the incredible music that plays during key moments.”